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Certain Questions are asked time and again. We thought we would share some questions and answers.
#1 Q: Have you considered school uniforms?
A: This is our most asked question. For the
administration of Shreiner
Academy,
the problem with uniforms is that the word uniform means “one form” and we don’t
want our children to be all
#2 Q: What is the maximum number of students permitted in a class? A: Although 18 students are permitted in a class, most elementary classes at Shreiner Academy average between 12 to 16 students 23 is the average class size in many private schools. Unfortunately, the larger the class size, the less individual attention. Large classes also demand increased regimentation and stricter disciplinary codes. Therefore, a large class benefits neither teacher nor student. On the contrary, small classes create a much more personal, intimate, and nourishing environment where individual growth is enhanced. If there is one indicator of a school’s commitment to its students, it is class size.
#3 Q: Why do certain schools consistently get high standardized test scores? A: A couple of years ago researchers took the top scoring schools and tried to determine a common denominator. Surprisingly, it was not the teacher’s experience, the textbooks used, or the amount of homework assigned. As it turned out, the common denominator was school size. Almost every school with the best scores had enrollments of approximately 300 students. It was reasoned that schools with 300 students were large enough to provide the necessary facilities; yet were small enough to serve the needs of the individual. In America, where “bigger is better” seems to be the national motto, it is refreshing to see the intimate environment of the small school recognized for its outstanding academic achievement.
#4 Q: May parents suggest field trips? A: Yes, some of our best trips have originated with parents. Joanna Wagner creates the school’s special events calendar. Her phone number is 770-953-1340. Joanna welcomes suggestions for field trips, shows, guest lecturers, and special events.
#5 Q: Why doesn’t Shreiner Academy have open houses for parents interested in the fall program? A: Although open houses are an effective means for handling a large number of parents, we take a different approach. The hall mark of Shreiner Academy is “individual attention.” We extend that to the students and we extend that to the parents with an individual 45 minute tour of the school campus.
#6 Q: What is the story behind the large oak trees in front of the library? A: The white oak trees date back to before the Civil War. Although Cobb County’s 19th Century land records were destroyed in courthouse fires, tradition maintains that this was the site of the Gant Plantation. There is another interesting aspect to the history of the school’s land. During the civil war, the road in front of the school ran slightly more to the west than its present course. Thus, when Sherman’s troops approached Atlanta following Terrell Mill Road, they marched right through the heart of our present day campus. We are proud of our oak trees and we have adopted the oak tree as our school logo.
#7 Q: What is the biggest benefit Shreiner Academy offers students? A: Its environment. A small school creates a much more personal, intimate, and nourishing environment where individual growth is enhanced.
A: At Shreiner Academy the assignment of daily homework is limited (on an average) to 45 minutes a day. Many students complete the work during the school day or in the after school study halls. We are certainly in the minority relative to this aspect. Many schools assign two to three hours of homework every night. Perhaps, there are those who believe that the school that assigns the most homework earns the best standardized test scores but, Shreiner Academy (with its limited homework) dismisses this theory by scoring among the best schools in the nation. With the time and stress our students save, they can focus on other important projects, such as…working on a happy childhood.
#9 Q: Can parents volunteer at the school? A: Of course. We have a number of people who volunteer their time to the school. Currently, we have volunteers who: · Coach our sports teams · Help run our administrative offices · Edit our yearbook · Help out with holiday parties and special events We appreciate these kind souls’ strong support of the school and sincerely appreciate their efforts to make the school an even better place.
# 10 Q: Does the school conduct fund raisers? A: No. The fact that we do not conduct fundraisers is sincerely appreciated by parents who have transferred from schools that do.
#11 Q: What are the key elements for creating a positive, productive school environment at Shreiner Academy? A: · The most important element is a small class environment where each child is known, where individual attention is key, and where small problems are spotted early. The average class size at Shreiner is approximately half that of those in the public sector and significantly smaller than many private schools. · Admission to Shreiner Academy is based on a child’s track record of a positive, motivated student. Although the system is not perfect, we avoid many of the typical problems by hand picking our population. · Admission to our school is also based upon test scores. Because of this, new students match our current students’ skills and we do not have to endlessly re-teach and move at a slow pace. This acceleration of the curriculum is reflected in our school’s outstanding standardized test results. · Shreiner Academy is noted for creating an interesting, lively curriculum. A student’s positive involvement in the educational process it the best method to divert from negativity. Because of our accelerated curriculum, we have time for field trips, special events, performing arts, contests, and all the variety of enrichment programs that add spice to life. · Shreiner Academy has assembled a wonderful faculty. Each and every one is a creative, loving educator devoted to bringing out the best in each student. Many of our teachers have previously taught in the larger school environments but choose Shreiner Academy because it is possible to do what they love best: TEACH. |
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