Greater Boston School Open House Guide

2019/2020

Open House Guide Schools & Preschools Finding the Right School for Your Child From the publishers of TM

Open House Events • Preschools • Private Schools

Preschool - Grade 8

Fall Open Houses All School Sunday, November 3 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Middle School Wednesday, November 13 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Tricia Moran, Director of Admission 7

34 Winter St. | Arlington, M 2

Boston Parents Paper | School Open House Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

s

At Lesley Ellis, students are: Academically engaged.

Critical thinkers.

Global citizens.

781.641.1346, tmoran@lesleyellis.org

MA 02474 | lesleyellis.org

2019/2020

Open House Guide Schools & Preschools Take the guesswork out of finding the right private school for your child, from start to finish.

Finding the Right School for Your Child

Contents

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6

Why Consider Private School?

10

Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School

12

Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

18

Your Guide to Selecting the Best Early Childhood Programs

22

School Open House Calendar

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Why Consider Private School?

Private schools can point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools.

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any parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. And while public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.

Private schools can also point to low studentteacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.

There are two primary sorts of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own governing board of trustees. While most people commonly refer to independent schools as private, lumping them in with parochial and for profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority.

Otherwise the application procedures are similar to independent schools.

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Jackson Walnut Park Toddler to Grade 6 200 Jackson Road, Newton

OPEN HOUSES SAT, OCT 26 11:30 am – 1:30 pm WED, NOV 20 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Neighborhood School. City Resources. Global Reach.7 BostonParentsPaper.com | School Open House Guide | Boston Parents Paper

An easy, simple way to begin thinking about which private school may be right for your child is to look at how the school is structured.

When considering private school education, think about these benefits: High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial and other private schools.

Small classes and individual attention. Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) schools in 2015-16 was 8.6 students to 1 teacher.

Excellent teachers. Independent school educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop an in depth understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.

Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.

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Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal/ social growth and civic purpose.

Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.

Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2016-2017, students of color were 30.1% (up 8% since 2008-2009) of total independent school enrollment nationally.

A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.

The opportunity to choose a school with a mission.

You can select a school for which the philosophy, values, and teaching style resonate with both you and your child.

And most important: An education that will pay dividends for a lifetime.

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TM

2019 WINNER

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Basic Timeline for Appl

Although not every school follows the exact schedule The following is a timeline to help you in the admissio AUGUST (of the year before you want your child to attend) • Define your ideal school.

• Find schools that match your child’s needs.

• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list.

SEPTEMBER • Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools.

• Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies.

• Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online.

• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying.

• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments.

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• Register for any standardized tests required for admission.

• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books.

• Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days”.

OCTOBER • Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests • Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours.

• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply.

• Take required standardized admission tests, if applicable.

NOVEMBER • Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

lying to a Private School

e, many follow similar timetables for admission. ons process.

• Continue to watch for open houses you may want to attend.

• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school.

• Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays.

DECEMBER • Continue to watch for any open houses or school events of interest.

• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester.

• Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc.

Most application materials are due as early as December or as late as February.

JANUARY • Pay attention to deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in January or February, along with tests scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms.

FEBRUARY • Don’t miss the deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in February at the latest.

• Visit schools or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already.

MARCH • Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March.

• Watch for financial aid decisions about this same time.

• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend APRIL • Sign and return enrollment contracts and deposits.

MAY TO SEPTEMBER • Attend events and activities for new parents and students dur​ ing spring and summer.

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org.

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Making the Most of Your Campus Visit

Because the visit is so crucial to deciding on your child’s school, you should make the most of the opportunity.

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ou’ve looked at the websites, glanced through the glossy brochures, and even heard friends talk glowingly—or not—about the private schools on your short list. Now it’s time to actually set foot on campus. More than anything else, visiting the school—seeing the classrooms, walking around the grounds, and talking to faculty and students—will give you and your child the best sense of whether this is the best environment for your child to learn and thrive.

THE OPEN HOUSE The majority of open houses occur in the fall, although some schools schedule one just after the first of the year.

• Look for a calendar or open house dates on the admissions section of the school’s website, or call the admissions office • Check to see if you need to register, or if you can just drop in • Find out if there will be a formal welcome during the open house and what time it will occur. This presentation is an ideal opportunity to hear the school head and admissions director talk about the school

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• Remember, an open house is not the right forum to ask in-depth questions — it’s too crowded and busy. Jot down questions as you think of them, so you can ask them later, during a personal tour or interview

SCHOOL TOURS As you tour the school, take notes on your impressions about: • The quality and condition of school facilities • The various programs offered that may interest your child • What the students, teachers, and other families are like If your tour is conducted by a current student, try to ask: • Where else did you apply?

• Why did you choose this school?

• If you could change anything about this school, what would it be and why?

VISITING PRESCHOOLS AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS When you schedule a tour, ask what happens during school visits. Teachers may invite your child into the classroom, either with you or without you. This may be a chance

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FALL OPEN HOUSES October 17 & November 19 | 7-9 PM

Now accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year!

Please RSVP to Jenny Gamson: (617) 566-3960 X148 or fjeccassistdirector@tisrael.org

@fjeccboston @FJECC

Temple Israel | 477 Longwood Avenue | Boston BostonParentsPaper.com | School Open House Guide | Boston Parents Paper 13 (Close to Coolidge Corner)

to see if your child seems best suited for a full day, for mornings only, or whatever schedule the school offers.

Before deciding whether to take your child on a school visit, ask yourself: • Is your child able to separate from you fairly easily?

• How are his or her verbal communication skills?

• How does the child do in a group?

Ask what the school day is like and how the school program’s size and structure will fit your child. You want to know what the school offers, and more importantly, whether your child is ready for what the school has to offer.

VISITING MIDDLE SCHOOLS As your child ages so does the complexity of factors to consider when choosing a school. As children go from elementary to middle school they will need a school in a safe location with more independent forms of transportation available. When visiting a middle school look at the following areas and ask yourself will your child thrive in this setting?

How is the school environment?

How big is the school? Does the school feel safe and clean? Is the student-teacher ratio low enough that my child gets the attention he needs? Is there enough staff to ensure all school activities are well run and disruptive behavior can be minimalized and managed in a way

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you are comfortable with? Do classrooms have enough room and up to date on technology, are learning areas organized? Are afterschool sports, clubs and activities available and encouraged? Does the school provide a buddy system to help children get comfortable in the new setting? What type of field trips and overnight travel opportunities will be provided?

What is the staff like?

As you are talking with faculty and staff assess if they are experienced, knowlegable and qualified in their subjects. How does the teachers work with different learning styles? Are teachers fully supported by the administration? Is the staff trained on handling behavioral issues. Is there a written policy on discipline issues? Are there occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologist or case workers to support your child?

Does the school feel right and does it work for my family?

Can you see your child fitting in here? Will it be easy to move between classes and learning from several teachers? Will the school be supportive and are the teaching methods in line with your child’s special learning needs? What is the policy of keeping track of my child’s progress and keeping me informed? How involved are parents allowed and expected to be? Does the school offer events for the families to get to know each other?

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Formerly New ton Montessori School

|

New Name. Same E xcellence.

Toddler through

Grade 8

Info Sessions Friday, Oct. 25 8:30 AM Tuesday, Dec. 3 8:30 AM RSVP: wellan.org 8 0 C R E S C E N T AV E N U E

·

BostonParentsPaper.com Paper NEW TON CENTRE , M A 0 2 4 5 9 · | (School 617 )Open 9 6House 9 - 4 4Guide 8 8 | ·Boston W EParents LLAN . O R15 G

What are the academics like?

Find out what makes a successful student at this school. Is the school focused solely on academics, math, science, English and social studies, and are there other electives provided? How are academics measured? How well do the students score on state assessments and standardized test? Is there a reasonable amount of homework assigned and are there large projects where the student needs to manage his time to complete? Look for a library, a music and arts program, a hands-on science lab and a computer lab. How do students do in high school after they graduate from this school? Where do most of the graduates go to high school?

Does the school focus on student competition and/or collaborative thinking and projects? Does the school portray a strong sense of community between faculty, students and families? Does the school offer help with college placement and counseling?

Expectations

Ensure that the school will fulfill your expectations in learning and acheivement and will support your child’s interests at and away from school. Assess how graduates do on the ACT or SAT and what colleges they are accepted to, not just the colleges they choose to attend.

VISITING HIGH SCHOOLS Building on the middle school list consider these factors in addition.

School Environment What is the school’s culture, environment, size, focus and specialties? Do they align with your child’s interest?

Is the campus open or closed during the day and does it feel safe? What is parking like for students? What unique experiences does the school offer the students and families? What is the graduation rate of the school?

What are the most common disciplenary actions taken?

Does the school embrace new projects while keeping the academic learning as it’s main focus?

What is the staff like?

Look for a diverse staff that will provide a wide spectrum of learning and new experiences for your child. Teachers need to be able to cultivate respect from their students and be in control of their classrooms.

Does the school feel right and does it work for my family?

Is this school a place your child will thrive?

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VISITING BOARDING SCHOOLS Even if a boarding school is far away, a personal visit is the best way to inspect facilities, meet the staff and faculty, see how classes are conducted, and find out what the other students are like. If a visit is impossible, ask the school for the names of families from your city or area who’ve been involved with the school, so you can talk to them.

As with any school visit, keep good notes of your thoughts and experiences. What impressed you? What fell short of your expectations? You want to determine: • Will your child be supported here?

• What is expected of students from day to day?

• Where can your child shine in areas of strength and improve in weakness?

• What students do on the weekends? Are there any school-sponsored weekend activities?

Your child will not only be learning, but living at the school, so read the student handbook carefully. What are the general rules? What are the disciplinary policies?

What is the school’s definition of academic honesty? Ask the admissions staff what kinds of disciplinary problems the school has dealt with in the last year.

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Discover More

at an Admissions Event

WEST NEWTON, MA Pre-K – Grade 9 Open House Saturday, Oct. 5 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM Don’t miss this opportunity to meet current parents, faculty, admissions representatives and Head of School Steve Armstrong as you tour our 41-acre campus. Visit highlights include our newly renovated Center for the Arts and our cutting-edge Center for Innovation.

Third Thursdays at Fessenden Thursday, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19, and Jan. 16 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM Join us on the third Thursday of the month — October through January— to experience the excitement of a typical morning at The Fessenden School. Meet Head of School Steve Armstrong and members of our community at 8:30 AM, followed by a campus tour and classroom observations from 8:45 – 10:00 AM.

Skip the line by

PRE-REGISTERING TODAY

AT FESSENDEN.ORG/OH19 OR CALL 617-630-2300 BostonParentsPaper.com | School Open House Guide | Boston Parents Paper

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YOUR GUIDE TO SELECTING THE BEST

hen your child is ready for daycare or preschool, you’ll want to find a place that’s both nurturing and stimulating. Here are some factors to consider when picking the right school for your child, as well as some questions to ask as you prepare for your tour.

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Open House Events More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

ARLINGTON Lesley Ellis School

All School Open House November 3, 2019 @ 1:00 pm Middle School Open House November 13, 2019 @ 7:00 pm 34 Winter St www.lesleyellis.org/

BEDFORD Bedford Montessori School Open House November 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 8 Alfred Cir www.bedfordmontessori.org

BOSTON The British International School of Boston Open House November 17, 2019 @ 11:00 am January 15, 2020 @ 9:30 am 416 Pond Street www.bisboston.org

Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center Open House November 19, 2019 @ 7:00 pm 477 Longwood Ave www.fjecc.org/

Park Street School / Preschool Open House (Toddler-Grade 6) November 19, 2019 @ 9:00 am 1 Park St www.parkstreetschool.org/

Saint Columbkille Partnership School Open House November 6, 2019 @ 8:30 am 25 Arlington St www.stcps.org/

BRAINTREE Thayer Academy

Upper School Open House November 2, 2019 @ 9:00 am 745 Washington St www.thayer.org

BRIGHTON Saint Columbkille Partnership School Open House November 6, 2019 @ 8:30 am 25 Arlington St www.stcps.org/

BROOKLINE The Park School

Fall Open House November 3, 2019 @ 12:00 pm 171 Goddard Ave www.parkschool.org/

St. Mary’s Brookline

Open House November 13, 2019 @ 9:00 am 67 Harvard St • www.stmarys-brookline.org/

CAMBRIDGE Cambridge-Ellis School

Open House November 2, 2019 @ 10:00 am 80 Trowbridge St www.cambridge-ellis.org/ BostonParentsPaper.com | School Open House Guide | Boston Parents Paper

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ONCE THERE, TRUST YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE SCHOOL. IS THE PLACE CLEAN, WELL LIT AND ORGANIZED?

Think about your child’s age and developmental stage. Many preschools accept children only when they’re at least 3 years old at the start of the school year, usually in September. Some preschools require children to be potty-trained and ready to “separate” from a parent, while others will work with families on both issues. Many preschools offer different schedules and options, from a two- to five-day week and half- or full-day classes, so that parents can choose which suits their schedule and comfort level.

Make a list of priorities in your preschool search. In many situations, price will be a major issue. Childcare facilities and preschools can cost between $5,000 and $25,000 a year. Check with the Massachusetts Department of Education on whether your family is eligible for state funds to help pay for preschool. Another important consideration is proximity. Driving across town to drop off your child only to pick him up three to four hours later will get old after a while. For parents who work, finding a school that offers extendedday care, year-round education or lunch programs will be essential.

Some childcare facilities and preschools will allow you to bring children along on the tour, while others may want your undivided attention and ask you to leave the kids at home. Once there, trust your first impression of the school.

Is the place clean, well lit and organized? Does the artwork look fun and creative? Many tours will be conducted after school hours, but you’ll get a much better sense of the school if you can visit while children are at play. By law, infant rooms must offer a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:3, toddler rooms a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:4, and for preschools a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10 for full day and 1:12 for half day. But that doesn’t mean every student will thrive with that proportion. Consider your child’s personality. Can she assert herself to get the attention she needs, or will she benefit from having more teachers around?

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Important Questions to Ask the School and Yourself When looking at childcare facilities and preschools, ask yourself or the director the following questions:

The Program • Does the program have a clear statement of its goals and philosophy?

• Does it consider a child’s social, emotional and physical needs?

• Is the atmosphere warm, nurturing and accepting?

• Does the curriculum meet your child’s needs?

• Is the content culturally diverse and free of bias?

• Does the school offer a balance of individual, small-group and largegroup activities?

• Do activities encourage self-expression?

• Is there a balance between quiet periods and vigorous activities?

• Is there a routine to most days?

• Are expectations and limits clear?

• What is the discipline policy?

• Does the program have an up-to date state license? Is it accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAECP)?

Accreditation is a voluntary self-study of staff qualifications, physical environment, curriculum, parent questionnaires and observations by the director, staff and a representative of the NAECP.

The Teachers • What are the teachers’ qualifications?

• What is the ratio of children to teachers?

• Is there frequent staff turnover?

• Do teachers encourage and respond to children’s natural interests?

• Are they cheerful and patient?

• How do the adults interact with the children and with each other?

The Setting • Does it look safe indoors and outdoors?

• Can you imagine your child in this setting?

• Are the children happy, relaxed, feeling good about themselves and engaged in meaningful play?

• Does the setting foster productive interactions between children?

• Is there a wide variety of materials? Are they orderly and easily accessible?

• Do equipment and toys encourage individual and group play and improve motor skills?

• Are the walls covered with age appropriate artwork?

Parent Involvement • Is parent involvement welcomed and encouraged? How? • Will school staff refer you to parents whose children have attended the program?

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Open House Events More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

Cambridge Friends School

Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade Playdate November 5, 2019 @ 3:15 pm Middle School Open House November 20, 2019 @ 7:00 pm 5 Cadbury Rd www.cambridgefriendsschool.org/

Fayerweather Street SchoolAll School Fall Open House November 16, 2019 @ 10:00 am 765 Concord Ave www.fayerweather.org/

CONCORD Tremont School

Open House (Grades 5 - 12 and Post Graduate) November 16, 2019 @ 9:00 am 575 Virginia Rd #100 www.tremontschool.org/

DEDHAM The Rashi School

Open House November 3, 2019 @ 10:00 am 8000 Great Meadow Rd www.rashi.org/

The International School of Boston (ISB) LEXINGTON All School Open House Lexington Montessori School November 2, 2019 @ 10:00 am 45 Matignon Rd www.isbos.org/

CHESTNUT HILL The Chestnut Hill School

Fall Open House November 3, 2019 @ 11:00 am 428 Hammond St www.tchs.org/

Mount Alvernia Academy

Admissions Open House (Preschool - Grade 6) November 3, 2019 @ 11:00 am 20 Manet Rd www.maa.school/

Open House November 16, 2019 @ 10:00 am 130 Pleasant St www.lexmontessori.org/

Waldorf School of Lexington Open House January 25, 2020 @ 10:00 am 739 Massachusetts Ave www.thewaldorfschool.org

MILLIS Woodside Montessori Academy All Open House November 17, 2019 @ 12:30 pm 350 Village St www.woodsideacademy.com/

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Open House Events More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

MILTON Thacher Montessori School

Open House November 16, 2019 @ 10:30 am Montessori Information Session December 4, 2019 @ 9:30 am January 17, 2020 @ 9:30 am 1425 Blue Hill Ave www.thacherschool.org/

NATICK Riverbend School

Admissions Open House November 2, 2019 @ 11:00 am 33 Eliot St www.riverbendschool.org/

NEEDHAM NEWTON Jackson Walnut Park School Open House November 20, 2019 @ 9:00 am 200 Jackson Rd www.jwpschools.org/

Mount Alvernia High School Open House November 3, 2019 @ 1:30 pm 790 Centre St www.mountalverniahs.org/

Newton Country Day School Open House November 3, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 785 Centre St www.newtoncountryday.org/

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Pine Village Preschool

Newton Highlands Information Session November 7, 2019 @ 6:30 pm 54 Lincoln St www.pinevillagepreschool.com

QUINCY Adams Montessori School

Open House November 2, 2019 @ 10:00 am 310 Adams St www.adamsmontessori.org/

SOUTHBOROUGH Fay School

Admission Open House November 3, 2019 @ 1:00 pm 23 Middle Rd www.fayschool.org/

TYNGSBORO Academy of Notre Dame

Open House November 17, 2019 @ 12:00 pm February 6, 2020 @ 5:30 pm March 8, 2020 @ 12:00 pm 180 Middlesex Rd www.ndatyngsboro.org.org

WELLESLEY Dana Hall School Erisman Student Center Athletics Open House November 19, 2019 @ 5:30 pm Shipley Center 45 Dana Rd www.danahall.org/

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2019 |9:00am

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Open House Events More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

WEST NEWTON The Fessenden School

Open House November 21, 2019 @ 8:30 am 250 Waltham St www.fessenden.org/

WINCHESTER Acera School

Open House November 2, 2019 @ 2:00 pm 5 Lowell Ave www.aceraschool.org/

WEST ROXBURY Holy Name Parish School

Admissions Open House (K0 - Grade 6) November 3, 2019 @ 10:30 am 525 W Roxbury Pkwy www.holynameparishschool.org/

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