Notes from the mom of a five

This is not the big *drumroll please* moment where I announce Ana's new school. This is just the nuts and bolts behind our choices, just in case it might help someone else. I want to type this up before I'm biased tomorrow, when we are accepted or rejected at another program.

1SL (1nternational School of Lou1s1ana) was originally our first choice.
Pros: Spanish language immersion, diverse population (culturally, economically, not so much ability), FREE.

Cons: key administration still learning and creating; not as much of an issue with Ana (who can roll with the punches), more of a concern for Elliot; curriculum's only creative piece seems to be language. Nothing particularly innovative about the teaching.

Bottom line: I don't have the energy to "help create" a school, although this one would be a worthy candidate. It's hard enough to find "quality teachers." Add second language proficiency to the mix, and you substantially limit your pool.

Where we are: #62 on the waiting list. I'm told 1st grade is easier for entry (although I think it would be very challenging to be a new student amongst others already more fluent in the language). It is remotely possible that our number might come up.

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C0untry Day was a non-choice until I remembered my limited experiences with the program through my friend Niki's work at their summer camp, and my former boss' work on their board.
After the tour, I was hooked.

Pros: mixed-age kindergarten (K-2) in the a.m.; contructivist approach; no grades--everything within a context (to me, the best segue from Reggio, where passion for learning is the motivator); amazing library; mealtime centered around relationships...

Cons: Cost (we will have to receive SIGNIFICANT financial aid); homogeny; big class differential that makes me wonder if our family will "fit"

Bottom line: This is my first choice. I can't reconcile my concerns about how comfortable I may or may not be vs. how well this curriculum suits MY child (not every child, and not all my children...ANA). This is a match for her.

Where we are: She's been tested (WPSI-III), we've had a playdate, they've visited her at AH, and tomorrow we learn about acceptance, and financial aid.

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Before I enumerate our plan C- A word about the ISAS schools and their screening process (testing, play date, school visit): It makes sense if a school can afford it. Each part is one small piece; I hope that not too much weight is given to each piece for their sakes. With Elliot's special needs, I certainly wish that something like this were in place to give a full picture of who he is. Instead, he's a name, a social security number, and a list of "needs." And yes, he's a child. And my wish is that a school will want him because every child can learn and has value. We'll see how his process goes.
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Our other visits in a nutshell:

*St. Chr1stopher-Convenient, affordable, resource room for children with special needs to get help, warm. Traditional curriculum. This will be our first call if CD falls through. Another pro: Gabby & Alex attend.

St. Anth0ny of Padua- highly innovative Montessori program through 1st grade, diverse, low-to moderate tuition (high for us). "sacred" feel: very quiet (vs. joyful?) but kids were engaged. Admin balked at special needs question; not an option for a "family school" for us. Ana also more joyful and constructivist in her approach. No added value for the extra tuition.

St. Agn3s- My old school. Nothing has changed. Uninspired, unfortunately. Low tuition. Not an option.

St. Franc1s Xavier- Worksheets R us. Uninspired approaches, low to moderate tuition. Resource room for kids grade 1 and up (this teacher seems great). Needs a curriculum lift. Not a bad choice for the kids. Not excited about it.
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Haven't visited & Here's Why:

H1ll School- I've heard great things about their program from credible sources; my concern is their desparate attempts at enrollment, and lack of chief admin. I wonder if they'll be around long, and who wants to do this again.

Haven't visited but wonder:
St. Ge0rge's- might be a good family school (resource room)...would need hefty scholarship.

H0ly Name- heard scary stories about how they teach "pro-life" values; otherwise low-to-moderate income + developmentally appropriate practice. Likely to give them a call if others fall through, but wonder if they've filled up already.

Other Option:
Enrolling Ana in Haze1 Park, where Elliot will likely attend. Public school; unsure of approach to curriculum. I need to visit.

Ready:
To occupy my free brain space with other thoughts.