Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Child’s First Steps in Education
As parents of a rising kindergartener, you’re embarking on an exciting and crucial journey to select an educational path that will lay the foundation for your child’s academic future. School choice is a significant decision, and it’s essential to consider the array of options available.
Eligibility to join a Kindergarten Program in Texas
- Be five years old by September 1st of the school year
- Reside in the school district.
- Have up-to-date immunizations
- Have a legal birth certificate.
- Have undergone the required screening tests
- Social Security Number (optional)
Choosing a school for your rising kindergartener is a significant decision and can set the foundation for their educational journey. Here is a checklist of important factors to consider when deciding on the right school:
Understanding your Child
- Learning Style: Does the school cater to your child’s preferred learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)?
- Temperament: Will the school’s environment suit your child’s personality (introverted vs. extroverted, independent vs. collaborative)?
- Interests and Strengths: Does the school offer programs that align with your child’s interests and talents (arts, STEM, languages)?
- Needs and Challenges: Is the school equipped to support any special educational needs or challenges your child may have?
Assessing the Schools
- Educational Philosophy: Does the school’s teaching philosophy align with your family’s values and your child’s learning preferences?
- Curriculum and Programs: Does the curriculum cater to your child’s academic level and interest? Are there programs for advanced learners or support for those who need it?
- Social Environment: Is the school known for a supportive social environment that would allow your child to thrive?
- Classroom Dynamics: Would your child do better in a school with smaller classes that offer more individual attention, or do they thrive in larger group settings?
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Are there clubs, sports, and other activities that match your child’s non-academic interests?
- Teacher Engagement: Do teachers seem engaged and caring? How do they interact with students?
Aligning Values and Logistics
- Family Involvement: Does the school encourage and provide opportunities for parent involvement?
- Logistics: Consider commute time, school hours, after-school care, and how these factors fit with your family’s routine.
- Future Pathways: Does the school provide a strong foundation for your child’s educational future, including transitions to higher grades?
Communication and Support
- Feedback and Support: How does the school communicate with parents about a child’s progress? What support systems are in place for academic or personal issues?
- Community: Is there a sense of community and shared goals among students, parents, and staff?
Join us for a community discussion on Tuesday, Nov 14th, at Noon via zoom. Please complete the following form to receive Zoom information.
Kindergarten Options
In the Boerne/San Antonio area, several options are available for parents when their children are ready to transition from preschool to a K-12 organization.
Options:
- Kindergarten at ExcellED Montessori
- Public School: You have traditional public schools, which are generally determined by your home address, offering the convenience of locality and community involvement.
- Charter School: Charter schools provide innovative educational models and curricula that might align better with your child’s learning style.
- Magnet School: Magnet schools focus on specific areas like science, the arts, or language immersion, attracting a diverse student body.
- Private School :
- Religious School
- Home Schooling: For a tailored educational experience that matches your family’s unique schedule and values, homeschooling could be a viable option, while online schools can cater to the needs of independent learners with flexible curriculums.
- Online Schools
As you navigate this decision, consider your child’s individual needs, your family’s educational values, logistical practicalities, and long-term goals. It’s beneficial to tour schools, attend open houses, and connect with other parents to gather insights. Remember, the best choice is one that aligns with your child’s natural curiosity and love for learning, fostering their growth into a confident and enthusiastic learner.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Programs offered at ExcellED Montessori Plus include:
✔️Infants (10 Weeks – 18 Months)
✔️Toddlers (18 – 36 Months)
✔️Primary (3-6 Years)
✔️Kindergarten
✔️Mother’s Day Out
✔️Spanish Immersion / Dual Language
✔️After School Programs and Summer Camp (6 – 12 Years)
Music, Spanish, and Yoga are other programs included as part of the tuition.
Learn more about Inquiry-based Learning
