These days, it seems as if you should consider options for your child’s education the moment you decide to have kids!
Okay, maybe it’s not that serious, but there are a number of questions to ask when it comes to your child’s education and which school is right for your child at any age.
Ideally, kindergarten should act as a smooth transition into real school for your child. According to this Scholastic article, it “provides your child with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and study skills that he will use throughout his schooling.”
We are blessed to have so many options for kindergarten around Rome. PALS (play and learn service) Kindergarten at Trinity United Methodist Church** is one program you should consider for your rising kindergartener. Here’s why:
1. Half-day Class
PALS kindergarten is half-day, so school time is spent on valuable teaching, interaction, and play rather than waiting in lines and for transitions. Your children are only young once. They have the next 12+ years to spend in school full-time. If you’re worried about long days and unnecessary activities, consider PALS.
Concerned your child will be behind? Research on half versus full-day programs show less probability of stress (1). There is also “little meaningful difference in the level of children’s end-of-year reading and mathematics knowledge and skills” (2).
My son Thomas attended PALS Kindergarten before going to first grade at Glenwood. At PALS, they were able to focus on what Thomas needed for school without wasting time on walking to the cafeteria, etc.
PALS Schedule:
August-May
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
9 am – 1 pm
2. “Red Shirt” Year for Summer Birthday
PALS Kindergarten has been a huge blessing for our family. For our younger son, PALS Kindergarten was a great start, and a springboard into kindergarten in public school. He has an August birthday. PALS has given him an extra year to mature while still being challenged.
3. Teacher/Student Involvement
Classes are limited to 16 students with one teacher and a teacher’s aide. At PALS, the teachers are committed to building relationships with the children to help them reach their potential.
Shannon Godfrey is the kindergarten teacher. She has a bachelor’s degree from Shorter University and has been a kindergarten aide at West End Elementary in Rome.
Shierian Vasquez is the teacher’s aide. She stays the entire school day, cutting the student/teacher ratio in half.
I am a huge fan of the small class size, where Thomas’ specific needs could be met, and he could get the attention he needed.
4. Academic Curriculum
The PALS Kindergarten goal is to prepare children for success in first grade. They use all Georgia state standards and test assessments to prepare children using a creative and fun-filled curriculum. In addition, they exceed national educational standards and practice daily writing and hands-on math and science. More on academics on the PALS website.
My older son…left PALS ready for first grade and did well transitioning into public school.
5. Environment
It’s a good idea to visit any school you are considering for your child and ask questions to see if that school is a good fit for your family.
You are always welcome to schedule a visit online during the school day to see the environment with the kids in action.
The moment I stepped into PALS for a preschool tour, I was treated as family. Parents are not only invited, but encouraged to be a part of the classroom. The kids and teacher were behaved and happy.
Contact PALS:
PALS (Play and Learn Service)
Trinity United Methodist Church
606 Turner McCall Blvd, Rome, GA 30165
Debra Malone, Director
706-266-2062, debra@trinityumcrome.org
PALS website
Register for a tour online
RATES
PALS Kindergarten is the most affordable private Kindergarten program in Rome.
If your budget is tight, but you still want the flexibility and quality of private school, PALS is a great option.
