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Santa Monica , CA
Evergreen Community School
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
Telephone: (310) 453-6255 · Website: evergreencommunityschool.com
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.8) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year | 
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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source:
Director's Comments
Maintaining a strong connection between caregivers and the school is necessary to facilitate optimal learning for children. Teachers connect with caregivers through multiple methods to ensure that a dynamic dialogue exists between a child's home and his/her classroom. Some of the forms of communication include: - two parent-teacher conferences a year - bi-weekly electronic journals that describe small group and classroom work processes - daily verbal communication with parents - weekly notes sent home to communicate tiny moments of learning, connection or insight - parent meetings every eight weeks to engage parents in the meaning of their children's work - individual portfolios that document a child's learning through his/her years at Evergreen; including teacher analysis and reflection for each learning experience - other forms of documentation that make visible the layers of meaning attached to any dynamic learning experience (wall panels, books, displays, etc.)
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (4.7) |
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Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Home visits by teachers
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
source:
Director's Comments
While the teachers at Evergreen take several steps to support a smooth transition from home to school, our belief that children are capable underpins this process. A capable child makes the connection to school supported by educators and families who commit to making this a constructive process. Home visits are made before children begin attending school, providing an opportunity for children and teachers to connect. Families and staff meet before the school year begins to construct identity panels for each child using photographs and stories. These panels are present in the classroom speaking to the identity of each child who enters. Children in Class 1 begin the school year on a staggered schedule, yielding a smaller teacher to child ratio. Family books, completed at home during the summer and collected at the home visit, also create a strong bridge between home and school for the child.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The method is Reggio Emilia and I strongly encourage parents to read up on the method as it is strongly influenced by this Italian method of teaching. You are encouraged and supported to be involved in the school and all aspects of your child's attending there.
Parent #2
Evergreen Community School is a growing and learning wonderland. My daughter wakes up EVERY morning bursting with eagerness for school to begin, and has each day since it began. She is respected there, and encouraged to think and explore and communicate in ways i did not know were possible for someone her age--and that is a testament to the school's philosophy, director and dedicated teaching staff, which is the best in Los Angeles.
Parent #3
Evergreen is a developmental preschool so there are not specific written learning goals, but the documentation is of the highest order. It is available to parents in so many ways (in the classroom, on the walls, in the hallways, in personal notebooks for each child and in newsletters)...
Parent #4
We came to Evergreen after 1 year at the Growing Place. Our son had already had 1 year of preschool in the same philosophical approach as Evergreen. Thus our separation was less and thus we do not really know the 'beginnings'. Our connection with other families due to arriving in the third year was friendly, however, it did feel as though many families in our son's room were second and third kids. Regardless, we have had lovely connections to other families and feel very connected to the teachers and our son's friend -- which are many!
Parent #5
They encourage a wonderful home/school connection and take a lot of time making the process happy for all. for example, when the home visit happens, the teacher really comes to spend time with your child, not with you, and for each of my three children they have been wonderful, special experiences, that they remember for many years.
Parent #6
While Evergreen in not a play-based school per se, the school's Reggio-based philosophy does not generally indicate the need for formal learning 'benchmarks' which children are expected to reach; though teachers are fully aware of appropriate development stages for children of this age and in touch with parents regarding any issues or problems in this regard.
Parent #7
The school is Reggio based which means among other things, there is an educational philosophy but not a learnig mandate. The children learn through focused small groups that explore ideas derrived from the children. By the time they are ready for kindergarden they have all the necessary skills to move on plus they are creative thinkers ripe with ideas to explore.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (4.6) |
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Parents:
- Hold social events at the school to build community
- Fundraise
- Are required to make donations ourselves
- Are able to visit the school anytime we want
- Volunteer in the classroom
- Receive newsletters
- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)
- Schedule family field trips
- Pair "old" parents with "new" parents
- Encourage play dates out of school
- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Again, the school is quite open and has a wonderful opportunity to get involved at various levels.
Parent #2
Parents are very involved on all levels at Evergreen and the community is that of an extended family.
Parent #3
Have wonderful access to the Director of the school.
Parent #4
I do all of the above but am not a trustee nor have I gone on field trips this year.
Parent #5
One day a week parents are invited to bring in something of interest to share or do with the children.
Parent #6
Participate in parent workdays
Parent #7
Because we are all involved parents, the families all get to know each other very well--we even go camping together. It becomes a very close circle of friends.
Parent #8
There is definitely a strong Nanny network at the school which creates many playdates. Parents chat as well and set up dates.
Parent #9
It's a very supportive community and you can be as involved and engaged as you want to/can be.
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
- Notes
- Phone Calls
- Voice Mail
- Special Meetings
- Two or More Regular Conferences
- Drop-Off
- Pick-Up
- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
It is an open door policy so anytime works.
Parent #2
The teachers and Director alike are available and eager to discuss any issue or development that parents raise. You can set up formal meetings any time you feel necessary, or simply take some time at drop-off or pick up to talk to the teachers or the Director. I have never felt like any problem was too small, nor that any ideas I might have were not worth considering.
Parent #3
Documentation of the children's work/process
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