5 Ways COVID Changed Kindergarten

Ever tried counting how many times your kid asks “why” in a day? It’s probably just as challenging as understanding the seismic shifts in our education system post-COVID. Here’s the deal: If you’re looking for the right kindergarten, it’s important to understand that not all schools are keeping up with these crazy times. With public school enrollments dropping by 1.2 million kids post-pandemic, there’s no doubt where your child starts their academic journey is more than just learning their ABCs; it sets the tone for the rest of their lives. 

Here are 5 ways COVID changed kindergarten:

1. The Big Enrollment Drop

New York City kindergartens alone experienced a 17% drop in enrollment. The reason? Slipping academic standards, especially in key areas like reading and writing. But guess where these kids are going? To private and charter schools, with private schools seeing a whopping 10-18% surge in enrollments post-COVID.

2. Zoom School Nightmares

It was like flipping through movie channels; some schools were blockbuster hits, while others were major flops. Parents got a direct glimpse into virtual classrooms and, spoiler alert, not all were giving standing ovations. Many were underwhelmed due to the glaring inconsistencies in student engagement and teaching quality.

3. Essential Skills Went MIA

The pandemic exposed some gaping holes in curriculums. Teamwork, critical thinking, basic life skills—suddenly, these weren’t just buzzwords but real needs. And many schools seemed to miss the memo, and still haven’t figured out how to develop these skills into the classroom.

4. The “Pass-Along” Phenomenon

Some public schools began “social promotion,” moving kids to the next grade, regardless of mastery. It’s like earning a gold star just for being there. Behind the scenes? Teachers juggled catching up old lessons while teaching new ones. Yet as the year concluded, up the students went.

5. Parents Taking Charge

Post-COVID, parents aren’t waiting on the sidelines. They’re actively seeking schools that prioritize immersive learning, offer real social connections, and truly cater to each child’s unique needs.

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from K-8 education. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour.  

5 Reasons Why Movement Matters in Kindergarten

 

Ever tried to bottle up a tornado? Yeah, not likely. Asking a kindergartener to sit still all day is just as improbable. So why enroll your child in a school that curbs their boundless energy? These pint-sized powerhouses require constant movement. Choosing a kindergarten that prioritizes regular activity over a mere 25-minute recess once a day will give you a content, grounded child—and a welcome dose of peace and quiet at home.

Here are 5 reasons why movement matters in kindergarten: 

1. Tune-Up Their Tiny Brains

Before diving into ABCs and 123s, a little jig or hop is the secret sauce to kickstart their learning engine. Movement preps the noggin, making absorbing lessons as easy as pie.

2. Healthy Habits for Life 

Remember those wild dance moves at your cousin’s wedding? That’s just kids being kids. Kindergartens embracing this truth lay the groundwork for a lifetime love of staying active. Let’s let them groove!

3. Think Fast, Move Faster

Those little jumping jacks and wiggle sessions? They’re like brain boosters, turbocharging your child’s cognitive prowess. Picture neurons lighting up like a dancefloor – that’s the brain on movement!

4. Happier, Calmer Kids 

Got a case of the Kindergarten blues? A hop, skip, and a jump are all it takes to uplift spirits. Movement sprinkles a bit of emotional magic, ensuring smiles stay wide and tantrums stay at bay.

5. Supercharged Learning

Who said learning can’t be a ball? From alphabet boogies to number jigs, when movement meets education, the result? A supercharged, fun-filled learning experience that sticks! 

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from a private school. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour.  

7 Things to Look for in a Kindergarten so Your Child Isn’t Bored

 

Did you know the average kindergartener asks 437 questions per day? Yep, you read that right. Now, let’s be honest – a bored kid is an unhappy kid. And, what’s the difference between a kindergartener who feels inspired to learn versus one who’s tuned out? Everything! 

Imagine your child’s eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, ready for another day of exploration and learning. That’s the kindergarten dream. But sadly, not all kindergartens are created equal. Some still follow old, yawn-worthy methods that make kids count down the minutes until the school bell rings. And when they come home bored? Let’s just say, it’s not a pretty sight for parents. So, how can you choose a kindergarten that feels more like an adventure than a chore?

Here are 7 things to look for in a kindergarten so your child isn’t bored:

1. Personalized Learning

You want a place where your child isn’t just another student. Schools that use tools like AI to tailor learning experiences make sure kids stay interested and adequately challenged

2. Flexible Curriculum

A rigid curriculum? That’s old news. Go for kindergartens where a flexible curriculum catapults learning, letting kids move at their pace, and even soar beyond their grade if they’re up for it.

3. Discovery and Exploration

Think of 5-year-old Sara…. Sara was on the verge of hating school due to boredom until she landed at a kindergarten that championed discovery. Look for environments where learning feels like a guided adventure, not a lecture.

4. Social & Emotional Well-Being

Here’s a nugget: 81% of educators say when kids feel good, they engage more. The best kindergartens nurture not just the brain, but the heart, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and emotional intelligence.

5. Passionate Educators

Did you know 61% of kids are drawn to teachers who make learning fun? The best kindergartens are buzzing with educators who turn even the trickiest subjects into riveting journeys.

6. Extracurricular Activities

Whether it’s painting, exploring nature, or kicking a soccer ball, kids have a universe of interests. A top-notch kindergarten offers a medley of activities, ensuring every child finds their passion.

7. Class Size Matters

Think of it this way: in a smaller pond, every fish gets noticed. Schools with smaller classes mean your child won’t just fade into the background, ensuring they always get the attention they deserve.

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from a private school. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour.  

3 Things to Look for in a Kindergarten for Advanced Children

 

You know the saying about a kid’s mind being like a sponge? Well, for some little sponges, the water flows faster than for others. While some kindergarteners are figuring out their ABCs, others are diving deep into chapter books or solving math puzzles. We all dream of our child’s face lighting up with the thrill of learning, eager to share their day’s discoveries. But here’s the catch: not all kindergartens cater to these little wonders. Many are still stuck in the “everyone starts at square one” mode, leaving our brainy kids twiddling their thumbs, with their interest in school falling right off a cliff. 

Between us, choosing the perfect kindergarten is the golden ticket to your child’s bright future and a big sigh of relief for you. So, if your child is thinking outside the box, shouldn’t their kindergarten do the same? Dive in, explore, and find a place where learning feels like the coolest adventure on the block. 

Here are 3 things to look for in a kindergarten for advanced children:

1. Personalized Learning Boosted by AI

Imagine a world where your child’s lessons fit them like a glove, always just right and never too tight. Schools equipped with AI-powered tools provide this snug fit. They ensure our precocious little ones are always on their toes, ready for the next leap. Goodbye, boredom!

2. Stretchy Adaptable Curriculum

Remember those ‘one size fits all’ hats that always seem a tad too tight or too loose? That’s a rigid curriculum for you. What your kid needs is a kindergarten where the learning path is like stretchy pants—always adjusting to fit just right. Whether they’re zipping ahead or taking a delightful detour, their journey is always just their size.

3. Innovative Teaching that Inspires Discovery

You know those “aha!” moments? The best kindergartens are chock-full of them. We’re talking about places where educators are more like curious explorers and less like old-school lecturers. They don’t just spill the beans; they guide little hands to uncover them. Because when you have an advanced child, the joy is in the journey and the discovery.

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from K-8 education. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour.  

5 Positive Ways Your Kids Should Be Using AI

You’ve heard all the news about kids using ChatGPT to cheat, but there’s another side to this story. Just as the internet revolutionized education, AI will be the next game-changer. While the fears of cheating have definitely been legitimate, have you actually tried writing an essay using just AI? Hate to say it, but the outcomes aren’t instant gratification. Using AI still requires work, and in fact, it often leads to a deeper understanding of the subject matter because you are the one who has to teach AI what to do and say. Just like the internet, AI isn’t going anywhere, so let’s teach our kids to work with AI, not against it. 

Here are 5 positive ways your kids should be using AI: 

1. 24/7 Tutors

AI can serve as a round-the-clock tutor for your child, offering instant academic support when they need it, and it’s free. If your child’s struggling with an algebra problem, they can ask AI to guide them through it, step-by-step.

2. Lessons Come to Life!

AI allows students to learn history by having life-like conversations with tech-powered versions of Socrates, Gandhi, and Dr. Martin Luther King. Students can learn about gravity by chatting with an AI-powered version of Sir Isaac Newton. They can learn about art from Frida Kahlo and about WW2 by chatting with a teenage version of Anne Frank. This level of engagement was unheard of before now.

3. Custom Study Plans

AI can design personalized study plans for your kids. Imagine AI systems that curate lesson plans tailored to each student’s learning style and needs. If your child is a visual learner, they can ask for examples that use infographics and visuals.

4. Enhanced Creativity

Kids can use AI to create virtual art galleries and build art based on whatever they can imagine. They can ask AI to “Show me a blue cat riding a marshmallow in space in 3-D” and let their imaginations go wild.

5. Real-time Progress Tracking

Tech-based apps provide instant feedback on students’ performance, so they know what they got wrong right away. They don’t have to wait for papers to get graded; AI tells them what they did wrong, and they can correct it on the spot. 

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from a private school. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour.  

3 Reasons Die-Hard Public School Parents are Choosing Private Schools for their Kids

 

Public education is in absolute turmoil and it’s reaching a dangerous breaking point. The biggest sign? Parents who not only bled public school spirit but firmly declared their children would too, are now fleeing to private institutions. Research shows American public schools witnessed a sharp decline of 1.2 million students in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, private school enrollment in 2021-2022 hit record highs after countless parents made the switch.

Here are three reasons public school parents are choosing private schools: 

Academic Standards

The public education system is failing to uphold academic excellence. A significant factor driving parents to private schools is the catastrophic drop in academic standards. Basic skills such as reading and writing are often overlooked, allowing students to advance with minimal to no academic grounding. The removal of crucial subjects like Algebra from 8th-grade curriculum, and eliminating enriched programs, are seriously hindering students’ chances of future success. After the Covid-19 pandemic national test scores plummeted to record lows, but because of the disastrous state of public schools, many of these students will never fully recover. Reports indicate kids missed 35% of a typical school year’s learning, with nearly half of parents fearing these setbacks could cause permanent damage. Alarmingly, post-Covid era education remains in continued decline. During the 2022-2023 school year, 13-year-olds’ math scores dropped by an average of 9 points, and reading scores fell by 4 points. Even the most ardent public school supporters recognize the potential long-term impact these learning gaps could have on their children’s lives.

Peer-to-Peer Influence and Culture

From relentless fighting and bullying, to the blatant disrespect for teachers, public school parents continue to witness the steady erosion of their children’s learning environment. Peer-to-peer influence and school culture significantly affects students at every academic stage, with data revealing a negative peer group can lead to a 24% drop in academic performance. Private schools often emphasize community, motivation, and a positive learning environment, while public schools are grappling with deteriorating mental health and a concerning anti-academic stance. With 85% of high school students facing peer-pressure, parents are turning to private schools to ensure their kids are learning alongside motivated, disciplined, and like-minded peers.

Individualized Learning

Over the past two decades, public school funding has been drastically cut, leading to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and an almost mechanical approach to education. This system has become increasingly challenging for teachers, with many either leaving the profession or facing daily struggles. To make matters worse, what funding is left doesn’t always go to the educators who need it most. Data shows public school classrooms are often packed to double the capacity of their private counterparts, resulting in a watered-down educational experience that leaves no room for individualized learning. Private schools champion an individual focus on each child’s personal learning needs. 

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from K-8 education. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour. 

5 Reasons Why Kindergarten Matters Most

 

Ready for a shocker? Kindergarten isn’t just about nap-time and doodling with crayons anymore. Now, more than ever, it’s a game-changing year that lays the foundation for your little one’s entire academic journey. Let’s be honest: the kindergarten you choose can be the difference between your child charging forward on their learning career with enthusiasm or viewing school as a place synonymous with boredom and frustration. A little secret between us? Choosing the right kindergarten not only puts your child on the path to success but could also be a lifesaver for your future parental sanity.

Here are 5 reasons why kindergarten matters most: 

1. The First Taste of School

Picture this: Your little one’s eyes, wide with curiosity, in a classroom that feels like an adventure. In the right kindergarten, every day is a thrilling chapter of discovery. “Numbers? That’s just my kind of fun!” That’s the spirit you’re aiming for!

2. The Future Forecast

Here’s some food for thought: How they fare in third grade might just be a sneak peek into their high school finale. If they’re lagging by third grade, there’s a 50% chance they’ll be playing catch-up in twelfth grade. Kickstart their journey in the right kindergarten, and you’ll set them up for encores at graduation.

3. School Vibes Matter

Dream of a school where the bell isn’t a ticket out, but an “until tomorrow” promise? A place where learning is so captivating that kids can’t wait to dive back in. Those who fall head over heels for their school have a whopping 64% higher chance of topping their exams. The right kindergarten vibe? Priceless.

4. Early Bird Gets The Word

Before they’re even thinking about diplomas, kids are defining their academic self-image. Heard the “I can’t draw” or “Math? I’m terrible”? In the perfect kindergarten, every kid discovers their own brand of genius, believing they can conquer any challenge.

5. The Post-COVID Twist 

In the wake of COVID, the academic world’s become a bit of a rollercoaster. With subjects like math and reading taking wild down turns, a solid start is more critical than ever. A stellar kindergarten ensures your child’s academic path has more ups than downs.

Alpha School is redefining what parents should expect from a private school. If you’re ready to create limitless possibilities in your child’s life, sign up for an Alpha School tour.