S. School Open House

Dear Logan,

We visited another 4 open houses this weekend. I think I am getting confused and slowly forgot what I have seen. I've been meaning to write about the two schools I saw yesterday, so that I won't mix it up with the 2 today. But of course, I didn't get to do that last night. Let's see if my memory serves me well.

We visited one of the two locations of S. School. I'll be visiting the other location this coming Saturday. This school is very academic-focused as well. As a general impression of the curriculum, we're pleased with it.

Pre-K schedule is from 8:15-3:45. We met with the teacher and checked out the classroom. Teacher was very nice and enthusiastic. She went through the curriculum a little bit and showed the different projects that the kids did. We saw pictures of the artist/composer of the month. Children copy the picture of an artist/composer and wrote a little something about him/her. The kids were taught reading/phonics, math, science, music, and PE. Aside from artisit/composer of the month, they also have a science topic of the month. They learn about the life cycle of butterflies and frogs, and see the actual butterflies, tadpoles and worms.

I like that in Pre-K, the kids are already learning simple addition (concrete addition) already, and don't have to wait till KG. Music classes are based on the science and art topic.

The ratio is 1:12 and there are 2 lead teachers. The little ones have a separate playground away from the big kids. Twice a year, there's a progress report cards for parents.

The classroom was a good-sized room. As always, student projects and artwork are posted on the wall and window. They have a pretty structured schedule throughout the day. Lunch is not provided, but could order from the catering service.

One bad thing that we noticed when walking in the hallways - leaky roof. Not a good sign. The campus is pretty big, but old. We definitely do not like seeing water on the floor, and a little leak. I am hoping to check out the other campus next week, and the building would be a not newer and nicer.

We then went to the KG room and met with two teachers. Ratio is 1:15 with 2 teachers and 30 kids. The schedule of the day is as structured as the Pre-K room. There are 3 KG classes and it's definitely academic based. We saw the sample math sheet posted on the wall and they are already counting coins (how many dimes and pennies in $0.85). There are word problems as well. I was a little taken back that KG kids are learning that already. But then, we definitely like how advanced it could be.

They offered PE class (2x/week), Music classes (3x/week), art classes (3x/week). Homework is due every Friday (Math and spelling). There is a test every Friday, and a poem recital! Of course, all teachers tell parents not to worry too much about homework, as kids spend all week learning the new spelling words and doing Math. There are other extra-curricula activities and classes taught by outside contracted teachers, e.g. chess, yoga, and soccer.

Despite such a rigorous academic curriculum, they do not have a library in this school. They have the booksmobile coming 1x/month and children check out books. But still, you would think a library is pretty critical. I guess they just want you to focus on their curriculum, but not really leisure reading? They also do not have a computer lab. That's a bummer! The teachers said there's a rotating computer teacher who travels to the campus with laptops. I think he might travel to the other campus as well. Not good either.

Melanie actually goes to this school, but the San Jose location. I think I am going to ask Auntie Leonor and Uncle Kyle what they think of the school.


Love you,
Mommy