St. Stephens/St. Agnes (VA) school visit

[Anonymous]

My understanding from past SSSAS parents it that the school visit is to gauge whether the child can follow directions, separate from parents, display basic good behavior and politeness, and not be disruptive or draw attention to him or herself in a negative way, e.g., ignore instructions, refuse follow directions, refuse to participate or disregard teachers requests, etc. I think they know that children at age 4 aren't all going to be at the same level re: writing name, IQ games, etc. I think it's a general personality assessment of the child and whether they will fit in and not require too much disruptive attention, if that makes sense. I don't think it matters if your child is either overly outgoing or shy, just as long as they follow directions, respond to teachers, participate, and show a good effort.

[Anonymous]

I doubt the school visit last weekend had anything to do with parents, since parents weren't there other than to drop off, and only chatted amongst themselves across campus.

I think the parents are looked at more in the parent interview. I think the teachers at these school visits have a good sense of which kids will be good fits and which won't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I doubt the school visit last weekend had anything to do with parents, since parents weren't there other than to drop off, and only chatted amongst themselves across campus.

I think the parents are looked at more in the parent interview. I think the teachers at these school visits have a good sense of which kids will be good fits and which won't.

Yes. And please remember, mommies, that "good fit" is not defined by the size of the hairbow your DD wears. If she happens to have a momentary lapse and, say, bites the kid in line in front of her, it won't matter how impressive the smocking on her outfit is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My understanding from past SSSAS parents it that the school visit is to gauge whether the child can follow directions, separate from parents, display basic good behavior and politeness, and not be disruptive or draw attention to him or herself in a negative way, e.g., ignore instructions, refuse follow directions, refuse to participate or disregard teachers requests, etc. I think they know that children at age 4 aren't all going to be at the same level re: writing name, IQ games, etc. I think it's a general personality assessment of the child and whether they will fit in and not require too much disruptive attention, if that makes sense. I don't think it matters if your child is either overly outgoing or shy, just as long as they follow directions, respond to teachers, participate, and show a good effort.

So if a child happens to have an off day with listening, parents will never know it and the child will not be accepted, despite a good-to-great teacher rec and all other positive things?!?

[Anonymous]

Seems competitive this year - are there always so many kids at these things?

[Anonymous]

I think private school apps are up across the board, and I'm not surprised if SSSAS is getting more K apps due to the declining situation of ACPS and uncertainty re: Jefferson Houston, MVCS, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding from past SSSAS parents it that the school visit is to gauge whether the child can follow directions, separate from parents, display basic good behavior and politeness, and not be disruptive or draw attention to him or herself in a negative way, e.g., ignore instructions, refuse follow directions, refuse to participate or disregard teachers requests, etc. I think they know that children at age 4 aren't all going to be at the same level re: writing name, IQ games, etc. I think it's a general personality assessment of the child and whether they will fit in and not require too much disruptive attention, if that makes sense. I don't think it matters if your child is either overly outgoing or shy, just as long as they follow directions, respond to teachers, participate, and show a good effort.

So if a child happens to have an off day with listening, parents will never know it and the child will not be accepted, despite a good-to-great teacher rec and all other positive things?!?

Maybe. Perhaps they would take a kid who seems to be a good fit at the school visit over a misbehaved or antisocial kid with a 98% WPPSI. I think this is all just a crapshoot, but would bet that the school visit and teacher recs count a lot.

[Anonymous]

Our DS loved the whole experience. He apparently thinks the school is as wonderful as we do. Anyway, he said he sat with several different teachers to do some tasks - building with blocks, counting bears, and drawing a picture. He also reported listening to a story, listening to the "dean" (he means the principal) talk about magic, and walking in a line to a room where they played "red light, green light." He came out all smiles, carrying a drawing. He said he did two and they kept the one in which he drew me without hair. The one he brought home was awesome - hope the one he left behind was as detailed!

[Anonymous]

Cannot tell what ours thinks. Didn't get much from her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cannot tell what ours thinks. Didn't get much from her.

Truthfully? She probably thinks it's crazy that 5 year olds have to try out for school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cannot tell what ours thinks. Didn't get much from her.

Truthfully? She probably thinks it's crazy that 5 year olds have to try out for school.

+1

[Anonymous]

Not trying out; they don't even know why they are there except to play. Ours had a good experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not trying out; they don't even know why they are there except to play. Ours had a good experience.

Yes, it's all so darling, isn't it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not trying out; they don't even know why they are there except to play. Ours had a good experience.

Yes, it's all so darling, isn't it?

I'd say just about all kindergartners are pretty darling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not trying out; they don't even know why they are there except to play. Ours had a good experience.

Yes, it's all so darling, isn't it?

I'd say just about all kindergartners are pretty darling.

+1