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Q
How old is Almaden Country School?
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A
It was founded in 1982 and has enjoyed nearly three decades of discovering the gift in every child.
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Q
Do you emphasize academics or the creative arts?
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A
Both! At ACS, we believe in developing the whole child. In addition to their homeroom studies (reading, writing, mathematics, social studies), ACS students study hands-on and activity-based science, art, music, foreign languages, physical education and drama. The result is true interdisciplinary study, where concepts learned in one subject area are connected across the curriculum with others. ACS students score in the top 10% nationally on standardized test scores. More important, they emerge from ACS as poised, literate individuals who enjoy learning, who know how to think critically and creatively, and who advance with confidence through high school and beyond.
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Q
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
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A
In our Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes, the ratio is approximately 8:1. As students age they are able to work more independently, and thus the ratio changes. Our Kindergarten ratio is approximately 15:1 and our 1st through 8th grade ratio averages one teacher for every 20 students. In ECE, we have two Begindergarten classes, two Junior Kindergarten class and three Kindergarten classes. In our elementary and middle school programs there are two classes per grade level.
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Q
Does ACS administer standardized testing?
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ACS begins administering the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10) in the 3rd grade once students have finished the core reading sequence, again in 5th grade at the completion of the elementary grades, and in 7th and 8th grades in preparation for the transition to high school. The SAT 10 is a widely used standardized test series.
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Q
What is the homework policy?
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At ACS we strive to provide a balance between schoolwork and other interests, and base our expectations on current research about optimizing homework's benefits. We align the amount of homework with the ability and developmental readiness of students, assigning small amounts of homework starting in Kindergarten, and increasing the duration and complexity of homework with each increase in grade. Students can anticipate about 10 minutes of homework a night per grade level. For example, 1st graders have 10 minutes per night, 2nd graders have about 20 minutes, 3rd graders have approximately 30 minutes, and so on through 8th grade. ACS faculty do not assign homework over the weekend or during holiday breaks.
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Q
What is the grading policy at ACS?
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A
We assess a student’s learning against two criteria: growth toward subject-specific grade level standards and growth toward personal learning goals. Each child receives an annual Personal Learning Plan with parent, teacher and student-created learning goals reflecting the student’s personal interests, learning styles, strengths and weaknesses. Formal grading reports supplement active interim communication between parents and teachers. From our preschool Begindergarten program through 4th grade, students receive assessment statements. Students in 5th through 8th grade receive traditional letter grades, in addition to their personal assessments.
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Q
What is the discipline policy?
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We believe that children are capable of developing strong personal integrity. It is our goal to help students develop a positive “moral compass.” At ACS, children are encouraged to make choices based on mutual respect, in an atmosphere of caring, with the knowledge that their actions will have consequences for themselves and others. We exercise positive discipline, helping students construct their own expectations around mutual respect, a strong work ethic and moral behavior. In cases of misbehavior, we look for the opportunity to teach positive alternative behavior. The consequences for misbehavior focus on long-range results rather than on short-term punishment. Children are directly involved in exploring their behavior, how it affects others and what they can do to solve problems in appropriate ways.
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Q
Is there a uniform or dress code policy?
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Yes. ACS has a uniform dress code for all grades. Uniform dress creates a sense of unity and belonging and shifts students’ focus toward learning and away from superficial comparisons. Uniforms reduce peer pressure, enhance classroom discipline and contribute to a positive learning environment. Our Middle School students are allowed free dress every Friday.
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Q
Are parents involved in the school?
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Very much so! Our parents understand that they are part of a learning partnership. They work at every level of our school to create a strong sense of community and a strong culture of learning. Through our Parent Service Auxiliary (PSA), parents serve as room parents, plan social events, raise funds for the classroom and serve on key school-wide committees.
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Q
Does ACS have any religious affiliation?
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ACS is a non-sectarian, non-demominational school and is not affiliated with any religion. We accept applicants without regard to race, sex, gender, or religion.
Nondiscriminatory Policy: Almaden Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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Q
Is there a school lunch program?
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While most ACS students bring their lunch to school, as a convenience to our families, ACS partners with Uncle Ray’s, a private catering company to provide hot lunch choices that are prepared off-site and served from our school’s commercial kitchen. Families are encouraged to order lunches a month in advance, using Uncle Ray’s convenient online system. Each pre-ordered lunch costs $5 including milk or water and same day lunch orders are available for an additional fee. A vegetarian and non-vegetarian option and soup/salad bar alternative are offered each day. Parents may choose to participate in the hot lunch program according to their needs.
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Q
Does Almaden Country School offer after-school child care?
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Absolutely! ACS’s Apple Orchard is an extended-care program designed especially for those families with a very busy schedule.
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Q
Do you offer a tuition discount for multiple children within a family attending ACS?
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Yes. A second child receives a 5% discount, and all subsequent children receive 10%.
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Q
Do you offer a financial aid program?
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Yes financial aid is offered on an annual basis to help families. A financial aid form plus W-2 forms, Federal Tax Return forms and recent pay stubs are required to be submitted in order to assess financial aid. Forms are due by April 15 and the financial aid committee will inform the recipients of their award by May 1.
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How can I learn more about ACS?
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There are three ways to become better acquainted with ACS:
1) a personal tour;
2) an open house visit; and
3) a two-day student shadow.
ACS offers campus tours Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday every week at 9:00 a.m. A personal tour also can be scheduled any time upon request. During the tour, you will learn more about our philosophy and teaching practices as you observe students and teachers in action.
You may also attend a pre-scheduled Saturday Open House. One of our own Middle School students will lead a campus tour for you. Teachers will be available to answer your specific questions and introduce you to the curriculum.
At ACS we also give your child the opportunity to “shadow.” This is a normal part of the application process, which lets your child learn firsthand what the school is like, while giving ACS a chance to understand your child’s s academic and interpersonal capabilities.
For additional information, please contact our admissions office at admissions@a-cs.org or by calling (408) 997-0424.