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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the student-teacher ratios at MCS?
Student-teacher ratios are kept as small as possible in order to allow individualization and close relationships. The youngest MCS students (3 years old) will typically spend Small Group Time with no more than seven children, while older students (4 – 6) may spend Small Group Time in a group of ten to twelve.
- What about academics at MCS?
The MCS curriculum challenges children in all areas of development, and traditional academic areas - reading, writing, math, etc. - are no exception. At the youngest ages, language, math, and problem solving are embedded in projects, activities, and real-life experiences, allowing teachers to observe and further children's developing skills. For five year olds, academics are pursued primarily through longer-term project work, in which children put their growing skills to use. At each step along the way, teachers continually address children's learning through high expectations, observation-based assessment, and work samples gathered.
- Where will my child go from MCS and how will she adjust to a new environment?
Some children will remain at MCS for Kindergarten. Others go well-prepared to attend a public or private school. The decision about a child's future school of attendance is a complex one, made by each child's parents. The child's teacher and the director are always available for discussion as this decision draws near. MCS prepares children for the future learning environments and challenges by building a strong grounding in necessary skills and knowledge, but also by developing self-confidence through successful mastery of challenges. MCS builds true self-esteem, which only comes through an earned sense of competence.
- Can my child attend MCS on a part-time schedule?
Children in the Early Childhood Classes (ages 3 and 4 to begin the year) may attend Monday - Friday, Mon/Wed/Fri, or Tues/Thurs.
Children enrolled in the Pre-K program may attend three or five days.
Children in Kindergarten attend five days per week.
All MCS children, whether on full or part time schedules, attend school from 9:00 - 3:00.
- Are parent hours required?
Although MCS is not a parent co-op, we encourage and value parent involvement. We believe that involvement is most successful when it proceeds from the parent's interests and abilities. Parents can choose to be involved in many ways at MCS, as occasional visitors or regular volunteers in the classroom, by sharing a particular skill or interest with a Small Group, by hosting or accompanying a field trip, by participating in special activities or by serving on a Committee or the Board.
- Is financial aid available?
Yes. There are two types of tuition assistance available to MCS families. First, as a licensed child care center, MCS is eligible for the State's Best Beginnings scholarship program, which can sometimes dramatically reduce a family's payment. Second, MCS is committed to providing assistance to families who might not otherwise be able to attend. A limited fund for assistance was created in 2003 through the fundraising efforts of MCS families. Families interested in applying for assistance may submit an application to the Tuition Assistance Committee at the time of enrollment (or re-enrollment).
- Must my child be immunized to attend MCS?
As a licensed child care center, MCS is required to enroll only children who have been immunized or have exemptions in compliance with state regulations. Immunization records or exemptions are due before the first day of school.
- My child turns three in November. Can she attend MCS this fall?
MCS requires children to be three years old by September 30 in order to attend. Children must also be potty-trained.
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