Frequently Asked Questions

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What opportunities are available for parents to be involved in their child’s school experience? Hide

Parents have many opportunities to be involved at Kingsbury. The Parents Association, which organizes innumerable activities yearly, is always happy to have new members. We also host a day devoted to Grandparents and Special Friends. There is a parent peer group, facilitated by the Lower School counselors, which meets once a month. This group offers parents an opportunity to share ideas and lend each other support. We feel that communication is an integral part of a successful school experience. In addition to yearly parent-teacher conferences, we encourage parents to communicate with teachers frequently via phone or email. Also, parents are always welcome to request a meeting with their child’s team members.

How are related services integrated into the classroom? Hide

The related services providers vary their delivery methods based on the student’s needs, the skills they are working on, and the classroom environment. A speech and language provider might choose to schedule her session with a child during recess if they are working on social pragmatic language skills. An Occupational Therapist may schedule her session with a student during art if the student is working on fine motor objectives. The related service staff is very flexible in accommodating the needs of their students.

The youngest children in the Lower School program participate in Developmental PE led by an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. The goal of this program is to help the children develop basic skills necessary to participate in PE and sports. There is no additional cost for this service.

How much time do students spend on academics daily? Hide

Generally, Lower School students spend two hours on language arts in the morning and an hour on math in the afternoon. The students have a 45-minute block in the afternoon that alternates between social studies and science. The children have PE twice weekly and library, music, computer, and art once a week. The academic program varies from group to group based on the needs of the children. Many factors go into adapting the academic program for our students. For this reason, the academic schedule is not the same for every class everyday.

What is the student to teacher ratio? Hide

In the Lower, Middle, and Upper School programs the student-to-teacher ratio is never more than 5:1 but is frequently lower. The class size depends on the dimensions of the room and the developmental needs of the students. Each classroom has at least one lead teacher and one assistant teacher.

How are classroom placements decided? Hide

Children are placed in classrooms that will best meet their developmental and academic needs. Teaching and learning styles are taken into consideration, as well as the maturity of age of the student.

When is the application deadline? Hide

The application and all supporting credentials are due February 2, 2009. If space is available after the deadline, the admissions committee will review a student’s completed application on a space available basis.

When will I be notified of the admissions decision? Hide

Notification letters will be mailed on March 2, 2008.

Is there a school uniform? Hide

Kingsbury students do not wear uniforms, but are expected to follow a dress code.

What are the hours of the school day? Hide

Lower School starts at 8:30 a.m. and dismisses at 3:05 p.m. with an early dismissal each Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Middle and Upper School starts at 8:05 a.m. and dismisses at 3:05 p.m. with early dismissal each Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

How are students selected for the Gifted and Talented Program (GTLD)? Hide

Applicants are selected for Kingsbury’s GTLD program based on their learning style, academic aptitude, extracurricular interest, and other admissions criteria. Student’s who are intellectually curious, academically motivated and have a thirst for knowledge may be a good fit for the GTLD program as well.

Multiple criteria is used to identify applicants. Current KDS students and new applicants are reviewed by a school committee comprised of admissions staff, psychologists, counselors, KDS tutoring staff, and other related service providers.

Do you offer before and after care? Hide

Yes. Students are able to participate in a number of extracurricular and sports activities in our after school enrichment program. Before care is offered from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and after care is offered until 6:00 p.m. daily.