Chestnut Hill Academy

We chose CHA for many reasons. This is my son's 2nd year there (he's in 1st grade), and our whole family is so happy with the school. Below are some of the reasons (in no particular order): - Dedicated, excited and professional teachers and staff. Everyone is SO nice, and so committed to the kids and to their jobs. Every single person loves what they do, and loves the kids and the supportive and excited environment that creates is amazing. - every single aspect of the school and everything they do is perfectly organized and executed. It's like a well-oiled machine, they know what they are doing. - Small class sizes - much smaller than public school. There are 15 children in my son's class this year, last year I think it was 13. - Guaranteed before and after school care. Our public school didn't have this, there was a waiting list. - Great list of extracurriculars. To name a few: Chess, yoga, music, drama, cooking, science, soccer, karate. - Amazing administration (involved, invested, collaborative with parents, supportive, experienced, professional) - Beautiful facility and grounds. Classrooms are big and sunny. the building is new and spotless. There are 2 playgrounds and a field that are well tended, and they are constantly improving the facility to keep things fresh - Everything is well stocked and all school supplies are provided by the school. - They have a big beautiful library full of books. I LOVE to read, and want my child to as well (and he does!) - Classrooms have a huge selection of books and learning tools. They also have Promethean boards and the older kids get a tablet. - There is a big tech lab that each class goes to weekly. My first grader is learning how to type, log in, print, and use Microsoft Word! - Projects and presentations start in Kindergarten. This gets kids used to speaking in front of the class and presenting right from the beginning. - Healthy and tasty food - good quality, organic, fresh, good variety - Love all the snacks the kids get. Hungry kids are distracted and grumpy kids. - ski program!!! - Provides academics that are tailored to the child - the ability for teachers to use different curriculums that best suit the child and NOT having to keep the entire 1st grade class on the same topic/level/curriculum - focuses on the whole child, not just academics. Academics are important, but not the only thing that develops a child and CHA embraces that by providing art, music, library, spanish, PE and tech lab - lots of ways for parents to be involved, and lots of encouragement to participate together in the school community. Lots of fun events already, and we are only 2 months into the year (walkathon, field trips, Halloween party/parade, fall festival, book fair). And those events continue throughout the year to keep everyone active in the community. - CHA encourages students to respect each other, and treat each other well. Provides the framework for good behavior, with tools like Leader In Me and Bucket filling, and then provides lots of positive reinforcement. - keeps my child EXCITED about school and learning. My son's growth both academically and emotionally even since this year began is so wonderful to see. He proactively models good behavior, and is proud to be a good school citizen and friend. He loves learning, and is excited to go to school every day. I love this school. I personally want to be a kid and go there! I only wish they had a middle and high school too!

You acutally dont learn anything there