As a parent I am constantly trying to make decisions that will positively impact my children both in the present and for their future. One of the biggest decisions you can make for your child is where to enroll them for school. I had always heard amazing things about Almaden Country School. I wanted a school where my two boys could have a sense of community and be in an environment where they would be nurtured as individuals.
I enrolled my 3 ½ year old in the Begindergarten program this year in hopes that we could see this school through until it was time to go to high school. My son has always been shy and also has some separation anxiety; so I was admittedly nervous about dropping him off every day with a group of people who were virtual strangers to me at the time.
My anxiety was eased before school even started when my son’s teacher-to-be sent a letter to him welcoming him to the school and inviting him to a lemonade party. She also included a note for me asking to write to her about my son to tell her a little about his personality, his likes and dislikes and how he best learns. What a simple and wonderful concept to help the teachers know who was going to be in their class. This immediately got Ryan excited about starting school and it helped me to feel comfortable that his teachers would be armed with the knowledge of each child’s special personalities. It also reinforced right off the bat that this was a school that truly did treat each child as a unique individual which was one of the most important philosophies to me.
From the moment we set foot on campus the very first day my son, (and I) felt like the school was an extension of home. When I drop him off every day with his teachers I feel as though I am leaving him with family. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to be able to send my son to such a wonderful place for school. We are always greeted with smiles and warmth from his teachers (and anyone else we come across for that matter). The entire administration is hands-on involved in the classrooms and the day to day operations. They are very approachable. The teachers go out of their way to make sure all of the parents have all the information they need about what’s happening with their child in the class each day as well as the plan for what they will be learning each week. I always feel completely confident that if there is ever a problem it will be handled carefully and correctly and that I will be always “in-the-know”.
We are very encouraged as parents to take full participation with the school’s daily activities. From being in the classroom to help, to assisting with special events, and taking part in meetings about the school’s philosophies and future; we are always an active participant in our children’s education. This is a place that allows children to be children; to explore their world and learn in the way that suits them best instead of a cookie cutter textbook method. This is not just an education is it a life preparation.
The bottom line is I am so beyond impressed with the school and the teachers. I want to thank everyone who helps to make this a place where my son gets teary to leave every day. For my son to not walk, but run into his class every day with a huge smile and then not want to leave it after school… that alone speaks volumes. We are so excited to see where this journey will take us with ACS and cannot wait until my youngest can start at this wonderful place.