Cincinnati Family magazine's Big Book of Schools by Day Communications/DayCom Media

BIG BOOK OF SCHOOLS

2021/22

Loving to Learn Starts With PREK PREP WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE SCHOOL? ENRICHMENT: Round Out Your Child’s Profile

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Public, Private and Charter Schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

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Loving to Learn Starts with PREK PREP

Why Parents Choose PRIVATE SCHOOL

MAGNET SCHOOLS Should You Do the Lottery?

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ENRICHMENT: For Your Child’s Benefit 2021 - 2022 3

PUBLISHER Stewart Day stewart@daycommedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Susan Swindell Day susan@daycommedia.com

EDITOR Amanda Hayward amandahayward@daycommedia.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Amanda Ciani amandaciani@daycommedia.com

PRODUCTION Tim Henard timhenard@daycommedia.com

When It Comes To Your Child’s Education, You’ve Got Options.

ime and time again, you hear that the decision you make about your child’s education is one of the most important ones you will ever make.

But no stress! We’ve built this guide to help you easily advance to the top of the class. Our at-aglance resources and helpful articles will shed

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Theresa Cicchinelli theresa@daycommedia.com

light on your options and the steps you need to

Alexandra Pittman

for your kids, so consider this the jumpstart you

alex@daycommedia.com

2021 - 2022 Edition

take going forward. Obviously you want the best

need to get those decision-making juices flowing.

THE 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. THE BIG BOOK OF SCHOOLS is copyright 2021 by DAYCOM MEDIA, INC., a member of the Family Magazine Syndicate. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

OPEN HOUSE DATES Visit the schools. SCHOOL

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Bethany School ��Nov. 14 & Jan. 23, 2 - 4 p.m. Calvary Christian ��Nov. 9, 6 - 8 p.m.; Jan. 22, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cincinnati Christian Schools ��Jan. 30: Elementary 1 - 3 p.m.; Jr. High/Sr. High 3 - 5 p.m. Covington Latin School ��Dec. 5, 1 & 3 p.m. Great Oaks ��Virtual Tours Mars Hill Academy ��Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m. Mercy Montessori Center ��Virtual Tours, starting Oct. 12 Mount Notre Dame High School ��Nov. 7, 1 - 5 p.m. Royalmont Academy ��Nov. 14, 2 - 4 p.m. Seven Hills School ��Virtual Tour, Oct. 17, 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. Middle School Matter; 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. Unlimited Upper School; Nov. 9 & 11, 9 - 10 a.m. Lower School Springer School ��Virtual Open House, Nov. 10, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. St. Gertrude School ��Nov. 10, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 7 - 8 p.m. St. Ursula Academy ��Oct. 24, grades 7 & 8, 1 - 4 p.m. St. Ursula Villa School ��Early Childhood, Nov. 7, 12 - 2 p.m.; All-School, Jan. 23, 12 - 2 p.m. St. Xavier High School ��Nov. 14, 1 - 4 p.m. Summit Country Day ��Virtual Parent Preview Days (18 mos. - grade 8), Oct. 21 & Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m.; Upper School Parent Preview Day (grades 9 - 12), Oct. 20, 8:30 a.m.; Upper School Open House, Nov. 18, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

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feature

By Amanda Hayward & Sherry Hang

PRE-K PREP

For Today’s Preschools Ever wonder what your pre-k student is really learning? It’s more than just play and fun for your little one. Read on!

typical preschool day may include circle time with classmates, songs, stories and games. All of these fun activities have a purpose, however, a game played with dice, for example, is actually designed to introduce young minds to numbers, counting, and the importance of taking turns. That’s what preschool is all about – what feels like play to children is actually the start of their academic future. Vera Brooks, director of early childhood education at Cincinnati Public Schools, says that pre-k is the foundational education to help inspire students to be lifelong learners and put them on the path to be enrolled in college, enlisted in the military or employed in the workforce upon high school graduation. But before they blast off on their education journey, there’s plenty you can do to help them prepare.

A Need-to-Know Basis?

Parents may wonder if there are certain skills or tasks their child should have mastered before entering preschool. Not really - being a kid is all they need! You don’t need a fancy room or to have everything perfectly labeled for your kids. Toddlers learn from you, and they learn from play. Keep it simple and very importantly, be flexible throughout your day. “People do a lot more than what they think they do,” assures Brooks.

What You Can Do

Still feeling unprepared for your little one’s big first day at school? There are a couple steps you can take. Developing skills athome can be as easy as 1-2-3. Attending some local mommy and me classes is a good way to go, too, and an added bonus

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is that parents get to meet and connect with other parents going through the same process. One of the most important things you can do with your little ones at-home is to let your kid be a kid and play independently, says Brooks. “Through play, [children] learn how to cooperate with each other,” she explains. And so much more. Play is complex. There are many types of play: symbolic, sociodramatic, functional and games with rules -– to name just a few. Children practice and reinforce their learning in multiple areas during play. It gives them a time for learning that cannot be achieved through completing a worksheet. For example, in playing restaurant, children write and draw menus, set prices, take orders, and make out checks. Play provides rich learning opportunities and leads to children’s success and selfesteem. Scheduling play dates with other kids is also a great way to help your preschooler develop social skills, according to Andrea Glassmeyer and Anne Kroger, MEd, teachers at Children’s Meeting House. “Also, they [parents] can create opportunities for them to practice following simple directions, allow extra time in your schedule for the child to practice putting their socks, shoes and/or coat on independently,” Glassmeyer and Kroger continue.

Pre-K Today

“Preschool education introduces children not only to early literacy skills, but also STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] and the arts,” says Brooks. “Students will have the opportunity to explore the world around them and enhance critical thinking skills through play-based discovery.” Amazingly enough, you will watch your pre-k kid learn about themselves by developing valuable social and emotional skills right before your eyes. These skills will prepare them to get along with their peers, problem solve and learn to self-regulate. “Having a high-quality pre-

school education means that a child will have the tools necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond,” she continues. All-in-all, the most important outcome should be a love of learning, says Glassmeyer and Kroger. “Pre-K students will practice social, language and vocabulary skills, building fine and gross motor skills and developing independence,” they continue. “Learning basic shapes, colors, letters and numbers will also be a focus in their pre-K year.” The state of Ohio has developed what are known as Early Learning and Development Standards (education.ohio. gov), markers of a child’s social/ emotional, cognitive, language/ literacy, and gross/fine motor skill abilities. There is also attention paid to Approaches Toward Learning, which looks at a child’s attitude toward learning, initiative, curiosity, level of attention and motivation to try new experiences. Preschool programs can use these standards as a guideline for what children will accomplish during their time at school. Some schools may act as a sort of co-op for parents as they are expected to take a day to help and be a part of the classroom experience. It gives teachers a chance for some one-on-one time while a parent leads a story time with other students; the benefit being that parents can see how to take what’s happening in the classroom and continue those lessons at home. Other schools, including Summit Country Day for example, offer specific programs early on that help introduce children to particular philosophies such as the Montessori philosophy for ages 18 – 36 months. This prepares them for the Toddler Program for ages 3 to Kindergarten. They also offer before- and after-school care through their Extended Day Center. There are four major goals Summit strives for: One is Independence and helping children take on more tasks on their own – like setting their own table at lunchtime. The second goal

focuses on Control – teaching children to do things without making a mess, or cleaning the mess afterward, for example. Developing Concentration is a third goal; and lastly, children learn about Order – that everything has its place, there is a beginning, middle and end to tasks, and it’s important to return items where they belong.

Get Ready!

When researching preschools in Ohio and Kentucky, Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program and Kentucky’s All STARS program are great resources to get you started. Both are rating systems of childcare and preschool programs in which schools participate voluntarily. Completion of certain milestones, like a low student-to-teacher ratio, gives the school a higher rating. Learn more about each program at jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/stepupquality. stm and kentuckyallstars.ky.gov/ Pages/index.aspx. Preschool readiness and success will really come down to finding the program that best suits your family’s needs. Do you want a program that incorporates a lot of fun? Convenience and a flexible schedule? It comes down to what works for your family and preschooler. Touring and observing programs, and bringing your future preschooler with you, if possible, will help you see how he reacts to the environment and the staff. “Parents play a vital role in preparing children for their school experience by attending open house and parent orientation to understand the routines and expectations of the school day,” says Glassmeyer and Kroger. “Be open to suggestions from your child’s teachers as they have assisted many families in facilitating a successful start to the school year.” Plus, visiting and interviewing with the school will give the faculty a chance to learn about his starting points so they can teach to the best of each child’s ability. Amanda Hayward is the editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine and a mom of three.

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PRE-K PROGRAMS AND PREP

Check out some of these local facilities offering great care and curriculum for your pre-k kid! ChildTime Learning Center Locations in Cincinnati, Blue Ash and Liberty Township 877-624-2602 childtime.com Enrolling now; offers comprehensive programs for ages 6 weeks – 12 years including before- and after-school clubs for school. Chai Tots Early Childhood Cntr. 7587 Central Parke Blvd. Mason, Oh 513-234-0600 chaitots.com For ages 6 weeks - 6 years; year-round; a community school, serving the entire community in the Mason/Deerfield/West Chester area. The Seven Hills School 5400 Red Bank Road Cincinnati, Oh 513-272-5345 7hills.org/beginnings Includes programs such as Beginnings Parent & Toddler Enrichment Program (for parents and their kids ages 12 - 36 months); Pre-Kindergarten for 2 year olds (for ages 24 months by Sept. 1); Pre-Kindergarten (for ages 3 to 5 years) and more. Central Montessori Academy Springdale Road Cincinnati, Oh 513-742-5800 centralmontessoriacademy. com From toddler (18 months) - sixth grade, taught by Montessoritrained teachers; offers extended day programs for both beforeand after-school; and part-time preschool. Children’s Meeting House Montessori School 927 Obannonville Road Loveland, Oh 513-683-4757 cmhschool.com Teaches Montessori principles and materials from preschool sixth grade; including numerous preschool options, before- and after-school care; supplemental enrichment programs; summer camps; and more.

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CENTRAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY EXPERIENCE • LEARN • LIVE

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.

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by Amanda Hayward

FEATURE

Choosing the Right Private School

Selecting the private school that "fits" your child may be a daunting task. Do your homework as you make the decision on where to send your kids.

Children in Montessori classrooms often team up for activities.

our struggle to choose between public and private school is over. Now a new issue arises: which private school is right for your child? Groups like the National Association of Independent Schools and others offer useful materials, but we’ve done some homework for you. Here’s what to look into before you go any further. Start Now Janet Hill, school director of enrollment management at The Seven Hills School, 2021 - 2022

says that school choice is one of the most important decisions parents can make for their children as there are an array of options available out there, especially at early childhood. “My experience is that, ultimately, parents employ a healthy combination of data and instinct to choose a school for their children” she continues. “Every family has different priorities when seeking schools for a child. Parents should gather as much information as they can that speaks to these priorities from the admissions representatives and, if possible, from friends, Big Book of Schools

Big Book of Schools

neighbors, and co-workers who have children who attend the school.” Admissions offices typically work about a year in advance of actual enrollment. Schools usually have deadlines posted on their websites, or you can pick up a school calendar during your site visit. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), most schools accept applications in December, January and February, and make admissions decisions in April and May for the following August or September. Some schools will also accept applications on a rolling admission basis if

space permits. If you’re looking into a school that is particularly competitive, it might be wise to make contact even sooner. According to Aaron Kellenberger, director of enrollment management for international students at Cincinnati Country Day School, space is always an issue. He advises parents to learn a school’s admission process and to be aware of special dates and deadlines. He adds that it’s not unusual for him to take calls from parents who are actually still expecting! The Montessori School at The Summit Country Day School is what Kelley Schiess, assistant head of school for enrollment management, calls “a prime entry point,” but she adds that space is very limited. The Summit has several different deadlines for The Montessori School, according to Schiess, who advises parents to visit the website for the complete schedule. Identify Matches Traditional or progressive? Small or large? Half-day or full-day for preschoolers? Draw up a list of desirable qualities in order to rate your prospective schools, including education styles. “Over and over again we hear from parents who have been here for a year that they are happy with not just what their kids are learning, but how they learn it,” says Hill. She explains that The Seven Hills School focuses on a hands-on atmosphere and the process of learning. She advises parents to also consider some of the following factors: a diverse learning experience, including academics, extra-curricular activities, community services and a diverse student body; average class size and teacher-to-student ratio; a challenging curriculum, especially for older students; extra-curricular opportunities; and a strong sense of community within the school. “We’re very proud of our community,” she continues. The Seven Hills School prizes their partnership with parents, she adds. “We are like an extension of your family.” Schiess suggests that parents ask questions about accreditation (and by who), how students are evaluated, opportunities for parents to be involved, and the possibility of you sitting in on a class or your child shadowing a student for a day. It also helps to ask about student outcomes. Kellenberger says that most parents who visit Cincinnati Country Day School want to know about the curriculum and the school’s educational philosophy first. However, he also tries to share what he

calls “the routine of the classroom” and give parents a picture of how their child will spend their day. “Parents are focused on the whole child,” he says. Parents want to know about the teachers, but they also want to know about opportunities in art, music, and the outdoors, he continues. He also says that he’s starting to notice an increase in questions about nutrition - what kinds of snacks and lunches are served, and what are the school’s policies when it comes to food allergies. Due Diligence Open houses are great, but visiting a classroom in action is critical, according to Kellenberger, especially with very young children. The school’s most successful students are the ones who are part of a strong relationship between the parents and the school, she adds. Interviews of older prospective students aren’t quite “interviews,” according to our sources. Kellenberger says they’re a nonpressure opportunity for kids to talk about how they liked their school visit, and to ask questions of their own. Hill refers to these chats as just an easy conversation to get to know the child. Schiess mentions that a meeting with the child is a great opportunity for faculty and admission staff to learn about the child’s interests and share the school’s programs. “Parents don’t need to prepare their children for these interviews,” she continues. “Parents should approach the interview with their children as an exciting learning opportunity.” Your interviews with school administrators are going to be crucial in determining whether a school is right for your child, but mind other sources for information, too. Seek out parents who have children enrolled at the schools you like and get real-world answers to your questions. A number of points of view will help you make a decision. Keep a log of your contact with various schools, know names, be courteous and mindful of timing. Brass Tactics Annual tuition ranges from about $3,000 for early childhood programs and increases from there for secondary grades. The good news is that most schools offer some form of financial aid or tuition scholarships, and you can explore financing options with them. You’ll want to be mindful of ancillary expenses such as uniforms, laptops, sports equipment, books and more when Big Book of Schools

Big Book of Schools

determining costs per year. Keep It Real A school’s name, recognition and reputation within your community might play a role in your final choice, but it should really only be a small part. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the school where your child’s most comfortable, the school that understands your family’s needs and goals, and also makes you feel like you’re a crucial part in your child’s education. It’s a team effort, after all.

Enrollment Deadlines and Key Info High School Placement Tests According to Elaine Pearl, associate director of admission at The Summit Country Day School, if parents are seeking admission to any of the Cincinnati Catholic high schools, they should get registered for the High School Placement Test on November 20, 2021. The test is administered at many area Catholic high schools and results are sent to the schools that your student is applying to. Admission Applications Deadlines These vary by school, but you can request an application as early as December 1. Students across the city will be notified of their acceptances on January 12, 2022. Lower and Middle Schools Admissions These grades operate on a rolling admission basis. Schools may require entrance testing arranged by the school. Area private schools may require the I.S.E.E. (Independent School Entrance Exam) which may be taken at various local test sites; be prepared for a test fee. Know Before You Go Before any school visits, Pearl recommends that parents research school websites including their mission statements. Look for: • college matriculation • AP course offerings • college counseling services • athletic policies and sports • faculty advisory models • community service • clubs and activities • specialty programs • development opportunities • student/faculty ratio • class sizes • overall school culture 2021 - 2022

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feature

SHOULDYOU CHOOSE a Magnet School?

Ensuring your kids have a spot at their school of choice is a lot less complicated these days. Here’s what you need to know when choosing the best magnet school for your kids. By Amanda Hayward & Bonnie Jean Feldkamp

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or parents new to elementary school enrollment, understanding the different elementary school options can be challenging. A community school is the school where a child is assigned according to their home address. Each child within the geographic boundaries of Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is guaranteed a spot in a community school. Magnet schools, on the other hand, are alternative options within the CPS district that have a specific focus, or are guided by a certain teaching philosophy and require an application for a child to enroll. Magnet schools have limited spots and there’s no guarantee kids will get in.

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What’s a Magnet School?

The first magnet schools emerged during the 1960s in response to desegregation happening in public schools across the nation as a direct result of the civil rights movement. Many white parents fled to the suburbs in resistance to having their child re-assigned to a school in the name of integration. The first alternative schools were not yet called magnet schools, but the idea was the same. It was believed that if parents and students had a choice in the school they attended, according to the programming or teaching approach, parents and students would be more invested in education and the school would be more successful and more naturally diverse as a result. To find common ground in the interest of learning was key. This concept grew into what we understand today to be a magnet school. According to Frances Russ, communications officer at CPS, students often choose magnet schools so that they can challenge themselves in fields that appeal to their interests. “Magnet schools are public schools that have specialized curricula in areas such as the sciences, leadership or foreign languages,” she continues. “The term ‘magnet’ refers to the idea of attraction. Students are drawn to a magnet school because of its academic focus.”

CPS Programs

CPS’ Magnet Programs exist at the elementary school level from preschool to sixth grade. Schools with program focus are citywide, meaning, that as long as you live within the CPS district you can apply to these schools. The programs

include: the arts, foreign language, gifted and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Schools guided by teaching philosophy include Montessori, Paideia, elementary college preparatory and fundamental academy. These schools are divided between east and west areas and are organized according to what community school a child’s assigned to, making it less confusing when exploring the different magnet options. However, if a child or parent happens to like one of the east or west schools better than the one in their geographical area, the child may still apply for that school of interest, as long as it’s understood that the parent’s responsible for transportation.

What’s Right for Your Child?

After you’ve determined what schools interest you, calling the school and scheduling a visit is one important step to take. “Parents are invited to visit a magnet school to get a better understanding of the curriculum and how it will be taught at each school,” says Russ. “Also, parents should get input from their children, as it is important for them to be happy at the school.” When it comes down to it, parents know their kids best, Russ emphasizes. Saying that, choosing the right school will revolve around your kids’ interests and skills. Magnet schools typically offer a unified curriculum based on a special theme or method of instruction, says Russ. So what about siblings? Siblings of children already enrolled in a magnet program get priority above new students when applying to a magnet school. However, that

convenience does not replace the importance of knowing the school is the right fit for your child. The enrollment period for siblings is now through October 29, 2021. “Siblings of in-district students already enrolled in magnet schools may apply to the sibling’s magnet schools,” says Russ. “The entering student must meet the magnet’s eligibility requirements, if any, and live within the CPS district at the same address as the current student.” The sibling who is currently attending the magnet school must be in grades pre-k - fifth grade (or, at AMIS, AWL, Roberts or Roselawn, to seventh grade), Russ continues. In this case, if the sibling has left the magnet school when the applying sibling is entering, sibling priority will not be given.

The Lottery

Parents can fill out a lottery application from any computer. There’s no need to stand in any lines; you can fill out an application any time between enrollment dates and still be entered into the lottery. Once students are selected, parents will be notified of their child’s enrollment. The goal is to notify all parents by the end of the calendar year. New this year: CPS has expanded their lottery application period, and you can now select up to three Magnet schools and programs, ranked by preference. Also, parents or guardians who live within CPS’ 91-square-mile district can apply for their elementary-age children to attend Magnet schools or programs in their geographic area: east, west or citywide. If you’re concerned about COVID-19, CPS offers the Cincinnati Digital Academy for the

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2021/2022 school year. If your kids were already enrolled in a CPS Magnet elementary school, their seat is reserved for the 2022/2023 school year.

Pre-K Magnets

Should you enroll your preschooler? The answer is, go for it if it means wanting your little one to be prepared for what’s to come. “Enrolling as a preschooler allows students and families to become familiar and comfortable with the school environment which fosters confidence in learning,” says Russ. “Preschool follows the same application process and timelines as K-5 magnet students.” However, the preschool registration process is a bit different, but this will all be explained to parents upon their acceptance to the program, Russ says. Preschool applications for CPS’ Magnet schools are submitted using the online Magnet Lottery and processed separately by CPS’ Early Childhood Education Department. From here, order of acceptance is based on the computerized lottery and your child’s age. The lottery process includes interviews with parents, proof of income, proof of your home address and your kids’ age. If you are looking into funding, they offer that, too. In fact, CPS preschool programs offer multiple funding options. However, anyone who is not eligible for a subsidized program or tuition assistance may be required to pay tuition; and keep in mind that the timeline varies for processing Magnet preschool applications due to funding and licensure requirements. Amanda Hayward is the editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine and a mom of three.

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513-829-2345 • 8107 Market Place Drive • West Chester, OH 45069

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Learning to Play Playing to Learn. Classes in piano, violin, cello, guitar, voice and music theory. A US Founding School for the RCM Certiﬁcate Program, an internationally renowned standard of music education and achievement.

513-779-7070

IndianSpringsAcademyOfMusic@gmail.com

IndianSpringsAcademy.com

9690 Cincinnati Columbus Road, West Chester Twp

Now Enrolling

ballet • t ap • j az z hip-hop • moder n pre-danc e c ombos In Person & Livestream Options

600-B Reading Rd., Mason masondance.com 513.398.0353 24

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WE LOVE NEW STUDENTS A trial ﬁrst class is always free! Ballet | Tap | Acro | Contemporary | Jazz

Where EVERY dancer matters most!

7398 Liberty One Drive Liberty Twp, OH 45044 We believe in ballet!

513-779-0135 www.sda-studios.com

ck Come che out our NEW

ol o h c S o t k c Ba s! Support Tool

Autism & Special Needs Store where you can touch, feel and try dozens of special needs items! Featuring a fully functional sensory room where kids of all abilities can learn through play!

Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 11912 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati

513-583-1874 www.puzzlepiecesohio.com Big Book of Schools

feature

By Susan Day

ENRICHMENT Rounds Out A Child’s Profile

“T

he value of an education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.”

— thomas jefferson

ids are never too young for enrichment opportunities. Teaching children how to play with other children and learning new skills benefits them in the long run, but it doesn’t just need to happen at school. Enrichment helps kids develop confidence and social skills outside of the classroom, and are considered critical because the brain is developing so rapidly when we are young.

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Research shows that diving deeper into areas we love whether it’s a preferred academic course, the arts, science and technology or sports, helps kids excel in ways beyond their traditional education. What’s Enrichment? An enrichment program enables kids to realize their potential in a variety of settings. Through educational, athletic or artistic enrichment programs, your child can develop a sense of self-awareness and understand their schoolwork better, especially if the extra curriculars are related to their classroom curriculum. Through enrichment, kids learn how to positively grow their interests and skills to have a more robust understanding of their

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potential. Enrichment programs strive to enrich your child’s life by engaging kids in many forms of art and science fields, requiring them to use their imagination and creativity and rely upon their growing knowledge. Enrichment promotes critical thinking and makes learning more valuable and rewarding. And perhaps the best part of enrichment is that it is meant to be enjoyed. It is NOT tutoring or remedial learning. It is the pursuit of your child’s passions outside of the classroom. And all kids have them. Research has found, for instance, that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. The experience of learning singing, listening and moving helps children

as they progress into more formal learning. Making music involves more than the voice or fingers playing an instrument; a child learning about music has to tap into multiple skill sets, often simultaneously. More and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievements with children who are exposed to the arts or any other subject they love and which kindles their joy of learning.

• Academic Enrichment Programs These can be offered through schools and may take place before, during or after school. In these programs, kids receive advanced academic instruction that is more appropriate for their developmental level. Plenty of programs outside of schools are available for kids, too, from STEM and educational enrichment to foreign languages.

• Guard against overscheduling

• Sports & Recreation Enrichment These programs include afterschool sports clubs, running groups, martial arts classes and even yoga programs. With schools today offering kids fewer opportunities for physical activity, extracurricular sports programs create an environment where kids can improve their physical well-being, develop healthy habits and start living an active lifestyle.

Types of Enrichment Enrichment programs come in many different shapes and sizes. Some of the most common formats include:

• Arts Enrichment Programs These programs include music lessons (choir and instrumental), dance programs, drama clubs and all kinds of visual arts programs. As

Picking Enrichment Activities with Your Kids • Follow your child’s interests • Try out different activities • If one activity doesn’t stick, try something else (this is true with sports, too)

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schools have shifted to focus more on direct instruction in math and reading, arts enrichment programs outside of school can provide space for kids to develop their artistic talents in a supportive and low-stress environment. • Science and Technology Science and tech enrichment programs are more popular than ever in 2021. Through these programs, kids can start playing with robots, learn basic computer programming and express themselves creatively using digital tools. • Language enrichment programs These can include spelling bees, creative writing clubs, book clubs or second-language clubs. These programs encourage kids who are fascinated by language to further develop their linguistic skills through reading, writing and playing language-based games. Susan Day is an editor, writer and mom of four kids.

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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!

7 Convenient Locations to Serve You

mathnasium.com