Time to schedule the WPPSI!

The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) is a test your child will take if they are applying to SSSAS and most other local independent elementary schools. Here are some frequently asked questions about the WPPSI.

What is this test?!

The WPPSI-IV is a tool given by a licensed tester to measure the cognitive development of your child. It costs approximately $350 and the length of the test is around 45 - 60 minutes. You will receive a write-up from the tester about a week after the assessment. A Verbal Comprehension Index Score, a Fluid Reasoning Score, a General Abilities Index and a Full Scale IQ Score will be provided.

Why do we require this?

As Admission Directors we hope to get a sense of how your son or daughter solves problems. Your child's development in the areas of verbal reasoning, visual-spatial problem solving, fluid reasoning, memory and visual-motor speed of processing are measured and compared with the development of same-aged peers.

When should I schedule this?

If you are hoping for your child to start school in the fall of 2016 you can schedule your child’s test today! Most schools in the area would like the results by mid to late January. (Our deadline is January 15, 2016.) If you call now you can get a date that works for you! If you wait until January you may be more limited in appointment options. Look carefully at your calendar and try to avoid days that might be hard for your child to focus. For example, the morning of your child’s birthday party or the Monday after a big family gathering might be distracting for your child.

Where can I get a list of testers in the D.C. area?

Please click here, and then select Individual Testing for a list of testers.

How many times can my child take the WPPSI-IV?

Your child can take the test once per year. If your child took the WPPSI when they were three years old, call the admission office to see if they need to take the WPPSI-IV.

If my child takes the WPPSI-IV and we decide to wait a year to apply will he/she have to take it again?

Not necessarily. Be sure you ask the admission office what you should do in this case.

The WPPSI-IV sounds interesting - is there a test my older child could take?

Yes! For the most part students after the age of 6 will take the WISC-V.

What do I do to prepare?

No preparation is needed or allowed. Just make sure he/she has breakfast and a good night's sleep. If your child wakes up the morning of the test and they are sick - just reschedule!

Have a great week and Happy Halloween!!

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 & Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

Recess

Mister Fred Rogers, a beloved child educator, once said, "Play is often talked about as if it was a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." Be sure to ask during your school search about the frequency and length of recess. Our students have at least thirty minutes per day of recess and they are learning wonderful life skills during that time. They are sharing, imagining, and communicating with their peers. They are growing!

An online article in the Stanford Report shared research and noted, "a high quality recess program can help students feel more engaged, safer and positive about the school day."

I am happy to report we have two new playgrounds on the lower school campus - and the students were even involved in designing them! Click here to see a fun video!

Have a great weekend!

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 & Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

Homecoming

Learning about a school's history is a wonderful part of the school search. What is the school’s story? When was it founded? What are some long standing traditions? It’s fun to learn how a school has evolved over the years.

It's Homecoming and Reunion Weekend here at SSSAS! It's a time when alumni return home and connect and reminisce with faculty and classmates. They may be here for their five year reunion and they may be here for their 40th. It is a reminder that at SSSAS we truly are a community and we are a family.

This afternoon I am sure I will get some visitors to my office, which at one time was a dorm room for St. Agnes students who boarded. Our third graders will have an opportunity to interview our Golden Saints (who are here for their 50th reunion!) and all of our lower school students will have a pep rally featuring girl and boy captains for our upper school sports teams. Tomorrow we will have a Fall Family Festival on our Upper School Campus (1000 St. Stephen’s Road in Alexandria) from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be a magic show, spirit tent, bouncy houses, carnival games, rock climbing wall, food, and more! All are welcome.

To read a little more about our school’s history click here.

Have a great weekend!

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 & Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

The Mission

The National Association of Independent Schools generated a list of ten questions to ask yourself as you visit schools and look at their materials (printed or online).

10 Questions to Ask

The first question is so incredibly important. "What is the school's mission, and does its philosophy appeal to you?" All independent schools have mission statements and at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School our mission to pursue goodness as well as knowledge. It guides us each and everyday. As you learn more about schools ask yourself if their mission statement matches well with your child's needs and your hopes for a school.

To learn more about the SSSAS Mission statement click here.

Have a wonderful week!

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 & Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

Events on Campus

The school year is well underway! We had our school pictures taken (remember those?!) and parents were on campus last Thursday evening for our Lower School Back to School Night. What a wonderful way for parents to learn about the exciting things that are happening in their child's classroom!

Admissions is bustling with activity! Yesterday morning our Lower School admission team met with our parent tour guides. If you tour our lower school you will have the opportunity to talk to our parents who are living our mission everyday. We are also scheduling tours and sending out materials to prospective families.

The admissions calendar is a busy one. Staying on top of deadlines is important when you are going through the admission process. See if schools have an admission checklist to keep you on track. Application deadlines or registration deadlines and playday/school visit days are all good to note in your calendar. Ask if there are fall festivals and curriculum events so you can get back on campus. The directors at SSSAS are here to help guide you through the process - please never hesitate to reach out with questions!

Next Thursday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. on our Lower School campus we will have our Annual Blessing of the Animals outdoor chapel service. All are welcome! Bring your dogs (on leashes), cats (in carriers), and any other creatures whom you love. There will be a token for each pet that is blessed and refreshments for all. I 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 & Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.