I worked there for a year ('05) and have checked in regulary since. I am a former 8th grade teacher & I currently teach at a college.
Nikki's program is wonderful. The teachers are wonderful. I have never seen a more hands on approach, more constant evaluation of each child, or more SATISFIED parents. I had a wonderful experience and saw many parents return over and over who had taken their kids out only to realize how FAR ahead their kids where from other schools and how much they lost while away. I never saw a TV the whole year I was there.
No kids could be more loved and their education more cared about. I personally administered the reading assessments to the whole student body over two and a half years- I was AMAZED how fast students progressed, how motivated they were to try everything I asked, and how important Nikki made it that every child read BEYOND WELL. Nikki was personally hurt by low scores, made it a mission to see imrovement, and even let staff go that just couldn't handle the reading instruction expected.
My family has a long Montessori history and I will be proud to send my 2yr old son (and any future siblings) to Nikki when he is ready.
P.S. An auction has always funded the Skinner community past, present and future! Please go and invite others! They just put in a $30K playground structure (it IS beyond cool....) from this and past years procedes and they are saving to add a classroom for another "K" class. A computer lab was added the year I was there and it was a struggle getting it funded due to lack of attendance at the auction. GO! go go...no one is forcing you to bid or pay one dime extra. It's only once a year and personally, I'm all for supporting a private school of such quality....they don't hound you with mail solicitations like our colleges or larger private schools! You want tuition to cover everything??? Enroll at Goddard! Want an affordable option? Enroll at Skinner and go to the auction and think, (THINK!) about what you are getting and what they need to make it even better.
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