Registration is hopping. If you’re interested, we encourage you to get your registration in now. Here’s the latest “Friends of SLO Classical Academy” email. Sign up in the sidebar to receive these updates by email. . . .
It has always seemed strange to me that in our endless discussions about education so little stress is laid on the pleasure of becoming an educated person, the enormous interest it adds to life. To be able to be caught up into the world of thought — that is to be educated. ~ Edith Hamilton
Dear Friends –
You have all likely experienced the delight of your child learning something new for the first time – that first step, the first time he or she said, “mama!,” the first time solid food was tasted or a big word tested out. At SLO Classical Academy, we are surrounded by stories of wonder – wonder at just what children are capable of learning, thinking, and becoming – and there is great joy for all involved. Children, when given opportunities to flourish, will astound you with what they can learn, and we truly experience that on a daily basis together as parents at this school. Many of you know that we are quick to explain that there is definitely an element of hard work necessary to be a parent at SLO Classical Academy. However, we speak even more of the joy of being a parent at the school.
We have a favorite saying in our house that it’s definitely a “buy one, get one free” deal at the school. Along with our children, we are receiving an amazing education, and although humbling at times, it is truly an immense pleasure to be on this journey of learning with our children.
Looking Ahead:
Things are really starting to heat up for summer and next year! For example, have you heard about our Summer Camps? These camps are done in our fun, engaging, full-contact style of learning. From 3 1/2 year olds to students entering 9th grade, there’s something for everyone. To find out more, visit our web site: http://www.sloclassicalacademy.com
Enrollment for 09-10 School Year – definitely filling up! As of now, our hybrid program (the part-time classroom, part-time at home program) has a few spaces in K, Intermediate (grades 3-5)and Middle School (grades 6-8). And while we are currently full in Primary (grades 1/2), we continue accepting applications – things can change for people in the summer – nwe will hold the registration fee for you until a spot opens. We will also consider opening up one more intermediate classroom if we have enough students to support this. We want to encourage you, if you are even considering joining us on the journey at SLO Classical Academy, to get your registration in now.
Teaching opportunities – as a growing school, we are always accepting applications from passionate, experienced teachers who share our vision. If you know someone who might be a good fit for our school, we’d love you to pass on the word about our school. There are teacher applications available on the website at http://sloclassicalacademy.com/resources/downloadableforms.html
Our New Full-time Kindergarten:
We have had many questions about new our full-time Kindergarten program. Understandably, people are a bit more nervous to join a new class with unanswered questions. So, here is an attempt to answer the common questions:
1. Are you planning on doing a 1st grade? The answer is “yes!” The plan at this point is to continue adding a grade a year, so next year we would have a K and a Primary class. Because of the shifting economy and because this full-time K is a new program, it is a “pilot” just as our hybrid model was the first year we did that. So far have managed to grow the school into something far more than we could have imagined. We are a very committed and dedicated group and so although we offer no promises, our track record is a good indicator that the program will continue and thrive.
2. Is full-time the direction your school is moving? Yes and no. Yes, we are hopeful that we will develop a strong full-time program. No, it’s not the sole direction of the school. We are as committed as ever to our hybrid model – it is our dream that the two programs complement each other and provide services to meet our community’s various needs. There is no question that we will maintain our mission to partner with parents to provide a rich and dynamic education for children.
3. What will parent involvement mean for the full-time program? This is in process and is something we will work on with you throughout the year as we identify each family’s unique situation. Our goal is to require and support the involvement of parents for the sake of the children. We believe that parents are of utmost importance in education, so there will be volunteer requirements. We will also look at requiring things like making sure parents are reading the books with their children at home, or are being trained in Socratic questioning techniques in order to continue the education at home.
4. Will the kids in this program be able to mingle with the other kids? Yes! The kindergartners on both tracks will have the same schedule and will play together on the playground and eat together during lunch. In addition, the full-time K kids will be done at 11:30 on Fridays, with the opportunity to attend and enjoy our fun Academy Classes, which are open to the entire school. Monday-Thursday, they will meet from 8:30-1:30, just like our other K-5 kids.
This school is committed to innovation and successful education. We truly look forward to adding this class to our existing programs and are excited to partner with you in your child’s education.
Tours and Parent Information Nights:
For interested families: If you’d like to find out more about our program for your family, please plan to attend one of the mandatory Parent Information Nights. They are scheduled as follows and take place on our campus (165 Grand Ave, corner of Slack and Grand near Cal Poly):
Monday, April 27 7:00-8:30 (This one is a new additional time!)Tuesday, May 19 7:00-8:30
For interested community members: we invite you to attend our Second Annual Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, May 6 from 11:50-1:00. This is a free event where our supporters and community celebrate the exciting vision that is SLO Classical Academy. You are also welcome to attend this school year’s final Think Outside the Box Tour on Wednesday, May 20th from 9-10 am on our campus. These tours offer a snapshot of life at SLO Classical Academy and are a central part of our community outreach. If interested, please direct interest and questions to [email protected]
Thanks for your time (and just let me know if you’d like to be removed from this email list) –
Susie Theule
Director
Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire – Yeats
