Has anyone ever participated in a program like this? (Parent Participation School)

[laurata]

http://pactprogram.net/

This school is just a few blocks away from what is (probably) going to be our new home. I am seriously considering enrolling my 6 yo as a first grader next fall, but I'm not sure what kinds of questions I should be asking (of them). Right now we're involved in a charter homeschool, but since we'll be moving, I don't think we'll be taking advantage of the classes, etc so much, which were why we enrolled there.

If you've participated in something similar, what was your experience? Did you work in the classroom? What did you do with your younger kids? Were they really "good" (they way they describe themselves to be) about meeting your children where they are academically, socially, etc? Were you disappointed in any aspects of the program, and if so, which ones?

[journeymom]

Ds and I did parent participation preschool last year. It was through the public school district. It was work but it was a blast! I got to know the preschool mind so much better. I'd say the best part was that the whole experience increased my confidence in my own parenting a lot. It was a great community.

I toured a k-8 school in our district that has volunteer hour requirements. I was very impressed with this school. And I believe that the most important aspect is the time and energy invested by the parents. (Especially compared to dd and ds's current public school, which is so mediocre and apathetic.) What a difference it makes when the teachers are there because they want to be, because they support the mission. And same for the parents. What a difference it makes in the whole student body when the parents are commited enough to put 30 or 40 hours a month in.

From the parents comments on the web site, that school sounds excellent.

[momtokay]

i have my dd on a wait list for a school that sounds similar. i don't know if she'll get in, but i love the idea of being involved and of having a school with more flexibility to meet the varying needs of the kids instead of one teacher with 30 kids who all must learn XYZ today because of some prescripted cirriculum. i also like the focus on cooperative learning as opposed to competitive learning that is fostered in a more traditional school environment.

[journeymom]

Ah, that reminds me,

-curriculum. At this parent participation school, they still have to follow the district's, state's and federal curriculum. The difference is they put more thought into how they implement it than some schools do. They can experiment to some extent.

-competition. At the parent tour one dad (figures! ) asked about competion. They say they de emphasize competition between students, and there was some enthusiastic nodding and some concerned looks from parents. They explained that they encourage students to compete with themselves, so to speak.

Because this is a public school they're still obligated to strive for state standards. Last year this school made 847 out of 1000 on the academic performance index, 71 points ahead of my kids' regular neighborhood school. 847 is exceptionally good! So I'd say they're doing something right.

Ask about their philosophy about competion. Ask what do they do if they get a family who thought they wanted to be there but decides a couple months in this isn't a good fit. Ask if their teachers are assigned there by the district or if they're all there because they want to be.

If you have an opportunity to talk to some parents, they will be able to answer your questions about whether the school actually accomodates their children's personal needs/style.

Ask to observe a 1st grade class for a few minutes.

[Kirsten]

Yes, for the last four years, our dd1 has been in a program JUST like this. Really, really great. I would sign up right now! The parent participation is just the neatest thing all around. When you have families that are this committed to their kids' education and willing to put their time in - well, it is a special thing.

I have worked in and out of the classroom. You trade childcare with other school moms so each Wednesday morning (for example) one of you is at school and one of you is at home with the younger siblings (yours and hers). Next week you trade who goes up to school. At our school, both the mom who is at school and the mom who is babysitting get "credit" for volunteer hours.

You are lucky to have something like this near where you'll be. I would call them and schedule your tour and whatever else you have to do to complete the registration process. Let us know how it goes.