FAQ

1. What is thematic or interdisciplinary learning?

Thematic education takes children on an academic adventure through a rich core of interrelated learning experiences. An inter-disciplinary program takes one central theme, such as The Changing Face of America or The Explorations of Marco Polo through which to integrate Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and the Arts.

Teachers design a thematic program that weaves together a captivating course of study, giving children context for their learning and helping them connect related new ideas to what they already know. Activities are related and build upon one another. The theme, therefore, serves as the vehicle that synthesizes and consolidates children’s learning.

Our thematic approach to education addresses life in all its complexities and nuances, preparing CRS students to take on the challenges that lie ahead for them as learners, leaders and members of the diverse world community.

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2. What is your average class size? or What is your teacher:pupil ratio?

Class size is small and there are always two co-teachers in each grade from PreK through 6, with instructional groups of 10-12 students. Specialist teachers for music, art, science, library and computers also teach in half-groups. Among our gifted faculty, 73% of our teachers have master’s degrees.

While class size may vary slightly from year to year, typically we have:

3.How do you challenge bright children?

Our small classes with two teachers ensure that children receive individualized attention. The inter-disciplinary curriculum encourages children to think without boundaries, to ask questions, to take some academic risks, and to take projects in different directions and as far as they can stretch. A flexible curriculum and a preponderance of teacher-generated materials enables teachers to challenge students who can go further or conversely, to re-teach and reinforce when needed.

Our students enter many of the region’s finest high schools and continue to excel in college and beyond.

4. How much homework do children have?

Homework relates directly to what is happening in the classroom and is not assigned as busy work. It is engaging, challenging and developmentally appropriate to a child’s age. It is also a means to help children develop their organization and time management skills and encourage them to take some responsibility for their learning.

Typical Nightly Homework Assignments

5. What kind of credentials do you require of your teachers?

We hire experienced teachers most of whom have a master’s degree. The school is committed to a strong professional development program for teachers. Every teacher has $800 a year to spend on professional work. Teachers regularly take courses, attend workshops and participate in in-house professional development. In addition there is a summer grant program for study, travel, or other work-related projects and grants for curriculum development. The present faculty is a mix of younger and older teachers; newcomers to this school and those who have been here for several years.

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6. What kind of a community is CRS?

Children at CRS know what it means to be part of a community. We come together during the school year at weekly assemblies, for meals, for seasonal celebrations and recognitions, for sports, recess and inter-grade activities. Every child in PreKindergarten and Kindergarten has a “buddy” in the 7th or 8th grade with whom he/she has regularly scheduled time monthly as well as special occasions and other less formal times. Other grades share buddies as well. They also share some celebrations together and often attend assemblies together.

The school is a community bound together by community agreements regarding how we treat one another and guidelines for student behavior. It is a vibrant, diverse, creative community in which children look after each other and adults see educational and social issues through the eyes of children.

7. How are parents involved in the school?

Parents at CRS are directly involved in the daily life of the school. A Board of Trustees sets policy and hires the Head of School. Most of the trustees are parents. The Parent Council assists the Head in non-academic issues such as community service, volunteer coordination, admissions tour guides, and assemblies. Many committees are open to the parent body. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in classrooms, work in the library and share a hobby or a vocation.

A Teacher/Parent Partnership statement outlines exactly what the partnership means at CRS and what members’ responsibilities are. A copy of the statement is included in the admissions packet.

When the school last went through the evaluation/accreditation process, the evaluating committee commended the school for “ the genuine partnership it fosters between parents and School that is evident in broad parent support of the school, the vital work of the Parent Council and volunteers and the appreciation and respect expressed by parents for the Charles River School’s education of their children.”

8. How do you assess children’s progress?

We give lengthy and detailed written reports on a student’s progress twice a year (December and June) and a shorter version in March. We assess children using a narrative and checklist format in the place of letter grades. We also make use of anecdotal records, portfolios and tests and quizzes in older grades.

Parents are informed of how their child is doing in each curriculum area as well as socially and personally. There are two scheduled Parent Conferences a year, one in October and another in March but it is not unusual for parents to be communicating with teachers every week or more often. Teachers are always available for special conferences to discuss their students’ progress.

Our small classes and teacher:pupil ratio allow teachers to constantly assess progress and monitor students who may need reinforcement or enrichment. Older children have tests and quizzes on which they may receive a numerical grade.

Beginning in Grade 5, children take the ERB (Educational Records Bureau) achievement tests every year. Our students experience a different level of testing and grading at the 7th and 8th grade level as they prepare for secondary school. Students in Grade 8 take the SSAT in preparation for the secondary school admission process.

9. How do CRS students do academically & socially compared to children in other schools?

CRS is not a feeder school for any particular secondary school. In fact, every year we send our graduates to a wide variety of schools, and they distinguish themselves in secondary school and in college. They are comfortable with leadership roles and know how to connect to the larger community. They know who they are as learners. They have learned how to budget their time and take responsibility for scheduling and learning.

For almost 100 years we have been sending children on to secondary schools and we know that our students have been prepared for whatever school is right for them. We receive feedback from secondary schools that our students are leaders, well qualified academically and are active members of their new school community.

10. What kind of after-school sports programs do you offer?

The after-school sports program begins at the 5th grade and takes place Monday – Thursday until 4:30 pm. Students can choose between field hockey and soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter and lacrosse and tennis in the spring. The teams play teams from other independent schools. Fourth Graders have an instructional sports program and play a few games with Fifth Graders. There are games or practices every day except Friday. The emphasis is on learning a new skill, being a member of a team, and having a good time. After-school sports are not mandatory but are highly recommended.

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11. What is your after-school care program?

Children at every grade level are welcome to join our Extended Day Program, where activities continue until 6:00 PM. The schedule and curriculum varies according to age. Registration is by the year, or with 24-hour notice if space is available.

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