Summary
Contact Info
Academy of St. Joseph
111 Washington PL
New York
, NY
10014
www.academyofsaintjoseph.org
Tel:
(212) 243-5420
Fax:
(212) 414-4526
Director:
Angela Coombs
acoombs1@msn.com
Admissions Director:
Angela Coombs
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
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Reggio-Emilia |
Application Information
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
18:1 |
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:
5
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
18:1
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| Average tenure for teachers |
1 yrs.
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
100%
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Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
Yes
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
Yes
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| Teach religious concepts |
Yes
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| • We welcome all faiths |
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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 (5.0) |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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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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Dining Hall with kitchen services, Assembly Hall, Smartboard, Science Lab
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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?
A warm welcome is extended to families who would like to be part of the founding of a school community where students are encouraged to excel at what they do, to embrace a cause or belief with passion and intelligence, and to always stirve to treat people with respect and dignity. Through their experiences at the Academy, students will come to be a people who are at home in the world, a people who will embrace the world with a cause to make it a better place.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
This school is a gem!! The teachers are amazing - very talented and also sweethearts - and also so creative and experienced at constantly inspiring kids to explore new, interesting, fun things. Very warm, nurturing and friendly environment! They also have great arts, music, movement! Best classrooms I have seen ANYWHERE - huge, beautiful, and extraordinarily well-equipped. Lovely, friendly, welcoming staff and parent community! And a perfect location in the heart of the Village!
Parent #2
There is so much respect for children as individuals at Academy of St. Joseph and also they are taught to respect others. The curriculum is quite impressive, even for the pre-k! My daughter has learned so much during these first couple of months and it is so exciting to see.
Parent #3
The teachers are very patient and thoughtful, with excellent ways of addressing problems of conflict and discipline - they use very cute and accessible drawings of a frog to illustrate the options for dealing with anger and other emotions; and they use a 'time out' system for dealing with disciplinary problems. They are very attentive to all of the students, and seem attuned to the needs and specific attributes of each. There is a very nice and close parent community which is involved in the running of the school in all sorts of ways, in particular as it is still a relatively new and 'young' school with a small group of parents.
Parent #4
Focused on the "whole child." Children's academic, social, emotional, physical, intellectual health, as well as their character. Just a really strong, great school with higher grades for children to advance into.
Parent #5
Such a lovely, lovely school! Strong academics, strong socialization, fantastic sunny large space and it's great that kids can move seamlessly into the older grades without switching school.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
A humanities-based currciulum characterized by our motto: character, competence and compassion.
We are partners with parents in the education of their children.
We celebrate children and their sense of wonder and play.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
The day begins with morning assembly, morning meeting, centers, exploration, hands-on-activities, and instruction.
Many opportunities for learning outside of the classroom are provided.
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.9) |
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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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| 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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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
I couldn't be happier with the instruction. Very enthusiastic teachers who are not only committed, but excited, to help children learn.
Parent #2
Our teacher is a gem - always sweet, calm, patient, and works soooo hard so that every day the class has a great schedule of fun things to do
Home School Connection
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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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Very thorough.
Parent #2
I could not imagine a better home-school connection. There is so much communication it is priceless! It is a world apart from my friends at other preschools. The teacher puts so much time into both a weekly newsletter, weekly updates to class website (dozens of pictures each week plus explanations of what is happening), emails about special things nearly every week, and available every day during drop off (20 minute window you can hang out in the class) and pick-up, plus at morning assembly you hear what special activities other classes are doing (special projects, field trips, etc.). I felt so very much a part of things even after just a few weeks!
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (4.8) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.8) |
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| 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
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
They have several sport/play areas: an outside roofdeck, a gymnasium/assembly hall, and they block off the street most day outside for the children to play at recess. Lots of fun games are coordinated (stop-go, ring-around-the-rosie, etc.), they have super soccer stars come to the school, they have daily music-and-movement classes. Physical development and playtime is great!
Health
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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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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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.8) |
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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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Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
Be yourself!! Angela - head of the school - is very down-to-earth and friendly. Don't be shy to ask any questions... she is very open and genuine!
