schools

so i (through my sister) found a school i want to send julian to. it addresses all the issues i have had with public schools
1.) it teaches in dual language from day 1 of kindergarten. the kids get 50 % of instruction time in english and 50% in spanish
2.) they wear uniforms. i believe uniforms level the playing field since teachers and other students can't make assumptions (and therefore self fulfilling prophecies) based on how a student is dressed
3.) they have a longer school day and year. this allows for not only enough time to get what they need in acedemically but allows for time for other ventures. they dont have a formalized schedule yet but according to the director, the day would be acedemic in the morning, rest then enrichment in the afternoon. i am not sure what exactly they mean by enrichment but i have an idea it is art, music, "wellness" cultural and service type stuff.
4.) all of their kids pass the state tests. the 8th graders had a 100% pass rate. that in its self is amazing but they also had more than half the kids getting comendable scores.
5.) the parents and student have to sign a commitment to the school and to do well. i am not sure what age this starts but at least by 5th grade, maybe sooner. parents have to be involved.

this is really just the beginning of the list. the only catch is getting in. they have an open enrollment period then they throw all the names in a bucket and pick which students get in. the rest of the names go on a waiting list if space becomes available. the first kidergarten class start in 2010 when julian would be starting kindergarten. they tenatively will have 100 students with 5 classes. and a 1:10 student teacher ratio.

thanks to sister for telling me about this. hopefully i can encourage miss m to go as well. she needs it.

off to make banana bread