See below for answers to questions frequently asked about Almaden Country School. More specific questions will gladly be answered by the ACS administration.
Does Almaden Country School offer after-school child care?
Do you offer a tuition discount for multiple children within a family attending ACS?
Do you emphasize academics or the creative arts?
Are parents involved in the school?
Is there a school lunch program?
Is there a uniform or dress code policy?
What is the discipline policy?
What is the grading policy at ACS?
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
Do you offer a financial aid program?
Does ACS have any religious affiliation?
How does ACS compare to local public schools?
How can I learn more about ACS?
Does Almaden Country School offer after-school child care?
Absolutely! Almaden Country School’s Apple Orchard is an extended-care program designed especially for those families with a very busy schedule.Do you offer a tuition discount for multiple children within a family attending ACS?
Yes. A second child receives a 5% discount on the basic tuition. The third child and beyond each receives a 25% discount on the basic tuition.Do you emphasize academics or the creative arts?
Both! At Almaden Country School, we believe in developing the whole child. Students learn traditional academics as well as art, science, music, foreign languages, physical education, and drama. The result is true interdisciplinary study, where concepts learned in one subject area are connected across the curriculum. Not only do students score in the top 15% nationally on standardized test scores, and in the top 12% on the private high school placement exam, they are literate individuals who enjoy learning, know how to think critically and creatively, and contribute positively to their community.Are parents involved in the school?
Very much so! Our parents understand that they are part of a learning partnership. They work at every level of our school to create a strong sense of community and a strong culture of learning. Through our Parent Service Auxiliary (PSA), parents serve as room parents, plan social events, raise funds for the classroom, and serve on key school-wide committees.What is the homework policy?
At ACS we strive to provide a balance between schoolwork and other interests. We also gear the amount of homework to the ability and level of the student. We assign small amounts of homework starting in Kindergarten, and increase the amount of homework with each increase in grade. Students can anticipate about 10 minutes of homework a night per grade level. For example, 1st graders have 10 minutes per night, 2nd graders have about 20 minutes, 3rd graders have approximately 30 minutes, and so on through 8th grade.Is there a school lunch program?
ACS partners with Uncle Ray's, a private catering company to provide healthy hot lunch choices which are prepared on site at our school's commercial kitchen. Families are encouraged to order lunches a month in advance, using Uncle Ray's convenient online system. Each lunch costs $5 and same day lunch orders are available at $7 each. A vegetarian and non-vegetarian option is offered each day. Parents may choose to participate as much, or as little, as suits their needs.Is there a uniform or dress code policy?
Yes. ACS has a uniform dress code for all grades. Uniform dress creates a sense of unity and belonging and shifts students’ focus toward learning and away from superficial comparisons. Uniforms reduce peer pressure, enhance classroom discipline, and contribute to a positive learning environment. Our Middle School students are allowed free dress every Friday.What is the discipline policy?
We believe that children are capable of developing strong personal integrity. It is our goal to help students develop a positive “moral compass.” At Almaden Country School, children are encouraged to make choices based on mutual respect, in an atmosphere of caring, with the knowledge that their actions will have consequences for themselves and others. We exercise positive discipline, helping students construct their own expectations around mutual respect, a strong work ethic, and moral behavior. In cases of misbehavior, we look for the opportunity to teach positive alternative behavior. Consequences for misbehavior focus on long-range results rather than on short-term punishment. Children are directly involved in exploring their behavior, how it affects others, and what they can do to solve problems in appropriate ways.What is the grading policy at ACS?
We assess a student’s learning against two criteria: growth toward subject-specific grade level standards, and growth toward personal learning goals. Each child receives an annual Personal Learning Plan with parent, teacher, and student-created learning goals reflecting the student’s personal interests, learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Formal grading reports supplement active interim communication between parents and teachers. From our pre-school Begindergarten program through 4th grade, students receive assessment statements. Students in 5th through 8th grade receive traditional letter grades, in addition to their personal assessments.What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
The ratio depends on the grade level. In our Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes, the ratio is approximately 8:1. As students age they are able to work more independently, and thus the ratio decreases with each grade. Our Kindergarten ratio is approximately 15:1 and our 1st through 8th grade ratio averages one teacher for every 20 students.Do you offer a financial aid program?
Financial aid is available to families at school who are in good standing. Financial aid is offered on an annual basis to help families who are suffering a temporary set back. W-2 forms, Federal Tax Return forms and recent pay stubs are required to be submitted in order to assess financial aid. Forms are due by April 1 and the financial aid committee will inform the recipients of their award by May 1.Does ACS have any religious affiliation?
ACS is a non-sectarian school and is not affiliated with any religion. We accept applicants without regard to race, sex, gender, or religion. You may view our nondiscriminatory policy.How does ACS compare to local public schools?
There are dedicated teachers and parents in almost every school, public or private. To some extent, all schools focus on student learning. The greatest difference you will find at ACS is that we make learning very personal to your child and your family. While our formal curriculum meets and exceeds California learning standards, we use it as a starting point for learning, rather than a fixed formula. Teachers construct a personal learning plan for your child based on your input, progress from prior years, your child’s personal interests and learning styles, and your child’s personal areas of strength and weakness. At ACS, we also make learning real and relevant. Unlike public schools, our funding is not tied to test scores. Thus, teachers are free to explore concepts in depth, creating hands-on projects and interdisciplinary applications that develop critical and creative thinking skills. The formal curriculum is also augmented by a range of enrichment classes that further support your child’s unique interests by providing the opportunity to explore science, drama, art, French, PE and music, all of which are taught by teachers specially trained in those subjects. As a result, our students consistently score in the top 15% on national standardized tests, without our having to “teach to the test.” More than 80% of ACS graduates are admitted into private high schools, with an average score of 88% on the High School Placement Test.How can I learn more about ACS?
There are three ways to become better acquainted with ACS: 1) a personal tour; 2) an open house visit; and 3) a two-day student shadow.ACS offers campus tours Tuesday (Middle School), Wednesday (Early Childhood), and Thursday (Elementary School) every week at 8:30 a.m. A personal tour also can be scheduled any time upon request. During the tour, you will learn more about our philosophy and teaching practices as you observe students and teachers in action.
You may also attend a pre-scheduled Saturday Open House. One of our own Middle School students will tour you around the campus. Teachers will be available to answer your specific questions and introduce you to the curriculum.
At ACS we also give your child the opportunity to “shadow”. This is a normal part of the application process, which lets your child learn firsthand what the school is like, while giving ACS a chance to understand your child’s s academic and interpersonal capabilities.