Behavioral expectations at preferred schools

[elizarow]

My son will be four in May so I’m trying to get the lay of the land now in terms of likely options for us.

I’m curious about behavior expectations in Kinder at most of the preferred schools.

Would love to hear from some parents who have a higher energy kiddo (esp boy) and how they fare at Decatur, Edison, Skinner N, etc.

Most curious about any red flags or places you’d avoid if you have a student who is typically developing but can be rambunctious. Also wondering whether all of the programs are similar in terms of incorporating play time etc.

I know a good deal of this will be illuminated via direct tours etc.

Thanks!

[cb]

I think this is such an important issue! School tours are definitely helpful– a lot of this comes out indirectly rather than directly. It is an issue for me, so I asked on tours what kids did when there was indoor recess. I did have schools say the kids sit in the auditorium and watch a movie, and that gave me a clear indication that the school didn’t prioritize physical activity (Illinois even has a great recess law that requires an active indoor recess without screen time when kids aren’t able to go outside). I was impressed with schools that called out that they structure the day so that kids (at least younger kids) have two recess periods. I recall Edison does this, I know others do as well. I liked when schools gave choice time to younger kids where play was an option.

In short, there seems to be such a range in how this is prioritized in schools that it is wise to ask about it at the schools you are interested in. It makes such a difference to whether kids feels happy and can focus at school, even more so when they are young.

[Bett Rogers]

@cb thanks for your response!

Decatur and Edison are our most convenient options so I’m especially curious about student experience in these locations.

Your points about the double recess and activities for weather days are well taken!

[SEES Parent]

I think and would hope that most of the SEES are well-equipped to be sensitive to kids’ needs, as they are nurturing a population of gifted/bright kids and a good amount are considered 2E – twice exceptional. Recent experience at Edison I would say the staff is very responsive to kids needs and offer developmentally appropriate activity and supports within the classroom.

Recess in Chicago can be tough at all schools, there were some times that our recess was quiet time in the hallway to play board games. Because the kids couldn’t go outside, but then they couldn’t go into the gym and run around either. But that was my experience at a neighborhood school, and also at another SEES so don’t fault Edison particularly for that.

As the parent of an active kid, I would also suggest getting him physically active outside of school as much as possible. It can be hard to do with pickup and parent work schedules, but it’s amazing how much more settled my kid is when they go for a run or have some real physical play before homework.

[flowermom]

SN has recess everyday. It’s right next to Stanton park which can burn a lot of energy. I have a boy with full of energy and he survived pretty well since K (and he’s a teenager now). But definitely suggest you to do some serious sports outside school.

[Author]

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