Admissions Criteria

STATEMENT ON READINESS…

To ensure a positive experience forall students attending roots, new and returning, It is important for each student to be both academically and socially ready for the school year.

Returning and new students will be held to consistently high expectations relative to their age and grade levels.

We ask Learners to come to school:

  • with a positive attitude and excited to learn

  • able to follow instructions

  • able to work independently

  • able to function within the larger group

  • open to collaborating and listening to the ideas of others in small partner groups

  • capable of making transitions smoothly

  • able to respond to redirection when necessary.

Our program asks that students be comfortable and engaged in a variety of settings - including indoors and out. It is our desire to serve all students’ learning and physical needs to the best of our ability. However, at this time, we do not have additional academic support teachers on staff to accommodate all student needs. Students with learning challenges or diagnosed disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on current Individualized Education Programs (IEP), or with high-risk medical condition may request that we provide reasonable accommodations. The decision to permit or deny requested accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis with school administration, and the lead teacher.

Students entering Kindergarten

While no two students enter Kindergarten at exactly the same place, there are some common developmental milestones that support both Academic and Social readiness.

Students joining the Roots program as Kindergartners should have some experience with:

  • listening to others and taking appropriate turns for expressing ideas and questions;

  • handling materials respectfully and putting them away;

  • sustaining engagement with an activity or process;

  • identifying and pursuing their own interests, choosing materials and having some ideas about how to engage with them productively;

  • being safe in relation to the group (staying within school bounds) and attending to personal needs (washing hands, toileting, dressing); and

  • asking for help when needed.

Some helpful tips for helping your child prepare for Kindergarten can be found here.