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Children's School

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Because Each Child is Special...

The Children's School division is where it all begins. We focus on the basics while providing children with the thinking and problem solving skills they need to become life-long learners. Our teachers select developmentally appropriate goals and activities and differentiate instruction to meet differing needs. Central to the teaching strategies is a highly interactive, hands-on classroom setting that is both challenging and supportive. Our aim is to spark children's innate curiosity, encouraging them to develop to their fullest potential as they assume increasing responsibility and develop self-discipline.

The Children's School recognizes the value of individual attention and one-on-one time, so classes remain small and nurturing. Some examples that affirm and encourage each child are the Star of the Week program, in which each student creates a bulletin board of pictures and mementoes that are meaningful to him or her, and Morning Meeting time, during which announcements and special recognitions take place. There are also monthly assemblies for grade K-5th to announce birthdays and discuss the value of the month. The Children's School encourages and values opportunities to act as a community.

Community Service

Community service is important in Children's School. With the help of parent volunteers, each grade assumes and learns through a community service project during the year. These might include working with people with disabilities or older people, animal service projects, food for the hungry, and the Children's Literacy Center.

Regular Communication with Parents

Communication with the student, teacher and parents is frequent:
  • The Courier, a monthly newsletter, is posted on the Web site to inform parents of happenings in the Children's School. It is often a "lifeline" of communication between the school and parents.
  • Reports to Parents are provided three times a year. Through progress checklists and written comments from teachers, parents gain a thorough overview of their child's performance.
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice a year and may be set up at other times, as needed.
  • Parent Helpers are invited to volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis. They gain first-hand knowledge about their child's program while providing teachers with a much appreciated extra hand.