EDUCATION SECTION
WORDS BY MAGGIE LOISELLE
WHY CHOOSE A
PRIVATE SCHOOL Understanding the benefits of private school education
FROM A LARGE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, TO A SMALL MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY, A NATURE-BASED PROGRAM OR A SELECTIVE SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS, PRIVATE EDUCATION IN CINCINNATI COMES IN MANY FORMS.
CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE September 2018
Nationally, there are more than 33,000 private schools educating 5 million – or roughly 10 percent – of all U.S. students. So why do families choose private schools? The reasons are as diverse as the educational offerings.
“Parents are looking for different things. Most of all though, they’re looking for a community that they’re confident will help their child grow into the adult they want them to be,” said Myra McGovern, vice president of media for the National Association of Independent Schools. “There are programs that are more formal, more traditional. There are programs that are more progressive and a little more child-led. Different options really let people look at what community works best for them.”
If private school education has never been on your radar, here are some reasons to reconsider:
1) Missioncentric education: Private schools have the freedom to define their own mission, which is often centered on a particular educational philosophy or value system. The school must be intentional in determining why they exist, who they will serve and what they’re going to achieve.
“Our schools have the freedom to be oriented to a very specific mission, to be mission-centric in a way that often isn’t as possible in other schools,” noted Claudia Daggett, executive director of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. “When we accredit schools, we look at those factors: Do they have a distinct school identity? What are the school’s core values? How effectively do they fulfill their mission?”
Why it matters: A school’s mission gives parents a look inside the program’s priorities and keeps teachers, staff and students focused on the big picture, advocates say.
NATIONALLY, THERE ARE MORE THAN
33,000
PRIVATE SCHOOLS EDUCATING 5 MILLION − OR ROUGHLY 10 PERCENT − OF ALL U.S. STUDENTS.
2) Different ways of teaching: Private schools aren’t bound by the same governmental regulations as public schools, including curriculum and textbook mandates, which often equates to teachers having more freedom in the classroom, supporters say.
“What we hear from parents is that they come here because of the teachers and the curriculum, because we challenge their child and help them develop a true love of learning,” said Kelley Schiess, assistant head of school at The Summit Country Day School, an independent K-12 Catholic school. “It’s not just traditional rows of desks – it’s innovation, amazing experiences and individual attention.”
September 2018 CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE
EDUCATION SECTION That f lexibility extends to assessing student progress, since private schools aren’t bound by the same standardized testing as public schools. Instead, teachers spend time on other ways of assessing knowledge.
“We don’t overpack students’ schedules. We don’t have homework in the lower grades. We do have assessments, but we don’t have excessive testing,” said Karen Crick, enrollment director at the Cincinnati Waldorf School. “Children are able to be free from stress and consider school to be joyful.”
Why it matters: Giving teachers the freedom to experiment with how best to reach students fosters creativity and innovation, improving academic outcomes, private school proponents say.
3) Individual attention:
4) Close-knit community:
Even at the largest of private schools, it’s difficult for a student to be just an anonymous face in the crowded hallway. Instead, individual attention is a major reason parents choose private school education.
By definition, private schools are communities of families with shared values, where parents must make a choice – and often some sacrifices – to take part. That often equates to a high rate of parental involvement.
“Our schools characteristically offer a higher level of personalized attention. If you enroll there, they will know your child,” Daggett noted. “Part of that has to do with the typically smaller schools and classes, but it also has to do with climate and culture focused on educating the whole child.”
Why it matters: Individual attention for students fosters strong relationships with teachers and staff, who are committed to working with the child on academic and developmental progress, advocates say.
That partnership between school and parents is especially pronounced at faith-based schools, where families look to the school to nurture their child’s faith as well as academic pursuits.
“I think it’s powerful when you can combine academics with religious teachings about social justice, ethical responsibility and developing a strong moral character,” Schiess said. “We can encourage children to think beyond themselves to how they can utilize their God-given talents and be of service.”
Why it matters: A close-knit community of teachers, staff, students and parents creates an environment where a child’s academics and character are supported, advocates say.
There are many different reasons why parents choose private school education, just as there are many different types of private schools. Advocates encourage parents to assess what their family values most about education and then weigh all the options.
CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE September 2018
COMMON TYPES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS:
+ PRIVATE SCHOOL: ANY SCHOOL THAT DOES NOT RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDING
+ INDEPENDENT SCHOOL: OFTEN NONPROFIT SCHOOLS, OVERSEEN BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES INDEPENDENT OF ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION
+ CATHOLIC DIOCESAN SCHOOL: SCHOOLS LINKED TO A CATHOLIC DIOCESE
+ INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC HOLY ORDER SCHOOL: SCHOOLS RUN BY AN ORDER OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, SUCH AS JESUITS
September 2018 CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE
EDUCATION SECTION
Ask the Teacher Flashcard exercises, school morning struggles and test anxiety WORDS BY DEB KRUPOWICZ
Q:
MY SON’S NEW FOURTH GRADE TEACHER SHOWED HIM HOW TO MAKE FLASHCARDS USING AN ONLINE PROGRAM TO LEARN HIS VOCABULARY WORDS. HE HAS DONE THIS FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS, BUT HE HAS NOT DONE WELL ON THE QUIZZES. WHAT CAN HE DO TO GET BETTER RESULTS?
A:
For some kids, creating the online flashcards is enough to help them master the words. For others, it is not. Some researchers have found that the physical act of writing out words and definitions activates a different part of the brain than simply typing them. Have him try that. To make the flashcards exercise even more effective, have your son categorize his words before making the cards. The words can be grouped in any way—by length, by beginning letter, by difficulty level, by part of speech, etc. Have your son write each category of words in the same color with a different color for each category. After a bit of practice with the cards, your son can add a simple picture or symbol to the cards with the most challenging words. Another strategy is to have your son move around as he studies the flashcards, going from one place to the next for each category of words. The more complex thinking as well as the additional associations of category, color, picture and place will lead beyond recognition of the words to mastery.
CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE September 2018
Q:
EVEN AFTER HAVING A FEW WEEKS OF SCHOOL UNDER HER BELT, MY DAUGHTER IS STILL STRUGGLING TO FALL ASLEEP AT NIGHT. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET HER UP IN THE MORNING, SO EXTENDING BEDTIME DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THE ANSWER. SHE IS SO SLEEPY THAT I AM HAVING TO NAG HER TO GET HER TO FINISH WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE THE BUS COMES. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP HER?
A:
Help your daughter establish an evening routine that starts well before the time she needs to go to sleep. Require that she do some physical activity after school, even if it is just a half-hour-long walk or bike ride. Keep homework and study time productive and efficient by minimizing distractions and frustrations. Be sure to eliminate screen time well before bedtime. Then have your daughter take a warm bath or shower. Finally, encourage some reading time before lights out. For some children, the reading time is so engaging that it creates the opposite of the desired effect. If that is true for your daughter, try restricting the reading time to one or two chapters of a book. Should that not work, suggest that she read shorter pieces like short stories, poems, devotions or essays that are resolved in one reading. As you wait for the routine to become habit, to keep the mornings bearable, have your daughter create a list of what needs to be done each morning and the order in which tasks should be accomplished. Simply refer her to the posted list to avoid the nagging but to keep her moving along to be ready on time.
September 2018 CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE
EDUCATION SECTION
Q:
OUR SEVENTH GRADE SON GETS SO NERVOUS AT TEST TIME THAT HE JUST FREAKS OUT. HIS TEST RESULTS ARE ALMOST ALWAYS POOR, EVEN THOUGH HE THINKS HE HAS STUDIED. IS THERE ANY WAY FOR HIM TO AVOID THIS?
Instruct your son to scan the test quickly to get an idea of how many questions there are. This will help him gauge how much time to spend on each question. Then encourage him to answer the questions he feels confident about first, marking those he is less sure of to return to later. Sometimes one question can throw off an entire test if the student spends too much time trying to remember something that leads to frustration and then impedes recall of what he does know.
A:
The first thing to consider is how well your son in actually prepared. Some students seriously underestimate what it takes for them to know the content that will be tested. They confuse recognition with genuine mastery. To check this, have him tell you about what will be covered on the test. Ask some basic questions to see how easily he can respond. If he cannot do that, he needs to develop some different study techniques.
If your son has indeed prepared well ahead of time, but his mind goes blank at test time, there are some things to do to help him overcome the anxiety. The power of a good night’s rest and a good breakfast simply cannot be overstated. The basic needs of the human body must be met in order to perform well, especially in
CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE September 2018
stressful situations. Keep the morning routine simple on test days by gathering supplies the night before. Have your son select a simple encouraging phrase to reflect on to keep his attitude positive. When the test is given, he should repeat this phrase to himself and take a few minutes to just breathe before starting.
ASK THE TEACHER is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Deb has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@cincinnatiparent.com.
EDUCATION SECTION SPONSORED LISTINGS
PRESCHOOL &
EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL
THE CAMPUS AT KIDS FIRST We have FULL DAY Kindergarten! Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, www.theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, info@theCampusKF.com
CHAI TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning. Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio. Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available. Transportation available to/from Mason schools. Limited space - now enrolling! 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, www.ChaiTots.com, Ages/Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60
MONTESSORI
THE COMPASS SCHOOL Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding ReggioInspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. NAEYC Accredited. Call today for your personal tour. 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Meghan Schymanski, Phone: 513-683-8833, Fax: 513-683-8456, Email: compass.meghan@gmail. com, www.TheCompassSchool.com
HYDE PARK COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL At HPCUMC Preschool, our goal is to encourage the development of each child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills, as well as spiritual growth in order to prepare each child for life-long learning. We provide a learning environment where student-centered learning takes place through exploration, play, experimentation, and discovery. Children are encouraged to try new tasks, use their imagination, make friends, follow directions, focus their energy and develop a love of learning. HPCUMC Preschool is a five-star awarded Step Up to Quality school. Registration for the 2018-19 school year is now open. Registration materials available online now. 1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Julie Vail, Phone: 513-979-8191, Email: jvail@hpcumc. org, http://hydeparkpreschool.org, Grades: 30 months to 5 years of age
YMCA OF GREATER CINCINNATI CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CHCA is a vibrant, multidenominational, college preparatory school serving students Age 2- grade 12. We’re investing $9MM to deliver new levels of student engagement through expanded facilities including an expanded Early Childhood Learning Center, Innovation Labs, a Greenhouse, and Engineering and Applied Science Labs. CHCA is leading the way to higher levels of cognitive, relational, and spiritual engagement for each student. 11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Natalie Pfister, Enrollment Director, Phone: (513)2470900, Email: admissions@chca-oh.org, www.chca-oh. org, Ages 2 - Grade 12, Enrollment: 1350
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 1105 Elm Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY.org, www.MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.
CENTRAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY Authentic Montessori environment, serving toddler through 6th grade. Small class sizes allow each student to progress at an individual pace. Part-time preschool and extended day are available. Our school is a place of discovery, curiosity, respect and enthusiasm. Come take a tour and see for yourself. 1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Kristin Patterson, Phone: 513-742-5800, Fax: 513-742-5870, Email: info@centralmontessori academy.com, www.CentralMontessoriAcademy.com, Grades: Toddler-Grade 6, Enrollment: 100
CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years. CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website. 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, www.cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150
COUNTRY HILLS MONTESSORI Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones. Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@ chmschools.com, www.chmschools.com/, Grades: 3 - K
LITTLE SPROUTS MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio. 7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, www.little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.
September 2018 CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE
EDUCATION SECTION MERCY MONTESSORI CENTER Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 50 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning. 2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@mercymontessori.org, www.mercy montessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 292
MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI Our goal is to instill a love of learning in each child and to assure a solid grounding in the basics of education that will help each student achieve his potential. We provide an outstanding, experienced staff, low student-teacher ratios, a nurturing, student-centered approach, and on-site before-school and after-school care. 8293 Duke Boulevard, Mason, Ohio 45040, Phone: 513-3987773, Email: info@montacademy.org, www.montacademy.org/, Ages/Grades: 18 months through 8th grade
THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society. Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessori-credentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513)281-7999, Email: ceara.c@ newschoolmontessori.com, www.newschoolmontessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 145
NON–PUBLIC
CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS CCS has been creating lifelong learners, creative thinkers, passionate disciples, and visionary leaders for over 40 years. Our graduates are welcomed at universities because they’ve become the natural learners and inquisitive students that God created them to be. CCS knows that faith and learning go hand-in-hand. Outstanding. Proven. Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH, 45014, Junior/Senior High Campus: 7474 Morris Rd., Fairfield, OH, 45011, (513) 892-8500, Contact: Lisa Coombs, Admissions Director, lisa.coombs@cincinnatichristian.org, www.cincinnati christian.org, Grades: PS - 12
THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school. 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@summitcds.org, www.summitcds.org
CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE September 2018
ST. URSULA VILLA An extraordinary family atmosphere and Christ-centered spirit of St. Angela Merici cultivates independent learners who achieve their potential through small classes, individualized instruction, and nurturing of the whole child. Program offerings begin with Toddler/2-year-old and Traditional or Montessori preschool continuing through Junior High, recognized for outstanding high school preparation. 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Contact: Marta Runnels, Phone: 513-533-7373, Fax: 513-871-0315, Email: m.runnels@stursulavilla.org, www.stursulavilla.org, Grades: 2 years old through 8th grade, Enrollment: 465
SPECIAL NEEDS
BRAIN BALANCE OF CINCINNATI Brain Balance provides a parent an insight into their child's brain and explains to them why their child is struggling with focusing, making friends, reading comprehension, as well as many neurological challenges such as Anxiety, Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, ODD, and many more. We will then explain in great detail how we can help their child function better in their day to day school and activities. This insight is accomplished by an 3 hour assessment, and meeting with the Director on the results, and an introduction to the program to show the parents how we will accomplish setting their child up for success in the present and future. 12084 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Sherry Martz / Owner, Phone: 513-707-0125, Email: smartz@ brainbalance.com, www.brainbalance.com
SKYWARD ACADEMY Skyward addresses the academic, social, behavioral, and independent living skills of students with learning challenges such as autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, social or communication issues, and other challenges. We realize that more traditional schools are not always the best option for students with these special needs. Our Mission: The mission of Skyward Academy is to provide students with an individualized education program in a loving and supportive atmosphere, where each child is welcomed and accepted and differences are embraced. 9994 Zig Zag Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242, Contact: Melissa Amrein, Superintendent, Email: office@skywardacademy.com, Phone: 513-222-4611, www.skywardacademy.com
SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER For more than 45 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Carmen Mendoza, Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513 871-6428, Email: cmendoza@springer-LD.org, www.springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200
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September 2018 CINCINNATI PARENT EDUCATION GUIDE