Why would I test my four year old?

I am often asked the following questions when I meet with parents for the first time. Why do you require three and four year olds to take a test? What could we possibly gain from it?

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.

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.

What is a good score?
There is no such thing as a good or bad score. Independent schools all have ranges of scores that they serve. Our goal is to make sure your child will be in a setting that is right for them.

Do you ever not accept a child if they have a certain score?
The WPPSI is one piece of the puzzle. We look at teacher notes, playday notes and checklists from their current school as well. My admission committee has never denied a student based solely on their score.

When should I schedule this?

If you are hoping for your child to start school in the fall of 2018 you can schedule your child’s assessment today! Most schools in the area would like the results by mid to late January. Our deadline is January 12, 2018. Look carefully at your calendar and try to avoid days that might be hard for your child to focus (ex. the day of your child's birthday party)!

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 my child takes the WPPSI-IV and we decide to wait a year to apply will they 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 feeling under the weather - just reschedule!

Have a great week and Happy Halloween!!

Summer Plans

The summer has not yet begun, but I have a sinking suspicion your summer is already planned...and it's probably pretty busy. With summer camp registrations beginning earlier and earlier it is hard not to look ahead. I completely understand.

I do want to share some articles that help remind me that balance is key. Children need down time. 

The downside of no downtime for kids article highlights the wonderful benefits of unplanned family time. 

The Washington Post tackled the issue in their Don't overschedule kids in the summer article. I appreciated the reminder to keep a schedule for our children. This is something that we might overlook.

Finally, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an incredible resource to learn about the benefits of play. Click here to read more. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,
Katherine

Kindergarten Philosophy

Hello! It's nice to be writing again - I missed blogging, but had a good excuse for my absence. I became a mom! My daughter is now five months old and keeping my husband and I very busy. It is now even more important to me to keep you in the loop as you navigate the admission process! 

When I returned to the office after maternity leave I was happy to see a new natural playground/classroom on our St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Lower School campus. I was also delighted to see our Kindergarten philosophy in our Kindergarten classrooms. I wanted to share it because I feel it is important to understand what a school believes in - especially in these early years. 

Kindergarten is a magical year in a child’s educational journey.  It bridges the knowledge and experiences of their younger years to the beginning stages of elementary school.  At St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, we value every child and believe each child to be a capable and competent learner. Because we cherish the joy and wonder of this age, we provide opportunities for self-discovery through play and inquiry. Moreover, young children will learn how to intentionally bring themselves into their learning. We scaffold and intertwine cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional attributes into a developmentally appropriate and rigorous program. Our curriculum fosters their natural optimism, flexibility, persistence, resilience, and empathy. At St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, we treasure all children and the unique gifts they bring to our community.

Next week I will review the admission deadlines, discuss our admission committee and provide some tips about what to do now.

Sincerely,
Katherine