Q.Does Park Street Kids offer Financial Aid?
A.Yes, financial aid is available, based on demonstrated need. For more
information, please see the section on Financial Aid on our Admissions page.
Q.Does Park Street Kids follow Boston’s Public School Calendar?
A.Yes, we are on the Boston Public School academic calendar. For more specific
information, please visit our Calendar page.
Q.How do I enroll my child in Park Street Kids?
A.You can learn more about our application process on our Admission page.
Q.Does the school provide snacks or lunch?
A.No, families are to send a snack with their child each day. Children staying for
Creative Afternoons should have two (2) snacks and a lunch.
Q.Do children nap?
A.Only children who stay for Creative Afternoons will have a rest period after
lunch.
Q.Does my child need to be potty-trained?
A.All children (including Toddler Transition) except those entering the Toddler
program should be fully potty-trained.
Q.What does it mean to be a “Christian” school?
A.Sharing a great tradition with other local schools – such as Boston Latin, Boston
College, and Harvard University – Park Street School and Park Street Kids has
been founded and established by Christians seeking to provide an excellent
education to Bostonians. Our faith in Jesus Christ is our cornerstone. From that
foundation, we seek to provide an environment of acceptance, balance and
fairness regarding faith and its questions.
In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, we nurture each child to achieve his or her full potential and develop an understanding of his or her worth as a unique being created by God. In addition, the formation of Christian character in all students is of utmost importance. Emphasis is placed on compassion, kindness, and respect towards others.
Each month, we have a different theme developed from Christian principles. Teachers lead prayer at morning circle and at snack, and all Park Street Kids attend chapel once a month, a time spent singing and listening to thematic Bible stories told by Pastor Kris in a fun and engaging way.
Q.Do children take field trips?
A.Yes, in order to take advantage of the rich cultural, historical and educational
opportunities of Boston and the surrounding areas, several field trips will be scheduled
during the school year.
Q.Do children go outside during school?
A.Since most students are only here until noon, we utilize the gymnasium daily to
foster development of various large motor skills. Occasionally, our children play
and explore in the Boston Common and Public Garden as weather permits.
Q.Is parental involvement encouraged at Park Street Kids?
A.Yes, the role of parents in a child’s development is both recognized and valued at
Park Street Kids. We encourage parents to become involved in their child’s
education. Parents are welcome to visit and participate in the classroom, to
chaperone field trips, help plan class parties, assist with Open Houses, participate
in parent-teacher conferences, serve on various committees, and help with special
events. Each class will have an appointed classroom parent who will assist with
coordinating various school events and activities. Parents are also encouraged to
attend scheduled Parent Breakfasts.
Q.How do I find out about my child’s progress at school?
A.A newsletter will go home weekly to inform parents of classroom activities and instruction. Students are assessed throughout the year. Progress reports will go home three times per year, with parent-teacher conferences for the first and second trimester. As well, we are thrilled to initiate the implementation of an online system called Veracross. Beginning in the fall of 2009, we will begin to make more of our school information available to you online through a secure Parent Portal, accessed through our website. Eventually, you will be able to access your family contact information, receive school and class communications, and for those children who are in the higher grade classes, see your student’s homework assignments and grades.
Q.Do you have parking?
A. No, but parking is available on a limited basis at meters nearby, or in the
Common Garage and One Beacon Garage. We do offer a drop-off/pick-up system
where parents can pull up in their cars in a designated spot and staff members will
meet them to escort their children to class.
Q.What will my child learn at Park Street Kids?
A.We offer a content-rich and developmentally-appropriate curriculum at Park Street
Kids. Please see the Curriculum page for an overview, and the Park Street Kids Program
and Daily Schedule pages for more information. A scope and sequence of our curriculum
is available to download.
Q.Who will teach my child at Park Street Kids?
A.Park Street Kids hires qualified teachers who exhibit creativity, energy, and a
nurturing spirit. All of our teachers and assistant teachers have at least a
Bachelor’s degree and meets or exceeds the requirements laid out by the
Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Q.Do you have to attend church to go to Park Street Kids?
A.No, our students come from various religious backgrounds. Some of our families
attend church, representing many different denominations, while others
don’t attend church at all.
Q.Where do your students come from?
A.Seventy-five percent of our student body comes from the downtown neighborhood, such
as Beacon Hill, South End, Back Bay, North End, Charlestown, West End, Chinatown,
Leather District, and others come from surrounding neighborhoods/communities.
