Summary
Contact Info
Circle of Friends
265 Moulton Street
San Francisco
, CA
94123
www.circleoffriendssf.com
Tel:
(415) 345-9184
Fax:
(415) 922-8391
Director:
Michele Etchenique
circleoffriendspreschool@yahoo.com
General Approach to Learning
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| Play-based with some structure |
 |
Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
After a face-to-face meeting at the school (tour, conversation with director, etc.) |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
6:1 |
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
2 years and 6 months |
| School year |
09/2008 - 07/2009 |
Kindergarten Placement
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
18
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:
- JCC- Helen Diller Family Preschool
- Lone Mountain Children's Center
- One Fifty Parker School
- Russian Hill School
- Temple Emanu-el Preschool
-
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
6:1
|
| Average tenure for teachers |
8 yrs.
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
50%
|
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
No
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| Teach religious concepts |
No
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
No
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Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
No
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Other Memberships
Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.6) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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| Music room |
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| Art room |
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| Library |
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Playground
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Director's Comments
Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
Once accepted into the school, parents are making a commitment to pay for the entire year their child has been enrolled into. Parents will need to pay the balance of the year even if they leave the program, move away.... Our success comes from satisfied, returning parents who have been with us for many years.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
I love that the school is small and intimate: it is the perfect school for children that are "thinkers"
Parent #2
I believe the main teacher, Michele has zero tolerance for kids who require a bit more effort to teach and do not fit into her 'ideal child' mold. Since this is a private school and not under the scrutiny of certain California state laws, it appears that the school has become quite lax and lazy in maintaining standards.
Parent #3
This school has a 'one-size-fits-all' curriculm. with individual needs and differences discouraged. Teacher communication is very poor
Parent #4
The school is small, so the two teachers focus very much time and attention on each child. They excel in music, art, French, and academics. At the same time, they make school fun and the children love attending. No one ever cries when being dropped off. It is a warm environment and provides a superb education.
Parent #5
My child learns French and music. She always comes home singing a new song that she memorized. She sings songs that are from various eras-Jazz, contemporary, etc.
Parent #6
The strengths of the school are many; the main weakness I see is that the owner and operator of the school does not have relationships with other schools to make it more of a 'feeder' school. She does not toot her own horn, but instead focuses on the kids. Her skills with children are wonderful but she has not made inroads with the various private schools in SF in which many parents wish to place their children. I have found that children from this school are often far ahead of their peers when they enter kindergarten.
Parent #7
This is a small school ( 10 per class- 2 teachers). The children have wonderful one-on-one attention. They discourage formation of cliques by splitting the children in informal rotating small groups. All of the children feel so comfortable, supported by teachers and secure with their friendships ( i.e.. you never hear so and so is weird, bad etc.) that they have time to focus on learning what they want to learn. As parents there is a very good support network and if you can't be somewhere on time generally some one is more than willing to pick up your child or help in some way. Also, an added bonus, the head teacher is French so they learn a lot of French songs, words etc.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Circle of Friends Preschool & PreK was designed specifically to provide parents with a small school setting offering a unique program: an art based curriculum, an exposure to French and a wonderful music program for children 2.5-5.5 years. Our goal is to promote a life long love of learning. We are a school where respect, responsibility and inner discipline are encouraged.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
We have (3) different classes:
Nursery school for ages 2.5-3.5
This is their first exposure to school, where they meet friends and learn to play and work in a structured environment. Art projects, French and Music are kept simple.
Preschool for ages 3.5-4.5
Here the children learn to problem solve using language to resolve disputes with the help of a teacher.
Daily progress is made in learning French, music, songs, poetry and dance.
Their art projects are more complex and school rules reinforced, along with self help skills.
They begin working on their book of letters, phonics, math and listening skills are reinforced.
Transitional Kindergarten for ages 4.5-5.5 This is a highly regarded kindergarten prep class for children entering school in the Fall.
They work on their book of numbers and a French book of words. The children are exposed to lower case letters and they are encouraged to demonstrate their writing, reading and counting abilities.
The children are taught self help and leadership skills essential for kindergarten.
Their art projects are more challenging and complex. They are read chapter books and participate in open discussions relating to the story.
Compassion and empathy for peers, respect for oneself, others, the environment and family is emphasized.
The French class focuses on: enunciation, articulation, phonics, counting, songs.
The music class focuses on recognizing notes, letters, math skills: fractions, counting, rhythm, ear training, use of musical instruments, dance and movement.
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.2) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
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
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!
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.8) |
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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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Director's Comments
We meet parents at the door during drop off and pick up and have an open door policy. Handouts are distributed about activities/projects taking place in class. Emails are a practical way for us to communicate with parents as well as by phone before and after school. We hold parent teacher conferences in the spring.We cannot make the decision for the parents. We are advisors and offer our expertise and guidance regarding elementary schools.
Separation
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Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Director's Comments
We prefer that parents stay for the first half hour of class during the first week of class. This is essential for the 2.5 - 3.5 year olds to develop a sense of routine and trust.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Circle of Friends is an incredible program offering a nurturing, loving environment balanced with a very successful base of pre-K learning which takes place through art, music, and French. Discipline is gentle yet thorough teaching children respect for themselves, their peers and adults. My son has thrived in this program where structure provides confidence and security knowing 'what comes next' in his school day, and he has already successfully begun to use the invaluable tools his teachers provide him in his daily life.
Parent #2
There is a once a year parent-teacher conference.
Parent #3
The separation process was not a huge issue for my 2 daughters, but we were welcome to stay until they felt comfortable if it was difficult. Other parents did the same.
Parent #4
Circle of Friends is a very small school and as such is able to treat each case/child individually. Separation issues, learning progression, discipline, achievements are discussed as they occur. I really feel I am kept well informed of my son's experience at school. The Director is always open to one-on-one conversation either in person or over the phone and these mini-meetings really keep me on top of how he's doing. Our experience at Circle of Friends has been that it is just an extension of our home environment.
Parent #5
Circle of Friends is a very small school so some of your more structured questions don't apply. That doesn't mean the school is not strong in that area. For example, the school doesn't have or necessarily need a board.
Parent #6
The preschool director respects and works directly with children to acknowledge their feelings if there is separation anxiety, rather than having parents stay in the classroom, which in cases may aggravate the situation.
Parent #7
The teachers use slang in their communicating. For example they discipline the children for "spacing out". Since children at this age are very "literal" it is difficult for them to understand the expectations of the teacher.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.6) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.3) |
|
| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another
| |
Overview
Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline
We discuss the issue in an open, nurturing environment where children can trust their teachers and are free to express their feelings and needs. We communicate with both parents and child if there is a recurring issue.
Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario
Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'
If this is a problem for Child C, we would then have all the children: A,B and C come together. Our approach would be to find out what the problem is by having them tell us (if possible). We would then address child A and B and ask: 'How would you feel if you couldn't play with your friend today?' 'How do you think that makes child C feel about not playing with you today?' 'What can you do so your friend, child C will feel better?' Address child C and ask: 'Does that sound good to you?' The issue may be resolved or it may require more discussion.
Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Outdoor Play: Extremely limited outside play area / equipment. Discipline: Circle of Friends provides reasonable and fair discipline with gentle guidance that helps the children understand boundaries and build respect for themselves and others. Time-outs are used effectively to teach right and wrong (1.what did you do wrong? 2.ok, now go and sit in the blue chair 3.again, why were you in the blue chair?).
Parent #2
The school is very small and the outside play area is a contained area. I would like it to be larger, however since it is contained, the children can play either inside or outside and still be watched by the teachers.
Parent #3
This is a small school. The children are there for 3-3 1/2 hours 2-3 days a week. There is a small outdoor area but really outdoor time is not why you are at this school, there is plenty of time for the park later. There is Acrosports (gymnastics) once a week for the 3 and 4 yr olds. I think discipline at the school is strict but very good and encourages the children to work things out themselves with out the atmosphere being frenetic. These kids sit down to eat their snacks at the table, sing a song, and then eat with spoons and forks, say please and thank you with no fuss etc.
Parent #4
Since the staff consists of only 2 teachers and occasionally parents for a special project, I'm not sure of the procedures for screening them. One owns the school and the other is well-known in the Bay Area for working at a couple of different schools.
Parent #5
Discipline is handled with the time-out method at Circle of Friends. I feel any situations with my sons were handled with sensitivity and fairness and both little guys were socialized very easily. The children are treated with respect as budding individual people. They are expected to make mistakes and learn from them. It has been my experience with both of our sons that the school's methodology has worked well to help them understand appropriate behavior and limits.
Parent #6
Outdoor play area is limited. This is not a concern to me as my child often goes to the playground after school. There is a fabulous one - Moscone - two blocks away.
Parent #7
outside play area is the size of a small walk-in closet. The one and only hallway is dark and VERY narrow. In my mind this is a definite hazard if there was a fire or any other reason to quickly evacuate a lot of frightened children
Parent #8
The classrooms and facilities are small, but the child teacher ratio is actually higher than 6:1: it's 4:1! (as there is a teachers' assistant) so I don't care at all about the size of the facility. Besides, little people don't take up much space :)
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.6) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
|
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Ages, Schedule & Tuition
Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition
| Ages |
Class Size |
Days |
Tuition |
From
4 years
6 months
to
5 years
6 months
|
14 |
Mon 8:30am - 3:30pm
Wed 8:30am - 3:30pm
Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm
|
$10340/Year |
From
4 years
6 months
to
5 years
6 months
|
14 |
Mon 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Wed 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Fri 12:00pm - 3:00pm
|
$6545/Year |
From
3 years
6 months
to
4 years
6 months
|
14 |
Mon 8:30am - 11:30am
Wed 8:30am - 11:30am
Fri 8:30am - 11:30am
|
$5445/Year |
From
2 years
6 months
to
3 years
6 months
|
14 |
Tue 8:30am - 11:30am
Thu 8:30am - 11:30am
|
$4895/Year |
Extended Care
Notes on Schedule and Extended Care
Notes
Nursery School T/Th 8:30-11:30am
Preschool MWF 8:30-11:30am
PreK MWF Noon-3:30pm
MWF 8:30-3:30pm (for 4.5 yr. olds pending space availability)
No extended care or early drop off
Calendar Year
School Year
Application & Admissions
Application Process
Admissions Process
Director's Comments
Comments
Read the application and sign appropriate papers.
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
Showed persistence.
Parent #2
It was very welcoming. I simply called, took a tour, and brought my child for another one. We joined right away. It was refreshing!
Parent #3
Got to know other parents at the school so I could get a realistic view of its programs and get to know the Director with a personal referral.
Parent #4
Be persistent. The school director focuses more on the children than on procedures, so it sometimes takes her a while to respond.
