Christopher Academy

Print page | Close page

Summary

Contact Info

Christopher Academy
1390 Terrill Road
Scotch Plains , NJ  07076
www.christopheracademy.com

Tel: (908) 322-4652

Key Statistics

Age cutoff for enrollment 2 years
Extended day No

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. Five Stars
Quality of teaching Five Stars
Development of social skills and work habits Four Stars
Home-school connection Five Stars
Parent community Five Stars
Discipline Five Stars
Facilities Five Stars
Health Five Stars
Safety Four And Half Stars
Handling of separation Five Stars

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  2

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school


Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children Yes

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Five Stars
Classroom equipment and furniture Five Stars

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"The Mission of Christopher Academy is to support the development of the full potential of the child by serving individual needs, fostering independence, and protecting the social consciousness within an environment which celebrates a love of learning.
"
Excerpted from the preschool's website



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.2) Four Stars
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Four And Half Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Four Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Four Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Four And Half Stars

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language YES
Oral language - - - - n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs - - - - n/a
Storybook reading - - - - n/a
Emerging literacy skills - - - - n/a
Cognitive Development n/a
Math and number sense Free play Free play with some structure - - YES
Time & space - - - - YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world - - - - -
Music - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - -
Visual arts - - - - -
Physical activity - - - - YES
Other subjects taught n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (5.0) Five Stars
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Five Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Five Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Five Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Five Stars
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Five Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Five Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Five Stars
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute Five Stars
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them Five Stars
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn Five Stars
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts Five Stars
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children Five Stars

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This is a Montessori school, so the answer choice "free play" as described is probably the closest to accurate, but shortchanges in that it doesn't reflect how the teachers take time with the children demonstrating and explaining materials once the children find materials that interest them.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Conducts an open house at start of school year Five Stars
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year Five Stars
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences Five Stars
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year Five Stars
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year Five Stars
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools Five Stars

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

Drop-in Policy

- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy

General Parent Education

-This preschool does connect parents with services and activities that can help you help your child develop better at home

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (5.0) Five Stars

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

- Encourage play dates out of school

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Parents' Opinions
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

Health

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Five Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Five Stars

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.8) Four And Half Stars
Screen and identify all visitors Five Stars
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Four And Half Stars

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 2 years to
5 years
$0/Year

Extended Care

- This school does not have extended care

Application & Admissions

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Diversity  

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips



Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.



The Savvy Source for Parents © 2006
[ close this page ]