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Looking for small class sizes? Try public or exclusive private schools. DeChantal is a healthy Roman Catholic elementary school not a private school. They still recognize that there are parents making sacrifices to send their children to faith-based school, not just seeking prestige of 'private' education. Dedicated teachers do an excellent job of managing the 22-30 students per class. Excellent academics - strong in math particularly in upper school. Focus is on the basics, but there are a number of interesting and challenging extracurricular activities available to students. 'Extended Day' program is terrific for working parents, and kids seem to enjoy it. Parent involvement is very high, and there are many ways to jump in and help and meet other parents. Principal supports diversity and the student body represents a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Respect and tolerance are encouraged; service projects sponsored monthly; with daily active religious education.
DeChantal academics are outstanding just hard to know until you experience first hand.Students are attentive, engaged, nice mannered.The class size is overwhelming, not right for all but does work. My child thrived in Kindergarten class of 29.The teacher had such a command of the class. There are resource teachers and they break into small groups, the school will work with all levels. Teachers uphold traditional academic standards, work closely together, have greater flexibility to adapt than other school systems.The teachers are open to communicating what your child is learning. The school does not openly communicate through e-mail, they value letter writing and face-to-face meetings, once you accept it is nice.They are updating web sites as they understand the need. The carpool is not as bad as written.This is an inclusive school with many volunteer and social opportunities. School is about the students day, kids find their place and parents will too.
De Chantal is a great school in many ways: strong Catholic values, caring teachers, strong community and traditions. But the the biggest weak link is the class size: 30+ children per classroom. There are aides in the lower grades, but still...30 is HUGE. That is much bigger than the public elementary schools. Every teacher will tell you that one of the most important features to look for in quality schools is class size. If De Chantal fixes this one issue, it will go from being a very good school with a very good reputation to being top tier/outstanding. The tuition will need to come up, but there is room for that, since its currently at only about 4k...one of the lowest in the area...and most parents in this area can afford more and would willingly pay it for smaller classes. Come on...let see class sizes of less than 20.
The school needs to get in the 21st century. The Web site is inadequate. School/parent communication is restricted. Endless phone tag. Teachers need professional development. Discipline is strict to the point of absurdity. Not condusive to working parents. Clique-like environment. Academics not impressive and unimaginative while educational support for students is not offered. The dismissal/parent car pick-up pick up process is out of Groucho Marx movie. But, well-behaved kids and pretty school who know their catechism.
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