Post by gatormom on Dec 6, 2007 5:48:00 GMT -6
An all-day demand
Kindergarten program could be popular choice
December 6, 2007
By BRITT CARSON Staff Writer
If the success of all-day kindergarten programs at Naperville parochial schools is any indication, Indian Prairie School District 204 could face high demand when it launches its all-day program next year.
Principals of local parochial schools that offer all-day kindergarten say their programs are full and that some even have waiting lists.
BY THE NUMBERS
Kindergarten enrollment in Naperville parochial schools:
SS Peter and Paul Elementary School: all-day, 47; half-day, 23
All Saints Catholic Academy: all-day, 63; half-day, 21
Bethany Lutheran Church and School: all-day, 22; half-day, 7
"We heard from other principals in other towns that once people get a taste for it, they really like it," said Frank Glowaty, principal at SS Peter and Paul Elementary School in Naperville.
The school started its full-day program two years ago, though it continues to offer a half-day program that educates 5-year-olds for three and a half hours at a time.
District 204 will begin offering all-day kindergarten at each of its 21 elementary schools in the fall. The district will continue to offer the half-day option, although the number of classes will be based on interest from parents.
Demand for all-day
Bethany Lutheran Church and Day School began offering a full-day kindergarten class when the current school year began. Bethany has 22 children enrolled in its full-day program, and seven in its half-day program.
"Our kindergarten teacher actually suggested it, she wanted more time with the children," said Pam Mueller, principal at Bethany Lutheran. "We don't try to rush their development, we just give them more time throughout the day to go through the curriculum."
All Saints Catholic Academy has offered full-day kindergarten since the school opened three years ago and has a waiting list of families that want to enroll their children.
"We usually fill the full-day program without any problem," said Sandy Renehan, All Saints principal. "There is a good demand for it."
Spike in enrollment
District 204 officials predict they will see at least an additional 368 children enter their program that would have otherwise attended full-day programs at parochial programs or day-care centers.
However, many of the area parochial principals don't think they will see a drop in enrollment when District 204 launches its program.
"Most of our families are looking for faith-based education," Renehan said. "While they like having a full-day experience, or it fits best with their family needs, the core reason for them coming is for the faith-based education."
In addition, Bethany Lutheran, All Saints and SS Peter and Paul are located within Naperville School District 203 boundaries. Although their enrollment is not limited to District 203 families, they do predominantly draw from the surrounding area. District 203 does not offer a full-day kindergarten program.
Renehan said the full-day option falls more in line with the academic climate and state standards.
"It depends on the child. A half-day program is right for some and a full-day program is right for others," Renehan said. "I think in this time of education a full day serves the idea of a very strong academic base. Most of the children in our full-day program have come through a preschool and are ready for full day. Standards are stronger and the demand for excellence is higher, both in the public and parochial schools."
Kindergarten program could be popular choice
December 6, 2007
By BRITT CARSON Staff Writer
If the success of all-day kindergarten programs at Naperville parochial schools is any indication, Indian Prairie School District 204 could face high demand when it launches its all-day program next year.
Principals of local parochial schools that offer all-day kindergarten say their programs are full and that some even have waiting lists.
BY THE NUMBERS
Kindergarten enrollment in Naperville parochial schools:
SS Peter and Paul Elementary School: all-day, 47; half-day, 23
All Saints Catholic Academy: all-day, 63; half-day, 21
Bethany Lutheran Church and School: all-day, 22; half-day, 7
"We heard from other principals in other towns that once people get a taste for it, they really like it," said Frank Glowaty, principal at SS Peter and Paul Elementary School in Naperville.
The school started its full-day program two years ago, though it continues to offer a half-day program that educates 5-year-olds for three and a half hours at a time.
District 204 will begin offering all-day kindergarten at each of its 21 elementary schools in the fall. The district will continue to offer the half-day option, although the number of classes will be based on interest from parents.
Demand for all-day
Bethany Lutheran Church and Day School began offering a full-day kindergarten class when the current school year began. Bethany has 22 children enrolled in its full-day program, and seven in its half-day program.
"Our kindergarten teacher actually suggested it, she wanted more time with the children," said Pam Mueller, principal at Bethany Lutheran. "We don't try to rush their development, we just give them more time throughout the day to go through the curriculum."
All Saints Catholic Academy has offered full-day kindergarten since the school opened three years ago and has a waiting list of families that want to enroll their children.
"We usually fill the full-day program without any problem," said Sandy Renehan, All Saints principal. "There is a good demand for it."
Spike in enrollment
District 204 officials predict they will see at least an additional 368 children enter their program that would have otherwise attended full-day programs at parochial programs or day-care centers.
However, many of the area parochial principals don't think they will see a drop in enrollment when District 204 launches its program.
"Most of our families are looking for faith-based education," Renehan said. "While they like having a full-day experience, or it fits best with their family needs, the core reason for them coming is for the faith-based education."
In addition, Bethany Lutheran, All Saints and SS Peter and Paul are located within Naperville School District 203 boundaries. Although their enrollment is not limited to District 203 families, they do predominantly draw from the surrounding area. District 203 does not offer a full-day kindergarten program.
Renehan said the full-day option falls more in line with the academic climate and state standards.
"It depends on the child. A half-day program is right for some and a full-day program is right for others," Renehan said. "I think in this time of education a full day serves the idea of a very strong academic base. Most of the children in our full-day program have come through a preschool and are ready for full day. Standards are stronger and the demand for excellence is higher, both in the public and parochial schools."
;D 