Here is my list. I think they might NOT accept us, just because of it.
Missing anything?
- Will each child be accommodated and an individual, or as part of a specific group/small group?
- How with the school determine the appropriate grade level of the child in each area and as a whole?
- I already understand that you will allow subject acceleration. Will you also allow complete grade acceleration?
- How will children be assessed throughout the year and provided for appropriately?
- Will the school take into account that certain children do not need as much repetition in order to master a concept - being in Math or Social Studies. How will you accommodate each child individually when this fact come into play? Will this be achievable in relation to the Curriculum set out for each grade? (Not that I care about the Alberta Curriculum, but I don't want THE **** CURRICULUM for a specific grade to be the reason our children can not move to where they need to be.)
- Will the School cater specifically to gifted children? If so, at what level?
- If so, will the school be able to deal appropriately with common issues relating to children who are gifted, e.g. daydreaming, unwarranted self-criticism, perfectionism, extremely high expectations of themselves (and unmotivated the next), super sensitivity to situations and people around them, etc.
- Will the school strive to create a community by organizing social events such as a "welcome back BBQ" or "Spelling Bee"?
- Will you categorize your school as "self-paced"? If not, can you explain why not?
- Will children be allowed to follow their own interests to an certain degree? If so, how will you make sure that they do not miss anything important for their specific age/grade/stage?
- Will learning projects be an integral part of your program, vs just worksheet based? If so, will children be guided towards their own discoveries, or will it be the responsibility of the parents?
- How much "Hands On" or discovery based learning will take place. (Again in relation to worksheets?)
- If a child needs motivation at some stage, will it be given, and how?
- What if a child just beats to a different drum or does not fit into most boxes - will you be able to handle such a child gently, without seeing it or the child as a problem.
- Your intended school hours seem short. Do you think that you will be able to fit all of your great ideas into 5.5 or 6 hours? (Dr. *****, even if you just manage 1/2 of what you envision, you are already doing immeasurably better than most. )
- How will you encourage children to build positive peer relationships?
- Our current school has already requested a non-refundable deposits for next year. Are you able to give me an estimate of when your admission decisions will be made?
- Will siblings be given priority? (Less parents like me to deal with!)
- Will your own children be attend the school?
