Putting it all together

Hopefully by now you have visited some schools and have upcoming events on your calendar! Do not hesitate to schedule a visit if you haven't already. 

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you are not alone! You are putting pieces of a puzzle together and it takes time. Here are some factors to think about as you go through websites, materials and listen to representatives of the schools. 

The campus 

Are there multiple campuses, one campus or two? Is there movement during their day to different specials classes? Would your child be exposed to older children during their day? 

There is a great benefit in a child being able to be mentored and for a child to be a mentor. We have three campuses at SSSAS and if you are looking our way, I would absolutely request to see them even if you are looking at JK or K. 

Faith

Would your child go to chapel or mass during the week? Will they attend religious classes? Would they celebrate Christmas? Is the community religiously diverse? Could you come in and talk about your faith to the class? If you have any questions about what the faith component would mean for your family, ask your admission office for more information. 

The mission statement

The school's mission statement lays out the goals of the institution. Does the mission statement match your family values? 

Size

What are the average class sizes in the lower school? How many classes per grade? What is the student to teacher ratio? 

Diversity of the Student Body

What is the ethnic, racial, religious, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the school? Read and listen to what diversity means to the school. 

Uniform

What would your little one wear? Think about if it would help make for an easier morning routine. 

Service Learning
What are the service objectives and learning objectives? Developing a sense of empathy is so critical to your child's future. Read and listen to what service means to the school. 

Technology

How is it blended into the curriculum? We need to prepare them for a complex and changing world.  

Specials

What additional classes would a student experience and how often? Some examples are: Art, Music, Library, Language, Technology, Religion, Physical Education and Science. 

Before and after care
What time can you drop off and pick up your child? Are there enrichment activities after school as well? 

Curriculum

How does the school incorporate teaching 21st Century Skills into their daily schedule?

Our job is to prepare our students for a future that is unknown. Pat Bassett, the former President of the National Association of Independent Schools, shares some insights in this short video. 

Knowing vs. Doing

Our Lower School Curriculum Night is Wednesday, November 20 at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely, 

Katherine 

Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.