Summary
Contact Info
55th Street School
3012 NE 55th Street
Seattle
, WA
98105
www.55thstreetschool.com
Tel:
(206) 527-7591
Director:
Marilyn Ostrom & Ruth Bachrach
marilyn@55thstreetschool.com
Admissions Director:
Marilyn & Ruth
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based |
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
After a face-to-face meeting at the school |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
8:1 |
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
2 years |
| School year |
09/2008 - 06/2009 |
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:
2
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
8:1
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| Average tenure for teachers |
12 yrs.
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% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
25%
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Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a third year |
Yes
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| • no |
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| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
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 (4.0) |
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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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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?
We are located in a 1923 house, which we converted into a Preschool using both the main floor and basement. Our playground utilizes every space and is made for action and creativitiy. Very child friendly!
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
There is no more nurturing and supportive school in Seattle. It was my son's first real away from home experience and the teachers helped him make a smooth transition. He made great friends, became more confident, learned and loved the rhythm/structure of the classroom (putting his coat in his cubby, lining up for the bathrrom). It made his world larger and him more engaged and curious about it. The teachers are very experienced and sensitive and truly insightful about children. They always had great ideas to help him when he needed it. When he was in a pericularly perfectionistic phase and wouldn't try new things for fear of failing they suggested I use puppets and do little skits about making mistakes (knocing over the pencils and then picking them up to show that it was ok). He loved learning there and always had new stories to tell of things he'd learned, social issues that had arisen etc. It was a perfect foundation for him. We moved and were heartbroken to leave.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (5.0) |
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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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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers at 55th Street are on fire. They are wonderful with children and make special connections with every child. Each week has a theme (shapes, sealife, pumpkins, pulleys etc) and they integrate it thorughout the days' activities. The day always includes free play, circle, singing, reading. There is a movement teacher who comes in for special sessions. Children come home excited about what they have learned and ready to go back the next day. It is an incredibly warm and nurturing place.
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
Parents can socialize as much or as a little as they wish. I was working full time with a newborn and therefore wasn't as involved with other families.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.0) |
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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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
The teachers are terrific at supporting children in their social development and interactions. It is a primary focus and they are outstanding at it. I don't know how to talk about 'discipline' here. Children are fully supported as they meet social challenges such as taking turns, respecting others' bodies and feelings. For example, children are encouraged to wait for their turn by observing how another child is using a toy, thinking about what they want to do with it etc. The school itself is in a sweet bungalow is very comforting. I love coming by on the days kids help cook the snacks-like using a rice maker or baking rolls they shape themselves.
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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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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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
Put myself on the waiting list as early as I could and kept checking in. I knew it was my first choice and let them know that too. Sometimes as an incoming parent it can be hard to reach them since the directors are full-time teachers. Don't be detered-they're just busy.
