Progressive elementary public schools in Westchester (Chappaqua, Hastings: neighborhood, elementary school, vs.)
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Hi!
We are looking to move to Westchester and our child will start Kindergarten in September. We are not too picky about the town but the most important thing for us is too find a good elementary school, with a gentle and progressive approach. A school with a low student/teacher ratio, allowing playtime in Kindergarten and with a low homework load (and if possible none in Kindergarten). Any school fitting this description anywhere? Willing to relocate as far as Chappaqua but probably not further.
Thanks a ton!
We moved to Croton-on-Hudson this past year and Carrie E Tompkins Elementary School has been a breath of fresh air for our child after several years in a city elementary. The approach is gentle and progressive, as you mention, with more an emphasis on creative expression than hardcore (and common core) STEM. We have found the teaching style to encourage learning --and advancing-- on their own vs. down-and-dirty homework immersion. Our child is very happy at CET.
COH is a tiny bit farther than Chappaqua but not by much.
Have you checked out Hastings-on-Hudson? Both of our sons are in Hillside Elementary, and the school is very friendly. As far as progressive, it would probably be pretty difficult to find a more progressive village in Westchester than Hastings.
Have you checked out Hastings-on-Hudson? Both of our sons are in Hillside Elementary, and the school is very friendly. As far as progressive, it would probably be pretty difficult to find a more progressive village in Westchester than Hastings.
"Progressive village" means if you admit to being a conservative (Trump or no Trump), a good chunk of people will not associate with you. And if you say you are pro-life, or pro-2nd amendment? You are truly sunk.
Progressives love diversity, with the notable exception of diversity of thought.
update on progressive public schools in Westchester?
Wondering if you found anything? We are in the same boat - looking to leave the city, where my daughter is in a very progressive school (she's in K now) for a public system that incorporates at least some of the same things. Would like to stay as close to NYC as possible for commute... but a good fit for the school is my biggest hurdle.
Hastings and Dobbs both fit that bill well (student:teacher ~12:1, average class sizes ~17-21) and have great commutes for Westchester. Briarcliff Manor is even a bit smaller classes, but further away and less progressive in feel. Croton's also a good choice but far and doesn't have as much of a downtown (we love just walking to town, train, or the grocery store in Hastings).
Both Hastings and Dobbs are liberal leaning and less flashy (more subarus than audis), but we know folks in both with a range of viewpoints and backgrounds. The running joke is which neighborhood in Brooklyn did you move here from, but there's still quite a few longer term residents.
Serious question. What makes an elementary school progressive?
I'll take a stab at this....
A progressive elementary school cares more about kids being creative than it does about following the rules. In some schools, in the lower grades, kids' art projects will be hanging on the wall, and they all look alike, because they are given specific directions. In others, kids are allowed the freedom to do what they want with the project.
In non-progressive schools, teachers say things like "learning to line up" is the most important skill that a younger child can learn.
I think of progressive as being oriented toward the individual and what that child is interested in.
Serious question. What makes an elementary school progressive?
Every kids get a participation trophy regardless of merits, competitiveness is banned for the most part. safe space when kids feel pressure. Historical religion personages are treaties with disdain. All previous normal moral values from the past are to be questioned. Education do not start at school and end in school. Shame on the parents for not reinforcing their own values constantly at home.
Every kids get a participation trophy regardless of merits, competitiveness is banned for the most part. safe space when kids feel pressure. Historical religion personages are treaties with disdain. All previous normal moral values from the past are to be questioned. Education do not start at school and end in school. Shame on the parents for not reinforcing their own values constantly at home.
In considering this author's view on education, note the author's complete inability to compose a proper English sentence.
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update on progressive public schools in Westchester?
