A Parent’s Guide to Selecting a School for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
A Special Publication from
It seems like just yesterday
Above all, the most important
that you brought home your
factor in deciding on a school is
little bundle of joy. In the blink
finding the right fit for your child’s
of an eye, it’s time for your
personality, individual and family
son or daughter to start junior
needs, and developmental stage.
kindergarten or kindergarten, and you aren’t sure where to begin!
This publication is meant to serve as a guide while you go through
Though the process of selecting
this process—we have spoken
a school can be intimidating, this
with local child development
will be an exciting adventure for
and education experts to present
both you and your child as you
you with the best advice and
embark on this journey together.
knowledge possible.
It is a new beginning for learning, as well as developing friendships, confidence, and independence.
PANEL OF EXPERTS LAURA DOMALIK is an assistant professor and the elementary program chair at VCU’s School of Education. She has more than two decades of teaching experience in public and independent schools. She holds both a B.S. in elementary education and a M.Ed. from VCU. DEBORAH HANGER has been involved in education for more than four decades at both public and independent schools. She served as the director of the Lower School at The Steward School for ten years and on its board of trustees. She holds a B.S. in elementary education from Longwood University and a M.Ed. from VCU.
WHAT’S INSIDE Approaching the School Selection Process
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THE CHILD: Determining and Supporting Readiness
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THE SCHOOL: Analyzing Characteristics for Best Fit
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THE PARENTS: Visualizing Your Personal Involvement
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CHECKLIST: Is This School the Best Fit for My Child?
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Making a Final Decision
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About The Steward School
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SUSAN HILL has been the director of Second Baptist Church’s Creative Learning Center (CLC) Preschool since 1993. She has also served on the Richmond Early Childhood Association for more than ten years, most notably as co-president for four years. She holds a B.S. in education from VCU and a Master of Arts in Christian education from Union Theological Seminary. DR. TAMMY M. MILBY is the director of reading at the University of Richmond’s Department of Education. Her areas of expertise include school-based reading clinics, teacher quality/professional development techniques, and the influence of studying abroad on instructional practices. She received her Ph.D. in education with a concentration in instructional leadership from VCU. DEBBI MINTZ has been the director of Huguenot United Methodist Church (UMC) Preschool since 2003. She has also served on the Richmond Early Childhood Association for eight years, most notably as co-president for four years. She holds a B.A. in elementary education from the College of William & Mary and a M.Ed. from Liberty University.
SCHOOL SELECTION PROCESS Your first inclination may be to set up appointments to tour various schools immediately, but it’s important to first do your research and establish a foundation of knowledge. “Certainly start by investigating what school options there are in your area,” says Debbi Mintz, director of Huguenot United Methodist Church Preschool and past co-president of the Richmond Early Childhood Association (RECA). “There’s a wealth of information online, and it’s always helpful to talk to your friends and neighbors about schools they may know of.” Based on your findings, consider the type of junior kindergarten or kindergarten program in which you envision enrolling your child. Not only should you consider public vs. independent school programs, but also look at the program’s teaching philosophy (or combination of philosophies). Refer to our chart on the opposite page to learn about the five most common types of educational philosophies.
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In addition, pay close attention to the school’s overall mission. Deborah Hanger, former director of the Lower School and former trustee at The Steward School, suggests printing out a copy of the school’s mission statement, reading it carefully, and bringing it with you while touring a school. “When you visit, see if the mission is in practice,” she says. “If it’s not, then it’s simply words on a piece of paper.” When you prepare to tour a school, consider bringing your child with you so that he or she may experience the school’s physical environment. You should be able to clearly gather whether your child will have a positive experience by observing how he or she responds to the energy, feel, and rhythm of the school, as well as how he or she connects with the school’s faculty and staff. “Your child will be challenged to leave his or her comfort zone as he or she experiences new learning activities … and the stamina required for [a typical school] day,” Mrs. Hanger says.
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TRADITIONAL
PROGRESSIVE
Structured curriculum with specific objectives
Also known as developmental, child centered, or Bank Street model
Teacher-directed rather than student-led Children likely work on same activity at same time Strong focus on readiness
Children learn through exploration, social interaction, and imaginative play Classroom has “centers” with open-ended materials Teacher adapts environment in response to child’s interests
COMMON
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES 3
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MONTESSORI
REGGIO EMILIA
WALDORF
Emphasis on selfdirected learning involving life skills and sensory skills Children taught to start a new project and put away materials on their own Main interaction is between child and materials, not teacher and child Goal is to establish independence, selfesteem, and confidence
Philosophy is “classroom as a teacher” Room is created to be beautiful, joyful, inviting, and stimulating “Centers” are devoted to dramatic play, art, writing, math, and science Long-term projects emerge out of exploration and spontaneous play
Emphasis on creative play, teamwork, and community Teacher stays with same group of children from preschool through eighth grade Academics not emphasized in early years “Main lessons” taught in blocks of one and a half to three hours a day
Source: “How to Choose a Preschool: Which Program Philosophy is Right for Your Child?” by Karen Quinn 5
DETERMINING AND SUPPORTING READINESS Selecting the right school may seem like your biggest priority, but it’s imperative to make sure your child is truly ready to enter junior kindergarten or kindergarten, regardless of his or her age. Most schools have required admittance criteria in place to determine whether or not a child will be successful in the school’s program. Susan Hill, preschool director at Second Baptist Church Creative Learning Center and past co-president of RECA, says her program uses a GOLD® assessment to analyze readiness and track growth and development by observing major brain domains according to the child’s age. “When a child is four years old, for instance, the expectation is that … he or she should be able to recognize the first letter of his or her name,” Mrs. Hill says. “Most of the time they’re doing much more—they’re reading and writing their name, but it would be a red flag for us if the child couldn’t recognize letters in the alphabet or [basic] numbers in the numerical table.” However, social/emotional development is weighed much more 6
heavily than academic knowledge. A child who is ready to start school should have a sense of independence and personal responsibility, according to Ingrid Moore, director of the Lower School at The Steward School. Will your child be able to walk into the classroom on his or her own, ready for the day? Does he or she take initiative to complete an assigned task? Can he or she have engaging, positive interactions with other children? “Children show increasing independence as they develop and mature,” Mrs. Moore says. “While we still help our JK and K students with many tasks and challenges, we do know that if they are independent in some important ways then they are ready to be successful in a school setting.” If you find that your child is not yet ready for school, keep in mind that not all children develop at the same pace. Mrs. Mintz says the greatest gift a parent can give their child is the time needed to develop and become ready. “They’re going to spend many years in school, so the more time they have to prepare, the better,” she adds.
Dr. Tammy M. Milby, director of reading at the University of Richmond, shares her top tips for parents:
BUILD ACADEMIC READINESS
DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS
PLAY IS HARD WORK!
Read books aloud to your child every day. Discuss the illustrations and make predictions on what will happen next. Reading builds vocabulary and comprehension.
Expose your child to learning experiences and group activities. These activities encourage both socialization and listening skills. Storytime at the library or free community programs are great ways to get little ones ready for the structure of the academic school day.
Get moving and exploring. Play builds problem-solving skills and helps develop fine motor and gross motor skills. Use art supplies to draw or create, play with fun dough, or imagine and invent during outside time.
Count everyday objects and explore. For example, you might say, “Let’s count how many apples are in our grocery bag. What would happen if I add one more?” Build early literacy skills by playing rhyming games and discovering the letters in your child’s name. Magnetic letters on the fridge are a great way to play with letter sounds.
Build routines and help your child follow directions with more than one step. Practice completing more than one task at a time. Help your child learn to take turns with friends.
Encourage independence. Give your child simple jobs around the house and explain why these jobs are important. Build a sense of community and belonging within your household. Play with language and describe objects as you have fun together.
Please visit http://bit.ly /supportingreadiness to learn more about supporting your child’s readiness from Mrs. Mintz and Mrs. Hill.
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ANALYZING OPTIONS FOR THE BEST FIT You’ve done your research and narrowed down your findings. Now it’s time to get out there and tour your child’s potential school! During each of your visits, you may become overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of each new environment. Stay focused by keeping in mind several key characteristics that will determine whether or not your child will flourish in the experience the school offers, and use our handy checklist on page 15 to keep track of your observations. EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
As noted on pages 4-5, start your search with an idea of what type of educational philosophy your child will best respond to, and one that aligns with your priorities as a parent. See how well the school’s faculty and staff are putting its philosophy into practice. Observe the classroom walls and the school hallways—are they decorated with artwork that represents each child’s individuality? Are there photos of the children participating in an activity as a group? Does the school focus more on artistic expression or academic progress? Mrs. Mintz supports the idea that play-based lessons that incorporate
experiential learning and allow for lots of movement is where young children will meet with the most success. “Observe if the students spend a good amount of time … playing both inside and outside, or if they’re doing a lot more seated work,” she says. “More rigorous academic work, while appropriate for older students, is typically not the best learning environment for a four- or five-year-old child.” CLASS SIZE
Smaller class size is typically regarded as beneficial for young children because teachers are better able to meet the individual needs of each child. He or she can then practice differentiation in the classroom by tailoring instruction to meet those needs. “You can’t offer differentiation unless you have a small class size,” Mrs. Hanger says. “Some [children] are auditory learners, some are visual learners, some are kinesthetic; teachers with small class size can easily adapt the curriculum and their methodologies to adapt to all learning styles.”
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NUMBER OF TRANSITIONS
Be sure to ask about the school’s daily schedule/routine, and make note of how many different subjects your child will be exposed to (such as art, foreign language, coding, and physical education) on a daily or weekly basis. Get an idea of the time frame that your child will have to learn about each subject and the total number of transitions he or she will need to make throughout the day or week. While it’s regarded as beneficial for young children to become accustomed to a wide variety of disciplines, it’s important that your child is prepared to make these adjustments without becoming overwhelmed. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Carefully observe the physical look of the outdoor surroundings and buildings when you arrive and as you tour the school. Mrs. Hanger suggests starting from the outside and moving inward: if the campus is clean and well cared for, it’s likely that the classrooms will be the same. Also, note if there are specialty rooms/ buildings on campus that are equipped to support innovation and hands-on learning. Look for areas other than the classroom in which your child’s curiosity will be engaged, such as a science lab, makerspace, garden, kitchen, library, or outdoor play area. 10
RESOURCES AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Learning occurs at all times, not just during the school day. It’s important for your child’s school to offer additional programming to support his or her academic and social development. Many schools have extra programs, often termed “after school enrichment,” in which children can explore unique creative pursuits such as cooking, jewelry making, robotics, yoga, and more. “These activities give parents the chance to have their children exposed to fun things in a group setting while not having to [transport] them to another location,” Mrs. Hanger says. “For parents who are very busy, it’s great to have opportunities like this.” In addition, note whether or not the school offers on-campus academic resources such as tutoring services or a learning center. Extra academic support is always beneficial for ensuring your child will receive the guidance he or she needs to excel in all subject areas.
Visit http://bit.ly/benefitsofmaking about the benefits of “making” for young children!
TEACHER SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONALISM
A school is only as great as its educators. As you interact with the school’s faculty, you should get a clear sense of their passion and joy for teaching. Observe classroom instruction time and watch how teachers interact with students—is he or she working with the children rather than teaching at them? Is he or she energetic and moving around the room, or does he or she tend to remain sedentary?
ADDRESSING BEHAVIOR
Young children don’t yet fully understand what is and is not appropriate behavior for the classroom. Laura Domalik, assistant professor and elementary program chair at VCU’s School of Education says “It’s hard to fairly discipline a child if it’s in reaction to his or her behavior, so it’s best to set up a proactive plan in which children are given opportunities to practice what good behavior looks like.” Signs of proactivity range from charts or signs on the wall that say “Quiet in the Hallways,” etc., or an indication of praise for a child’s behavioral accomplishments.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Your child may just be starting school, but before you know it, he or she will be ready to start middle school. Try to envision your child’s entire educational journey leading up to college. Can you see your child attending the same school from junior kindergarten all the way through middle or high school? Are you planning on having another child and, if yes, do you want your children to attend the same school as they grow up? If you decide that the JK-12 route is indeed for you, be sure to tour classrooms of other grades besides junior kindergarten and kindergarten. Are there opportunities for movement and hands-on learning? Do the older students appear engaged and inspired? Does the school prepare children for college and for their successful lives as adults? Make sure that the concepts and philosophies in place in junior kindergarten and kindergarten are still present all the way up the ladder. FITTING YOUR BUDGET
Before you rule out a school based on your initial understanding of its cost, find out if it offers some form of financial aid or variable tuition. Some schools will customize the tuition amount, based on what each particular family is able to contribute. It’s always a good idea to ask. There may even be a simple online calculator you can use to estimate your final cost. This financial assistance can make an education at an independent school far more attainable than you might think. 11
VISUALIZING YOUR PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT You may be choosing a school for your child, but in some aspects, you’re also choosing a school for yourself. Before making a decision, there are a number of factors to consider in terms of your potential relationship and interactions with the school.
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volunteer opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s activities? Your participation with your child’s school can be beneficial for bringing together your family, according to Mrs. Domalik.
Think about the convenience factor in terms of the school’s location and daily schedule. Be mindful of the time it will take to travel back and forth from your home to the school and how its bus schedule or drop-off and pick-up times fall within your daily schedule.
“You and your child’s school are a team—you’re in this together,” Mrs. Domalik says. “Being involved sends the message to your child that you value his or her education. Figure out some way that you can make a commitment and showcase your talents, whether it’s being a tour guide or helping in the classroom.”
Also consider your level of interest in attending school functions or volunteering with school activities. Does the school host community events that allow parents to get to know one another? Does it offer
Finally, think about yourself as a child. Would you have loved to attend this school? Were you inspired to learn by the design of its facilities and the passion of its faculty? Let your heart be your guide!
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BEST FIT FOR MY CHILD? Visit www.stewardschool.org/file/best-fit-list.pdf to print out copies of this checklist for each school you are considering for your child.
BEFORE YOU VISIT: What type of educational philosophy do I think will best fit my child’s needs? ............................................................................ What are my child’s strengths? ............................................................................ What are areas in which my child needs extra support? ............................................................................
NOTES/OBSERVATIONS: Class Size: ........................................................ .............................................................................. Number of Transitions:................................... .............................................................................. Physical Environment: ................................... .............................................................................. Resources and After School Activities: ..............................................................................
THE SCHOOL:
.............................................................................. Teacher Support and Professionalism:
Name:................................................................
..............................................................................
Address: ............................................................
Addressing Behavior:
Driving/Walking Distance from Our Home:
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Type of School (Independent, Public, etc.):
Looking to the Future:
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Educational Philosophy:
..............................................................................
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Other:
Admittance Requirements:
..............................................................................
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What are the key words in the school’s mission statement?
Taking into consideration the factors you noted above, rank the school on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being “not suitable for my child” and 10 being “a perfect fit for my child”):
............................................................................ Does the school offer tuition assistance or variable tuition? ............................................................................
FINAL SCORE: 15
After thinking about your child’s unique needs, doing your research, and touring several schools, it’s time to sit down and come to a final decision. This can be an overwhelming task, especially if you found more than one school at which you believe your child would succeed. Take the time to carefully weigh the various factors you took note of with our checklist on page 15. But also, think about how you and your child felt at the school—did you feel a sense of confidence and excitement while walking
Visit http://bit.ly/ finaldecision to hear Mrs. Hanger’s advice on selecting a school for your child.
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through its hallways? Was your child immediately drawn into the learning environment? And most importantly, can you truly picture your family being involved in this school for possibly years down the line? In the end, making a decision may be easier than you thought. “The way we guide our parents as they’re deciding is to tell them, ‘let your gut be your guide,’” Mrs. Hill says. “You will know when you visit a place if you feel like it’s a good fit. You know your child better than anyone else.”
LIFE AT THE STEWARD SCHOOL
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ABOUT THE STEWARD SCHOOL At The Steward School, we recognize that choosing a school is not only about finding the right fit for your child today; it’s also about preparation for the student’s future. We prepare students in grades JK-12 with the skills and experiences they will need to succeed in college and in life, in a world that’s rapidly changing. We proudly provide Variable Tuition, based on what your family can afford, making a Steward education more accessible than ever.
We offer junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs in which students are welcomed and immersed into an environment that is safe, nurturing, and fun. Here, they are introduced to an enriched, integrated curriculum that lays the groundwork for their education and inspires them to become independent thinkers who enjoy problem solving and hands-on learning.
Learn more at www.stewardschool.org or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@stewardschool.org.
MEET INGRID MOORE, DIRECTOR OF LOWER SCHOOL
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY: At Steward, we celebrate a culture of caring—we take care of academic needs as well as social/emotional needs. We believe in nurturing and developing the whole child within an academic setting. FAVORITE ASPECT OF HER JOB: I love being with the children. I enjoy every aspect of my job, but I take any chance I can get to spend time in the classrooms with the teachers and the students. DEGREES: Bachelors in art history and French from Northwestern University, Masters in French from Middlebury College, M.Ed. from University of Nottingham
Visit http://bit.ly/ingridmoore to hear more from Ingrid Moore. 18
697 12-14
Number of total students in JK-12
Target (per teacher) JK/K Class Size
8:1
Student/Faculty Ratio
26%
Diversity with 6 countries represented
3 $2.75M
Number of maker spaces, including the Bryan Innovation Lab Tuition reduction of more than $2 million given each year
$10,110 Average Variable Tuition rate for Junior Kindergarten*
$18,040 Average Variable Tuition rate for Kindergarten*
37-acre campus with six academic buildings, state-of-the-art theatre and arts building, two gyms, eight tennis courts, and four athletic fields
*full tuition range is $7,560 $17,460 for Junior Kindergarten and is $7,560 - $24,710 for Kindergarten
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11600 Gayton Road, Richmond, Virginia 23238-3423 | Phone: 804.740.3394
WWW.STEWARDSCHOOL.ORG
MISSION | Prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care