I used to teach in public and we had required parent engagement time every week. We were also told to communicate with all parents every day, in some way. This could be through dojo, a phone call, or written communication in their notebook.

I teach at a upscale private now and there’s much less interaction with student families. I barely know them. We are encouraged to involve guidance or administration in conversations. Conversations are much more guarded and interactions are largely driven by higher ups. When we do back to school night, for example, we deliver presentations that they create. Conferences revolve around similar speeches that are pre-approved and any that could potentially veer off track are attended by administrators.

All schools are different, but I wouldn’t assume that private equates to more meaningful parent access to teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you want this? A lot of kids are bored at school. Provide enrichment outside of school if you want to give your kid a challenge. I think a lot of parents want conferences just so they can hear how great their kid is doing.

I dunno. My kids spend more time with their teachers than they do with me. Seems like we should probably touch base every few months if only to establish a relationship in case something does come up down the line.

Exactly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you requesting a conference?

Our public didn’t have conferences after first or second grade unless you requested.

I have one in private and we have a zoom with each of his teachers.

Yes, I requested one. She declined.

Oh, wow. I would push back on this. Involve administration if needed. That’s not ok.

Thanks. We're considering. If she says no need, maybe things are truly ok.

Or it means she is paying little attention to your kid because your kid is top of class. Guess what, your kid still needs engagement and challenges in class. You still need to know how she interacts in class with teacher and peers etc. If this is private i would be livid.

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you requesting a conference?

Our public didn’t have conferences after first or second grade unless you requested.

I have one in private and we have a zoom with each of his teachers.

Yes, I requested one. She declined.

Oh, wow. I would push back on this. Involve administration if needed. That’s not ok.

Thanks. We're considering. If she says no need, maybe things are truly ok.

Or it means she is paying little attention to your kid because your kid is top of class. Guess what, your kid still needs engagement and challenges in class. You still need to know how she interacts in class with teacher and peers etc. If this is private i would be livid.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you push the issue? 5th grade DD seems ok but doesn't have a single grade under 99%, and we're wondering if she's bored.

It’s not that unusual for elementary school students to get perfect scores in everything. This means they are understanding everything they are learning and are able to let the teacher know this by getting everything right on tests.

+1 OP lots of DMV privates operate this way too. They turn up the gas starting in middle school.

Good to know! DD said some of her classmates were reading below grade level, so I really had no idea if this was good, bad, or just what it is. Her older sibling is old enough that so much has changed...

There is more to elementary school than getting 99% on assignments. I would insist on a meeting to talk about the child, not the child's grades.