San Francisco, CA
Circle of Friends

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.2)
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job
Patient and affectionate with children
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children

source:

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Description of how teachers work with children who are  "behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students

Our school is designed to have a maximum of 12-14 students per class. This allows us to individualize the program. We are consciously aware of each child's abilities and weaknesses and can adapt the curriculum as needed to keep the children satisfied, challenged and happy.

Parents' Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parent #1
This pre-school concentrates on learning through art and music, with French as part of the curriculum. It incorporates the principles of the Emiglio-Romano system of Italy. There are also special projects: there have been 2 CD's and a video made and the children also learn songs in different languages. They also learned geography, for instance, through some of these songs. Their artwork has been exhibited; they also made calendars which incorporated learning about the seasons. I can't even begin to tell how many things they have learned, as well as how ready they were for kindergarten, and ahead of many of their peers, having learned a lot of basics through playing, singing, creating art projects and learning French in the bargain! The school is also very small: a total of 12 children and 2 full-time teachers, so the ratio makes it possible for the children to get a great deal of attention and always be engaged.

Parent #2
Circle of Friends has a couple of great teachers. I can't say enough about the quality of all the programs Circle of Friends offer. I truly feel my sons exposure to French, Music and Art is truly amazing--they learned more as tiny tots than I know I learned in the first few years of elementary school! The music program is terrific--the kids learn about music theory, vocal performance,composers--both classical and jazz. This is the type of program most parents would pay for in addition to school as an enrichment opportunity and at CofF it's all part of the deal! They also do an excellent job providing the kids with French basics and elementary academics. My eldest son was more than prepared for the Kindergarten interview process and was admitted everywhere we applied. Our 4-year-old son in the program now, knows all his letters and numbers and is beginning pre-reading concepts. I am certain he will be more than ready for Kindergarten. And, my kids loved the program. The teachers make learning fun--it isn't a burn-out type place, but your children learn a LOT. This is a great school for exposure to the arts and is a wonderful place to start the academic process.

Parent #3
This is a small program with two teachers. Never was hit on 'teacher 3' and 'teacher 4' in lieu of 'not applicable.'

Parent #4
It's an exceptional school and really special. You're really blessed if you get your child in!

Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

What school type is right for your child? Is one model better than another? What does the research say?

View an example from the Savvy Source guide to learn more.

Trace around your child's foot, with shoe on, on a piece of white construction paper or card stock. Have child cut out the shoe print and add a spooky face. Glue it to a popsicle stick and you have a ghost stick puppet!

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