Brookline, MA
Apple Orchard

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.9)

Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
...are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

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Director's Description to School's Approach to Discipline

Generally, we use simple reminders to help children remember the rules. If after a few attempts this method is not working, a child may be redirected to another activity.
In a circumstance where a child is physically hurting other children, they may be removed from the situation until they can get their body in control. Parents would be contacted for a conference if behavior is on going.

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'


We encourage children to use their words to express themselves and would be pleased with this response if done nicely as not to exclude someone but just making a different choice. Attempts would be made to help "Child B" link up with someone else or become a special teacher helper to help minimize hurt feelings.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
In the beginning of the preschool year, any conflict that arises is usually resolved with teacher involvement. The great thing about this is that the student is given the tools to resolve his/her own conflicts and then by the second semester is able to express his/her feelings about the situation and work on resolving it himself/herself without adult involvement

Parent #2
The school does not have a sign in policy. But, the campus is a contained area and the community is very close knit - a stranger would be noticed and identified immeadiately.

Parent #3
Apple Orchard is a working farm, it's not meant to be a pristine place where the children are dressed up. My kids often come home filthy because they've had so much fun in the farm environment!

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.9)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided More >
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

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Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.2)
Screen and identify all visitors More >
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

What school type is right for your child? Is one model better than another? What does the research say?

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