Ressurection Lutheran School (RLS) or Thales - cary/apex/ - OVERALL SCHOOL CLIMATE (middle school)

[searchmeister]

Hi All:
I was hoping that somebody out there has experience with Resurrection Lutheran School in Cary or Thales Academy in Apex. I have a rising 6th grader and am looking for information on the middle school programs. I realize that Thales method of teaching is direct instruction for the elementary level. I Am looking more for information on the overall "feel" of the school, culture (abilities, cliques, parent involvement - too much, too little), school climate (positive, helpful, walking on eggshells) willingness of administration/teachers to work with students of different learning styles.
They all paint a pretty picture when you visit but I am wondering if they actually are that "pretty!" Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[ma91pmh]

Thales is as you point out based on the "direct" method which was developed for children with learning difficulties. Strikes me these days this chain of schools is using this parrot-teaching technique to impress pushy parents who can't afford a good private school but don't want to be seen sending their kids to - god forbid - public.

[csteck]

Searchmeister - Our family has had good experiences with both schools, I would be happy to provide more info if you are interested.

[searchmeister]

Uh, Ma91 - perhaps you should check your facts about that "parrot technique" ---

[mcfamilyof4]

its so interesting that people post about a subject they clearly have no knowledge of in order to pretend that they are helping you with your original question. (MA91pmh). Direct Instruction is not a "parrot technique"

[annesg]

My daughter dances with a child who goes to RLS and whose mom is a teacher there. When I talked to the mom she said she really loves it. They thought about moving their daughter in middle school to a public school b/c RLS is sooo small...but decided against it and stayed at RLS and are glad of it. That may not really help you since I have no direct experience there, but the mom I talked to teaches 4th grade there and they really like it.

[hat456]

I commented on Thales above in another thread. Terrible front office who didn't call us back for weeks sometimes. Lame communication. Robotic atmosphere. Exterior of school looks like a prison. And this "direct instruction" does not allow a child to think it out. If you want your kids to learn how to think, this is a big NO. If you want them to be TOLD what to think, then yes.

[ducter]

Originally Posted by hat456

I commented on Thales above in another thread. Terrible front office who didn't call us back for weeks sometimes. Lame communication. Robotic atmosphere. Exterior of school looks like a prison. And this "direct instruction" does not allow a child to think it out. If you want your kids to learn how to think, this is a big NO. If you want them to be TOLD what to think, then yes.

Also looking at Thales and I guess unless you can sit through an entire class then you only see 5 minutes worth of direct instruction.

what I saw was chanting or "saying it with me" style with the teacher and students.
Is it that the entire class time is like this?
Are there no ? and answers from students?
Even after taking a tour I cant get a feel of direct instruction.
a friend of a friend went there and said it was OK

The tours I dont think are as informative as others, you need to ask alot of questions.
And they told me that they were thinking of going to a year round calendar...

[ApexWolfpacker]

I have three close neighbors whose young children attend Thales. Very nice families. Well behaved kids. They regularly socialze with other school families. Seems to be a very tight knit group based around the school.