Big Book of Schools, Fall/Winter 2022

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3 Major Factors in Choosing the Right School

HANDS

For Young

PUBLISHER

Stewart Day stewart@daycommedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Susan Swindell Day susan@daycommedia.com

EDITOR

Amanda Hayward amandahayward@daycommedia.com

PRODUCTION

Tim Henard timhenard@daycommedia.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Amanda Ciani amandaciani@daycommedia.com

Theresa Cicchinelli theresa@daycommedia.com

the School Search

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, and with boundless options — from traditional public schools to public charter schools, public mag net schools to private schools — it’s overwhelming trying to decide which route is best for your family. But don’t worry, other parents are in the same exact situation that you are. To ease your mind, schools have made the research process way more doable and less stressful. From open houses, to coffee talks, visits and plenty of resources, your journey to finding the “right” school for your kids is possible.

One of the most preeminent steps to take to ensure your kids have the best educational experi ence is to talk to other parents, research and visit. Keep your mind open and don’t be shy about asking questions. Afterall, it is your family’s big journey, and your kids’ education is number one. In our all-new digital Big Book of Schools, we’ve gathered a list of the best schools around Greater Cincinnati to explore; upcoming open houses; an abundance of resources; top notch educational information and content; and so much more. So really, we did a lot of the research to get you started on your way to choosing the best school for your kids! Happy searching! — the editors

BIG BOOK OF SCHOOLS is published by DAYCOM MEDIA, INC. Although every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of published material, DAYCOM MEDIA cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Editorial and business offices are located at 10945 Reed Hartman Hwy., Ste. 323, Cincinnati, OH, 45242. The phone number is 513-322-5052. BIG BOOK OF SCHOOLS is copyright 2022 by DAYCOM MEDIA, INC., a member of the Family Magazine Syndicate. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

© 2022 DAY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Toddler, Preschool and Elementary in Northwest Cincinnati

We are an independent Montessori school nurturing and developing young scholars from toddler through sixth grade. Schedule a tour today and see how a Montessori education fosters self growth, independence and a natural love for learning.

Open Houses and Tours

Bethany School

555 Albion Ave., Glendale, Oh 513-771-7462

bethanyschool.org

November 13: 2 - 4 p.m.

Calvary Christian School 5955 Taylor Mill Road Covington, Ky 859-356-9201 | ccsky.org

November 15: 6 - 8 p.m.

Cincinnati Christian Schools

7474 Morris Road, Fairfield, Oh 7350 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Oh 513-892-8500

cincinnatichristian.org

November 12:

Elementary: 1 - 3 p.m.

JH/SH: 3 - 5 p.m.

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

8283 East Kemper Road Cincinnati, Oh 513-247-0900 | chca-oh.org

Open House: November 5: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cincinnati Waldorf School 6743 Chestnut St., Cincinnati, Oh 6703 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Oh 513-541-0220

cincinnatiwaldorfschool.org

Lower School Open House: November 5: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

High School Open House: November 5: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Oaks Career Campus 110 Great Oaks Drive Cincinnati, Oh 513-771-8840 | greatoaks.com

360* virtual tour available online

Mars Hill Academy 4230 Aero Drive, Mason, Oh 513-770-3223 | marshill.edu

November 4: see website for time

Mercy McAuley High School

6000 Oakwood Ave. Cincinnati, Oh 513-681-1800 | mercymcauley.org

Open House:

October 30: 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Mount Notre Dame High School 711 E Columbia Ave. Cincinnati, Oh 513-821-3044 | mndhs.org

November 6: 1 - 5 p.m.

Notre Dame Academy 1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills, Ky 859-292-1829

ndapandas.org/admissions/ open-house-experience

November 6: 1 - 3 p.m.

Royalmont Academy

200 Northcrest Drive, Mason, Oh 513-754-0555

royalmontacademy.org

November 13: 2 - 4 p.m.

St. Xavier High School

600 W. North Bend Road Cincinnati, Oh 513-761-7600 | stxavier.org

November 13: 1 - 4 p.m.

St. Gertrude

6543 Miami Ave., Madeira, Oh 513-561-8020 | stgertrudesch.org

November 9: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and 7 - 8 p.m.

St. Ursula Villa School 3660 Vineyard Place Cincinnati, Oh 513-871-7218 | stursulavilla.org

October 23: 1 - 4 p.m.

St. Xavier High School 600 W. North Bend Road Cincinnati, Oh 513-618-3258

stxavier.org/admissions/visit

November 13: 1 - 4 p.m.

Seton High School 3901 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, Oh 513-471-2600 | setoncincinnati.org

Rise & Shine Parent Coffee and Conversation:

October 26: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Open House: November 9: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Seven Hills School Hillsdale Campus: 5400 Red Bank Road Cincinnati, Oh Doherty Campus: 2726 Johnstone Place Cincinnati, Oh 513-728-2400 | 7hills.org

In Person Tours

PreK 2- 5:

October 13: 9 - 10 a.m.

Grades 6 - 12: October 19 and November: 9 - 10 a.m.

Virtual Events:

Middle and Upper School October 20: 7 - 8 p.m.

Lower Middle School November 3: 9 - 10 a.m.

The Summit Country Day School 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, Oh 513-871-4700 | summitcds.org

Open House: November 17: 6:30 - 9 p.m.

BE PREPARED TO BE AMAZED

Being Present is about more than being seen. It is about making each engaging opportunity with our schools and students an authentic experience to help prepare them for the future.

At CPS, everything we do is student-centered. We invite our Cincinnati community to enroll and join us on this amazing journey.

STUDENTS IN SCHOOL. ON TIME. READY TO LEARN. STAFF AT CPS. ACHIEVING GREATNESS. READY FOR SUCCESS.

FAMILIES

AT HOME. WITH STUDENTS. READY TO SUPPORT.

COMMUNITY

IN CINCINNATI. PARTNERING TOGETHER. READY TO ENGAGE.

ENROLL TODAY!

so many choices in Cincinnati, choosing a high school can be an overwhelming experience. However,

are con dent that once a

they

our

feel like they are a part of the Roger Bacon

Spartans receive a top-notch education in a real-world

from the only Franciscan

in the

Susan Day

— EARLY EDUCATION — READ, INSPIRE, GO!

Think your child is reading her favorite book already? She probably just has it memo rized. With the well-established mantras of “preschool is the new kindergarten” and “kindergarten is the new first grade” on your shoulders, it’s easy to see how moms and dads are striving to give their

little kids a head start with learning. However, guard against letting the pressure of your expectations push you toward pushing your preschooler too soon. Kids need time to take lessons in and plenty of repetition. That’s why getting hands-on is a major key to learning. Start with reading, then add a related activity, then find a field trip you can go on together that’s relatable to the story and the activity. Voila! Lesson learned with fun and engagement.

Take your child’s early education seriously, but don’t force the learning or it won’t be fun. Little ones learn through play!

Nurture Enthusiasm

Working with your child at home needs to be a positive experi ence. Intense, formal teaching, such as rote memorization practice (i.e. flash cards) is inappropriate and actually adverse to what you want, says the National Association for the Education of Children (NAEYC). Using flash cards is not an effective way to help young learners build language and literacy skills.

In fact, experts agree that emphasizing memorization can stymie your child’s innate love for learning. If your child shows any resis tance or a general lack of enthusiasm to any type of educational coaching you may try, stop. Negative reactions from your child signals that she’s being pushed too hard and constructive play will be a much better way to go.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), few 4-year-olds want to learn to read and are only ready to begin recog nizing certain familiar words, so there’s no need to push your child harder. Even if you do succeed in teaching your child to read — or master something else more advanced for her age — it may not be retained once she starts school. The crucial factor that determines whether a child will do well in school is an enthusiasm for learning.

Best Ways to Teach a Youngster

Working with your child on a daily basis is one of the greatest gifts you can give her. But it is how you teach, not what you teach, that should lead the way.

It’s beneficial for your child to be exposed to letters, numbers, colors and shapes before kindergarten, but in a fun and discover able way.

Here’s how to do it without any pressure:

Read to your child every day.

The most valuable passion you can pass on to your child is a love of reading. Attend your local library’s story time and let her check out new books on a weekly basis. Make up creative stories together. Have your child paint her reaction to a story and to write down words. Your child will want to be able to read all by herself; help her develop a love for stories through positive experiences.

Make everything a learning experience.

Whether it’s during a trip to the supermarket or while stringing beads together, always make yourself available for conversation with your child. It can be exhausting for busy parents, but you want to encourage her to communicate and ask questions. Point things out with interest, then let your child take the lead. Is her curiosity sparked by what you are doing? If so, good!

No young child is ready for marathon learning experiences. They need exposure, encouragement and plenty of time for simple free play. However, making the time for creative teaching in be tween a care-free childhood is definitely worth the effort.

Susan Day is a mom of four and a writer/editor.

Working With Your Preschooler

The AAP recommends the following tips for getting started with a young child’s early education at home.

• Encourage daily reading, creative play and field trips

• Give consistent warm, physical contact to establish your child’s sense of security and well-being

• Talk and sing together while playing, walking and driving

• If you speak a foreign language, use it at home

• Introduce your child to music and instruments

• Listen to and answer your child’s many questions

• Spend one-on-one personal time with your child each day

• Offer your child simple choices in appropriate situations throughout the day

• Help your child use words to describe emotions and to express feelings such as happiness, joy, anger and fear

• Balance your child’s screen time with non-screen time

• Promote out-of-home social experiences where he can interact with other children

• Encourage independence from an early age by saying things like, “Try it yourself! You can do it!”

5 GREAT PREK ACTIVITIES

Movement: run, skip, throw, jump, hop, balance, climb, hang, swing, dance, etc.

Music: listen, sing, create sounds

Crafts: cut, paste, draw, paint, construct

Storytelling: tell stories to each other

Fantasy play: dress up, games and puzzles, make believe, tea parties, anything using imagination

Learning to tie shoe laces can be fun for a child with simple, no-pressure show-and-tell lessons and plenty of repetition and encouragement!

BOWMAN PRIMARY DONOVAN ELEMENTARY BERRY INTERMEDIATE LEBANON JR. HIGH LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL

ONWARD

Bethany School Where curious learners thrive video

At Bethany School, our commitment to teaching children goes beyond the class room. As a community, we help them build strong character and find their sense of purpose. We value respect and diversity and aim to create a joyful environment where play and discovery help cultivate a love for learning. Come see what makes Bethany School a truly special place to learn and grow.

We are always eager to welcome new families to the Bethany School communi ty. We educate children from kindergarten through eighth grade in small classes that encourage creativity, curiosity, and achievement. We invite you to explore our step-by-step process or schedule a campus visit to get started.

by Amanda Packton

BIG STEPS

To Choosing An Independent School

All children are different, so not every school will be right for all kids. Here's how to pinpoint what's best for your child.

Choosing the right school for your child can be a tricky process with many different factors to take into consideration.

Independent schools are diverse, including day schools, preparatory schools, those that specialize, highly academic schools and more.

Independent schools remain a popular choice for many families who prioritize education above all else — in addition to going on to top universities around the country. Many Cincinnati area private schools are voluntary members of Ohio Association of Independent Schools, a nonprofit organization which assures schools share four key qualities: 1) They provide strong academic programs; 2) They appreciate students as unique individuals; 3) They promote student

engagements in community service; and 4) They facilitate the moral and ethical growth of their students.

But with all schools adhering to that, how do you go about choosing a school that suits your child?

1. Understand Your Child The first step in choosing any school for your child is in knowing what kind of student your child is and what type of environment he can succeed in.

"Begin by looking at your child's needs and strengths and overall personality," says educational consultant Judith Helton. "Consider your child's interests and talents in addition to outside activities he may be involved in," she adds.

Next, literally make a list of all the qualities you want out of a school for your child including: small or large class size, coed,

religious, technology, special needs, etc. Once you have your list made, move on to look for schools that match up.

2. Pinpoint Schools

Start by taking a look at the schools listed under the “Directories” tab on cincinnatifamilymagazine.com. From there, make a list of your three-to-five favorite schools to keep your quest manageable. Do due diligence by visiting the school websites and Facebook pages to get a feel for the school cultures and to find out about open houses and visiting days. Mark those key dates down on your calendar and plan to attend.

3. Consider Family Needs

You can't really decide about the "right" school for your child without visiting schools with your child, but you can't just rely on scripted Open House tours, either. Make an arrangement for you and your child to be able to observe a class and be a part of class transitions. Observe the students and how they interact with each other. Notice the teachers and pay attention to the books and websites being used for study. Take in the environment, but don't get too emotional. It's easy to get excited by how a school appears; it doesn't always follow that the nicest facility means the best school or the best education for your child. Instead, focus on the students. Do they appear happy? Is there a sense of school spirit? Can you see your child here?

Choosing a school for your child is important — make it count as you navigate the process.

Amanda Packton is a mother and freelance writer.

EVALUATING SCHOOLS

In sizing up schools, take the following into consideration:

Academic Profile

This includes looking for high-quality instruction; strategic curriculum; college readiness; and innovative technology.

Student Development

Does the school have extensive athletic programming? Fine arts? Extracurricular activities? Does is cultivate leadership? Service opportunities?

School Culture

Is it student-centered? Safe and secure? Does it promote community relations? Is the administration invested? Is the environment diverse?

Organizational Environment

Is there robust parental involvement? A purposedriven mission or philosophy? Are classrooms well designed and organized?

@CincyFam

CincyFamMag

CincinnatiFamily

by Sarah Lyons

PREPARING FOR an IEP Meeting

If your child has an identified learning difference, then you know that an individualized education plan (IEP) is the key component of his educa tion. By law, schools are required to provide services to kids with differences who qualify. An IEP meeting is where goals and services will be decided upon for individual kids by educators and the child’s parents. This may seem intimidating, which is why preparation and research prior to the first IEP meeting is so important. Going forward, IEP meetings will be annual.

The time spent before meetings will lead you to be a better advocate for your child so he’ll find more success in school. Here are six steps to help best prepare you for your child’s IEP meeting.

Read Up

Once your child qualifies for an IEP through testing, your school will send home a meeting notice. Information will include who will attend the meeting, the reason for the meeting, and goals for the meeting. Carefully read the information sent home so you understand what to expect. You may also consider studying special education laws that pertain to your child’s needs so you know what services you can legally ask for. There are many websites and books available to help you prepare, too. The more knowledge you have, the more confident and comfortable you will feel dur ing the meeting.

Set Goals

Prior to the meeting, write down questions you would like to ask. Take time to consider the visions and goals you have for your child and write them down. Bring your notes with you to the meeting so you can refer to them throughout the process. Having a list of questions and an idea of goals for your child will help you to cover everything, even if the emotions you experience in the meeting make it difficult to

points you wanted to make. Don’t be afraid to ask for what services are available for your child’s particular needs. The school may not provide everything you have in mind, but it’s important to ask so you know what to do next.

Get Organized

Collect any paperwork you need or would like to bring to the meeting and gather it in one place so it is neat and orga nized. Bring your notes from observations of your child, and any medical paperwork that pertains to the IEP meeting. If you have had any private evaluations done, bring copies of those as well.

Bring an Advocate

Because IEP meetings can be intimidating, it can be help ful to bring an advocate with you. This can be a lawyer or, simply, a spouse or co-parent. Having a person there to sup port you and to be another advocate for your child can be a confidence booster and help you meet the goals you have in mind. Be sure to let your school know, in advance, and in a non-threatening way, who will be attending the meeting with you.

Be Confident

You know your child best and are the best person to repre sent his needs, challenges, and successes. While it can be emotional and overwhelming to address issues your child is facing when it comes to learning, setting goals and ensur ing the proper services are provided is the best thing you can do for your child’s success in school. Being confident, cordial and informed is the best way to get what you need, so prepare for that and all will be fine!

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer with experience with IEPs. She is a stay-at-home mom and a mother of six.

Developing an educational plan for a child with learning differences is the goal of an IEP team. If your child has been qualified for an IEP, you are the team captain and need to be prepared.

IEP meetings are held annually for each special needs child in order to procure resources and support for him.

IEP Meetings: Read Up!

Knowledge is power when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of your child’s spe cial needs education. These books are noted classics for helping you to prepare.

The Art of Advocacy: A Parent’s Guide to a Collaborative IEP Process CreativeSpace Independent Platform; 2015 by Charmaine Thaner

Better IEP Meetings: Everyone Wins IEP Resources; 2005 by Cynthia M. Herr and Barbara D. Bateman

Wrightslaw: All About IEPs Harper House Law Press; 2010 by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright

The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Needs Child Nolo, 10th Edition; 2020 by Lawrence M. Siegel

Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn’t Telling You Skyhorse; 2017 by Jennifer Laviano and Julie Swanson

Your Child’s IEP Team

Many people will come together to help develop your child’s IEP. Team members will include:

• You and your child (if it is appropriate for your child to be there)

• At least one regular education teacher, if the child is participating in the regular education environment

• At least one of the child’s special education teachers or special educa tion providers

• A representative of the school system who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of special education, knows about the general curriculum; and knows about the resources the school system has available

• An individual who can interpret your child’s evaluation results and talk about what instruction may be necessary for him

• Representatives from other agencies that may be responsible for paying for or providing transition services (if the child is 16 years or younger); and other individuals (invited by you or the school) who have knowledge or special expertise about your child. For example, a relative who is close to the child, a child care provider, a related service advocate or even a former teacher who you feel understands your child well.

Welcome to

A special section to help parents expand their child’s horizons with activities outside the classroom.

There’s no stopping a kid who’s confident in math.

The Mathnasium Method™

“Children don’t hate math. They do hate being confused and intimidated by math. With understanding comes passion, and with passion comes growth – a treasure is unlocked.”

– Larry Martinek

For more than a decade, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids understand and appreciate math. Larry Martinek, creator of the Mathnasium Method, has spent 40+ years designing, developing, and refining this approach based on his extensive experience teaching math to kids. We build math knowledge upon what they already know - this helps kids learn quickly and boosts their confidence right away.

Come into your local Mathnasium center for your complimentary assessment for your student!

Convenient Locations to Serve You

mathnasium.com

Learn.

OHIO RIVER SWEEP

1989, this award winning clean up of the Ohio and its tributaries has been organized by ORSANCO Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE). Join volunteers from 6 states to work together to make a positive impact on the entire Ohio River Basin today! are two ways you can participate: Plan a clean up with a group or organization that we support by sending shirts, bags, and gloves. https://www.orsanco.org/river sweep/where to volunteer/

JOIN THE CLEAN UP TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

e Ohio River Sweep, an annual volunteer cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River, has evolveded from a one-day to full season event, March through October. eir mission is to remove the greatest amount of litter possible in the Ohio River, and you can help!

Find a Sweep near you to participate in. https://www.orsanco.org/river sweep/

Questions? Email Melissa Mann, mmann@orsanco.org

Solving the litter crisis is something each of us can do in a short amount of time that would make a widespread impact. Imagine spending time outside with family, friends, and people in your community connecting with nature, building relationships, and together serving a common goal to protect one of our region’s most valuable resources – the Ohio River.

e Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is an interstate agency that collectively works together to improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin, ensuring the river can be used for drinking, industrial supplies, and recreational purposes, as well as supporting a healthy and diverse aquatic habitat. Each year, ORSANCO manages an annual Ohio River Sweep program that is one of the oldest and largest cleanup events in the area. Since 1989, their e ort has extended the entire length of the Ohio River, from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Cairo, Illinois and includes hundreds of volunteers from each state along the Ohio River shoreline and many of its tributaries. Historically, the program was o ered as a one day event; now it has transitioned to a seasonal format facilitated through ORSANCO’s 501(c) (3) nonpro t organization, the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE).

ORSANCO Executive Director, Richard Harrison, shares his belief:

e Ohio River Sweep program is fueled by the generosity of its volunteers, sponsors, and partner agencies; they are the heartbeat of the program, and without them, the multitude of cleanup e orts throughout the entire Ohio River wastershed would cease to exist. Families, communities, and organizations are all welcome to participate! Cleanup events typically last 3 – 4 hours, and each location receives free trash bags, gloves, and event T-shirts for all volunteers. Anyone over 18 is welcome to organize an event, and all interested student groups are welcome to participate with adult supervision.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE AND TO JOIN THE OHIO RIVER SWEEP