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San Francisco, CA
The Little School

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

neighborhood: Pacific Heights ·  Telephone: (415) 567-0430  · Website: www.littleschool.org

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.5)
Conducts an open house at start of school year
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

source:

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.6)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:

- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

- Parents in classroom early on

- Extra staff dedicated to handle seperation

- Small group sessions

- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

source:

Director's Comments

For two year olds: A pre-meeting with parents describes our approach and philosophy about separation and the importance of the parent's role. Parents are encouraged to share questions and concerns. The first three classes are a short day with only half the class. An adult important to the child stays the entire first class getting to know the teachers and routines of the day. After that day, teachers and parents will formulate an individualized separation plan. Parents may stay in class several more days or may leave the second day. Parents and teachers will stay in close touch. For older children, teachers and parents design whatever makes sense for the child.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I think the parent community varies. I have found ( my experience) that it can be a little difficult for new families to find a sense of community in the classroom. Since they admit so few new families, many returning families are so busy with family life with older siblings and have already 'found ' their community in Little School and in their elementary schools that they don't have the time to make space in their busy schedules to make new connections in their younger children's classroom. Also some classroom parents really mesh well together and have become very good friends. I have not found that yet but I am really happy with the experience my daughter is getting at Little School. On the larger scale of community, Little School works really hard to try to get a cohesive community. They also have a large commitment to diversity and financial aid and are trying to expand their admissions. I believe that this will help Little School not be such a homegenous school.

Parent #2
The teachers at the Little School make a huge effort to know the unique qualities of each child and work with each one to separate and grow and thrive during the year.

Parent #3
None of these questions touch on the quality of teachers or school heads. The program can sound like the greatest thing in the world, but if the teachers are inflexible or inexperienced or unable to implement its philosophy in meaningful ways, it's just words on paper. The teachers have been here for, in some cases, more than 20 years, and the entire school feels like an organic, thought-out community: it's warm and caring and really wants the best for each kid, no matter where he or she is. It's not just trying to do the most for the kids in the middle in the ways that are most convenient.

Parent #4
The Little School staff helps me be a better parent. They teach me to be aware of developmental stages, to be supportive and loving responses to stressful situations, and the value of endless patience and kindness. They also train parents as substitute teachers. I've never had time to do this but have heard it is an amazing training and helps you be an even better parent. I am constantly awed by the quality of their staff and their ability to help me be a better mom.

Parent #5
Separation and building confidence to be in the classroom are primary focuses of the 2 yr old years. The school really supports children and parents in this regard.

Parent #6
The home-school connection is one of the many strong points at the Little School. Perhaps most important, the teachers are given devoted time each day to use for parent-teacher communication, and the school encourages and values this activity.

Parent #7
In a classroom of fifteen, I still feel the teachers, who are veterans of the school and who have been instrumental in creating the school's philosophy, see each child as an individual. They are always finding stimulating ways to help the children develop socially and to start the process of critical thinking.

Parent #8
I have three children ages 18, 13, and 3. As a normal course of events, my two oldest each attended two different elementary schools (switches occurred because of 'fit' but all were outstanding schools), my oldest went to an incredible High School in SF and is now thriving in college. Without exception, the Little School is the finest, best run, most developmentally appropriate of ANY of the schools my childrenc attended. The average long tenure of the faculty, the constant faculty development, the attention to curriculum and how it impacts the kids is beyond measure. In the 10 years since my second child began at the Little School, the school has only (hard to believe)gotten BETTER. The kids are safe, they are happy, they are inquisitive and consistently go on to kindergarten as curious and engaged learners. It just doesn't get any better.

Parent #9
Little School is really a magical place where the kids absolutely thrive. The families are really cohesive and we enjoy our social interactions with other parents

Parent #10
This is our first year with this pre-school. The questions requiring a full year of participation were not applicable, and separation questions were not applicable.

Parent #11
I could not be happier with this pre-school. It is exceptional in every way. The teachers are all superb with many of them with tenures of 10, 15 and even >20 years. I can not recommend it highly enough.

Parent #12
Even when our child was enrolled as 'just' a Summer School student, the teachers demonstrated a keen understanding of her individual strengths and weaknesses. It really spoiled us. The Little School's approach to separation puts other schools to shame. They believe each child and situation is different and work closely with each family to figure out the right strategy for each particular child.

Parent #13
It's a very active parent community -- I think it's hard not to feel guilty about contributing less as a working parent, but that's not because there's any culture of shame.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (4.6)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

- 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.)

source:

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Are encouraged to make donations ourselves.

Parent #2
I am a room parent. Also we attend different work shops put on by the school. I am also a substitute teacher.

Parent #3
Have after school events for parents and for children; work on various committees, including a diversity committee and event committees; substitute teach; help w/ the library; help w/ projects in class; make scrap books for each child of the school year.

Parent #4
Is not required but we always feel is important to donate for such a good cause, like Financial Aid ... There's no specific amount ... You can always donate or help with something you do (or have) at the Silent Auction or thru the year ... It's a good place to volunteer, that way you get to see your little ones ... =) and i guess it works that way around, too. At these ages, i believe THEY LEARN from what they see.

Parent #5
Volunteer teach as a substitute, give tours of the school, help in the classroom with projects

Parent #6
Enjoy a wonderful community and support network

Parent #7
The parent community is vibrant, very active, and very rewarding.

Parent #8
You meet very nice people, your kids too =) Different ethnic backgrounds, religions ... Not only (age) appropiate for kids, i've learnt a lot from coming to The Little School, too. Good vibes ... but it's quite a happenin' in the mornings ... specially on Monday =)

Parent #9
Pairs old parents with new parents

Parent #10
Pairs old parents with new parents

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
On a daily basis ... they are very helpful teachers but the children are first thing ;) SO, if you want to talk to the teachers even they are quite approachable they are busy with the little ones. Is always better to leave a note or just comunicate via email or phone, or after the class.

Parent #2
Community events

Parent #3
The school is extremely open to parent-teacher communication and actively encourages it. Moreover, teachers have protected time for this, and all are more than happy to communicate as often as partents like.

Parent #4
While pick-up and drop-off are not designated times for parent-teacher exchanges, the teachers often approach me with insights on my child's day, cute anecdotes or interesting observations.