FAQ's
Q: Why do people choose the Community School?
A: There are as many answers to that question as there are students. The following is a statement by a parent of both an alumni and a current student:
"As a Community School parent I have made a choice for my children's education. I value the character development and community building, above all else. While some parents may be more interested in which college their child might attend, it is more important for me that my children grow into quality human beings, first. Thoughtful individuals who treat each other, their friends, community, their world and environment with respect and understanding. If they can do all that, they can certainly manage the daily challenges of academia, the work place and beyond."
The following list of reasons for choosing MVCS was generated by parents whos students attend this school:
- Small class size allowing for personal attention
- More in-depth education of subject matter
- A culture of respect between kids and kids/adults
- Students are taught as individuals with particular attention paid to their personal learning styles
- Acceptance of mistakes
- Quality of work is stressed over the quantity of work
- Emphasis on the arts and music
- Personal growth and development, character traits and life skills curriculum
- Multi-age friendships and natural mentoring opportunities abound
- Emphasis on positive character traits and self esteem
- Transparancy of the school
- Diverse educators and great teaching staff
- Art, music, drama, outdoor ed. and science
- Students supported to learn at their own pace
- Integrated curriculum
- A connectedness to the community
Q: Why do MVCS students spend a whole day each week doing sports?
A: The Outdoor Education program at the MVCS is much more than a day of sports each week. It is a comprehensive, multi-faceted program that engages students in a number of essential academic and skill building activities to further their development. For example, a cross country ski day may include a morning of ground work - trust building initiatives and group building activities. Once on skis the students may be asked to put those initiatives into practice to overcome a group challenge. Science, physical education, expedition work, personal development and character development are all integral components of the outdoor education opportunities at the MVCS.
Q: Does MVCS offer financial assistance?
A: Yes. In any given year between 50%-80% of the student body benefits from our scholarship fund. Annual tuition in 2011-12 is $6930 per student. The MVCS asks that families make every attempt to pay at least 35% of that amount while the school will assist those in need of making up the balance.
Q: Can my student ride the public school bus to the MVCS?
A: Depending on where your family resides, your student may be able to ride the district bus and transfer to the MVCS bus. Please call us for more information. We encourage families to carpool and rideshare whenever possible.
Q: I have a child in the public school and wish to enroll another at the MVCS. How do the school calendars compare?
A: MVCS makes every effort to coordinate its yearly calendar with the public and Montessori schools of the valley.
Q: Can my child participate in public school or after school sports and programs while attending the MVCS?
A: YES. Children within the Methow Valley School District, whether home-schooled or enrolled in a private/public school, are permitted (& encouraged) to participate in extra curricular activities (i.e. sports, plays, musical events) .
Q: Why does the MVCS have a 1/2 day of classes each Wednesday for students in grades 1-3?
A: Wednesday afternoons are a valuable time for staff to work together to coordinate the many extraordinary activities and curricular challenges MVCS presents its students. Because the school offers a multi-age classroom setting with fully integrated curriculum, planning is of the essence to insure the best quality education.
Q: What is the class size at MVCS?
A: MVCS has four "crews" with no more than 18 students per crew. The average crew size in 2011-2012 is 13. Core teachers are supported by volunteer parents and community members to further improve the adult:student ratio.
Q: Where is the MVCS located?
A: The MVCS is currently housed in the "old skate barn" building at 31 West Chewuch Road in Winthrop. The 3 acre campus and 10,000 square foot facility is a comfortable site for the growing school community. In 13 years the school has outgrown 4 previous locations and hopes to remain at its current facility for the long-term.