The First Question On Everyone's Mind: Why Should I Pay For Kindergarten?
At St. Margaret’s Day School, we already know that learning and developmental milestones are pinnacle to a child’s success and self-esteem growth--as shown through our programs beginning at age two. As an MSDE educationally approved facility, a NAEYC accredited program and an MSDE Excels accredited program, we maintain a stable staff with low teacher/student ratios as well as small class sizes. Many people understand the value of early education through pre-Kindergarten, but don’t realize how important the Kindergarten year is.
Kindergarten is one of the most crucial learning years. Research and studies have proven that small class sizes are critical for achievement and self-esteem. The love of lifelong learning begins at the earliest stages. Learning through play, learning from each other, having rich opportunities for discovery and experimentation, and gross motor activity are still critical to early childhood development.
A research study of STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio, or STAR 1985–1989) found that students in the small classes significantly outperformed students in regular classes on standardized reading and mathematics tests. No difference was found between regular classes and classes with aides. STAR data indicated that small classes led to statistically significant improvements in reading and mathematics, and benefits were greatest for students who started in small classes early (full-day kindergarten or first grade). Small classes allow more individual attention and more interaction with teachers and students. Discipline issues tend to disappear. Children don't slip through the cracks the way they do in the larger class settings. Class size -- which was the impetus of Project Star -- evidently played some role. Classes with 13 to 17 students do better than classes with 22 to 25. Subsequent studies found that students from the smaller classes continued to outperform students from the regular-size classes on achievement tests through middle school, with some indication of improved performance and behavior through high school.
Things to look for in a kindergarten program:
Kindergarten is one of the most crucial learning years. Research and studies have proven that small class sizes are critical for achievement and self-esteem. The love of lifelong learning begins at the earliest stages. Learning through play, learning from each other, having rich opportunities for discovery and experimentation, and gross motor activity are still critical to early childhood development.
A research study of STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio, or STAR 1985–1989) found that students in the small classes significantly outperformed students in regular classes on standardized reading and mathematics tests. No difference was found between regular classes and classes with aides. STAR data indicated that small classes led to statistically significant improvements in reading and mathematics, and benefits were greatest for students who started in small classes early (full-day kindergarten or first grade). Small classes allow more individual attention and more interaction with teachers and students. Discipline issues tend to disappear. Children don't slip through the cracks the way they do in the larger class settings. Class size -- which was the impetus of Project Star -- evidently played some role. Classes with 13 to 17 students do better than classes with 22 to 25. Subsequent studies found that students from the smaller classes continued to outperform students from the regular-size classes on achievement tests through middle school, with some indication of improved performance and behavior through high school.
Things to look for in a kindergarten program:
- Parent participation: As an open door school, parents are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish in their child’s class. We have a very active Parent/Teacher organization as well. No car pool line means seeing your child’s friends and teachers daily.
- Enrichment: Art, Science, Social Studies, Chapel, P.E., Music and Spanish weekly. In house and outside field trips monthly allow for further exploration of themes and topics.
- Discovery and STEM: As a “hands on” learning environment, the children explore and investigate to learn every day. A mix of structured and unstructured activities leads to well-rounded and well developed, critically thinking children.
- Partners in the community: St. Margaret’s partners with many community groups to include the Maritime Museum, the Broadneck Library, DNR (Department of Natural Resources), Eco Adventures, Anne Arundel Jr. Engineering and more.
- Leadership/self-esteem: Graduating as a Kindergartener from St. Margaret’s Day School allows a child to be the “big fish in a small pond.” Our Kindergarteners are role models and mentors for our younger children and this in turn helps to build their confidence and self-esteem so that they become lifelong leaders. Our entire curriculum is intentional to develop open-minded thinkers who are stewards of our planet, good citizens of our communities and the best people they can be. We use research based curriculums, best practices and programs that extend learning and problem solving skills.
- Communication: At St. Margaret’s Day School, you are always in communication with our team. Monthly and yearly calendars, weekly newsletters, weekly social progress reports, and tri-yearly academic report cards. Emails and communication folders keep parents, teachers and administration closely connected. This year we have began using Kaymbu, an app, to improve our parent communication even more.
