Frequently Asked Questions .. and Answers

Q:  What is your approach to teaching reading?
A:  We blend a variety of techniques, based on recent research findings, to meet the reading needs of diverse learners.  All of our classrooms are very rich in print, with many kinds of books available to children throughout the day.  Teachers model a love of reading by reading fiction aloud to students of all ages, using books to learn about a subject, and providing new books with each unit of study.  In addition, we use games and activities for direct teaching of the fundamentals of reading, especially in the critical early grades.  Teachers use observational and evaluative assessments to make sure that children are reaching important benchmarks, and they supplement with additional direct instruction when needed.
 
Q:  Where do most students go to school after graduating from the Neighborhood Schoolhouse?
A:  Many of our students have gone on to public middle school and high school.  Some have also continued with independent schooling, at a variety of area schools, such as Northfield/Mount Herman, The Putney School, Compass School and the Academy at Charlemont..
 
Q:  How do they do at these schools?  Are they well prepared?
A:  Our students do very well at both independent and public high schools.  A very high percentage of our alumni attain the honor role repeatedly (despite it often being their first experience with letter grades!), and teachers continually remark about their study skills, enthusiasm for learning and ability to work independently.
 
Q:  What are the benefits of going to the Neighborhood Schoolhouse?
A:  Students at the Neighborhood Schoolhouse are recognized as students and as people.  Because of our low student/teacher ratios, children get a lot of personal attention, and teachers work closely together to meet each child's needs.  The approach to learning at Neighborhood is unique. We focus on the process of learning, allowing children to explore and study in great depth rather than skimming over a lot of content in a short period of time.  Parents, students and teachers continually comment on our students' love of learning and on their initiative and self-direction as learners.  In short, they leave our school with both the skills and desire to be life-long learners.
 
 Q:  How many students are in a class?
A:  We keep our class sizes small, so students and teachers can get to know each other well. The maximum class sizes are: 14 for preschool, 9 for pre-k, 12 for kindergarten, 12-14 for primary and 12-14 for elementary.

Q:  What is the teacher/student ratio at the Neighborhood Schoolhouse?
A:  For our youngest students we have two teachers for 14 students, and for pre-k 9 students work with one teacher. In our kindergarten, primary and elementary programs we generally have a 1:12 ratio, though we may go up to 1:14 if we feel it would be appropriate for the group of children.

Q:  What are the hours of a school day?
A:  Our school day begins at 8:30 in all programs. For pre-k, kindergarten, primary and elementary, this includes an outdoor time until 8:45. Dismissal varies depending upon the program: preschool ends at noon, pre-k and kindergarten at 1:00, and all other programs conclude at 3:00. Families can also extend the day on either end with our Before School Care/After School Care program: BSC runs from 7:30– 8:30 and ASC runs from 12:00 – 4:30, as needed.

Q:  May my child visit the school with me?
A:  In general, parents visit the school alone first, so there is time to discuss the school program. We ask school-aged children to visit in the second step of the process. Of course, we can make accommodations if families don’t have child care options.

Q:  When do I need to make my first payment?
A:  The $25 application fee is made with the application. The $200/$250 non-refundable registration fee is made within a week of the school’s notification of space availability. Tuition payments begin on May 1 for the following school year, with a non-refundable payment of ¹/₁₂ of the annual tuition. Tuition may also be paid on a quarterly basis (July 1, September 1, December 1, and March 1). Annual tuition payments made in full by July 1 qualify for a 3% discount.