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We will be moving to Raleigh early this summer, and I am looking for a half-day kindergarten program for my daughter. She is already beginning to read and do simple math, so she doesn't need additional academics associated with a whole day program.
I am not necessarily opposed to the public schools (if I can ever figure them out, LOL), but it looks from the WCPS site that all K programs are full-day.
I'm not planning on keeping my daughter in private school forever, so distance and theology/not are not super important...it's more I want a half-day program to get us through this next transition year.
Oh - FWIW, we are looking to live in either Macedonia (or nearby) or Tysonville areas.
Any input anyone has would be much appreciated! Thanks!
You can actually do only 1/2 day KG in WCPSS even though it's full day KG, they just don't advertise it. But I think it's a law that you can pick them up after a half of a day. I don't know anyone who actually does that, though.
Here's a list of 1/2-day Kindergartens I have come across while searching for a school for my own daughter. I have not visited or had direct experience with all of these though. I'm sure there are more!
Carolina Friends School, Emerson Waldorf School, Orchard Hill Children's School, Our Playhouse Preschool, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill
You can actually do only 1/2 day KG in WCPSS even though it's full day KG, they just don't advertise it. But I think it's a law that you can pick them up after a half of a day. I don't know anyone who actually does that, though.
Does one verify this directly through the school assigned to them? Has anyone reading done this? What was your experience?
Most people don't know this but in many states kindergarten is not required. You can start your child in first grade if you choose. I know in NY the law states your child must be in school by age 6...so you could right to first grade if you want. That's probably what lamishra is getting at. That would be a state law though, so not sure where you'd check if this true.
My kids were doing simple algebra prior to K (simple find x) and have benefited from a full day schedule. What you are giving up if you go half day is 1) more creative learning, 2) more creative art and other 'centers', 3) more social interaction in a structured setting. If you feel your child is too smart for Kindergarten then have her test into 1st grade.
The full day isn't for extra academics - it's so the schedule can accomodate the "fun" stuff like specials, center time, 30 min for lunch and 30 min for recess. I was wary of the full day too but after the first month or two (where my daughter was tired in the evenings) I was SO GLAD she was going the whole day. She truly loves it and was ready for it - I think most kids are, honestly. My friends (in other states) with children in half-day programs feel like there is too much intense academics crammed in that 1/2 day.
The full day isn't for extra academics - it's so the schedule can accomodate the "fun" stuff like specials, center time, 30 min for lunch and 30 min for recess.
You forgot about PEPI! I'm still not exactly sure what that is, but it's my son's favorite part of the day. Somehow the high school kids come over and play games with them.
^^ My DD loves her PEPI "friends" too....it's for HS kids who think they might want to go into teaching....they go to the elementary schools and do P.E.-type stuff with the little ones. They love it!
huh, we don't have PEPI! I'm sure I would have heard about that one - sounds fun!
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