THE Primary TEACHER
As your childs' most important teacher, you craft a plan with your student and the school to best meet the needs of your child. Parents are an integral and trusted part of Dimensions! We ensure that your student's academic, social, emotional and physical needs are addressed. Parents are also volunteers and have a hands-on role within the school, which combines the strengths of homeschooling with the support of a school community and professional development.
.
PARENT’S ROLE
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Dimensions Family School BELIEVES THAT FAMILY-CENTERED, COMMUNITY INTEGRATED LEARNING CREATES PASSIONATE, LIFE-LONG LEARNERS.
-
Every child deserves a holistic learning experience, honoring the multiple dimensions of their personalities, interests, and talents, to nurture and preserve their natural love of learning. Kids love the cool classes and experiences!
-
Parents benefit from Parent Professional Development options, as well as informal community support and support groups for special needs. We provide emotional and academic support for homeschooling parents.
-
The school is integrated into the community, and we actively seek to be engaged through internships, outreach programs, knowledge sharing, and partnerships with like-minded community development organizations.
No two students have exactly the same skills or learning style. That’s why we create an individual learning plan for every child that changes each term. Your plan will combine direct instruction, small-group work, peer groups formed around common interest areas, and one-on-one tutoring. Your family chooses when to utilize the school's resources; maybe you come several mornings a week, or perhaps you stay the full day on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Most classes are project-based and goal oriented toward mastery; there are no grades. Some Explorations and Launchpad classes include narrative evaluation and portfolio review.
We group students into four levels for academic and social activities:
DISCOVERY - Ages 3-6
Self-control, love of learning, connection to family, beginning friendships
- social-emotional learning; sharing, taking turns, communicating your needs
- hands-on learning: art, science, math, nature study
- daily stories and songs
- active movement and outside play encouraged!
- parents as mentors in a community setting
The hours for the Discovery program run in morning and afternoon blocks, 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with children participating in the session(s) that work best for them. The structure will be the same each day with a progression of activities that includes art, free play, science, snack, outside play and reading time. There will be themes throughout the year as well. The emphasis will be on self-control, healthy interactions with peers, resolving conflicts peacefully, agency and child-directed learning with many options for creative play.
FOUNDATIONS - Ages 6-12
Self-regulation, basic life skills, time management, literacy, numeracy, curiosity, engagement, positive relationships
- 45-minute classes and 15 minutes of active time each hour
- physical movement options for number fluency and spelling
- peer learning groups and clubs
- art, music, dance, building, tinkering options
- history, science and writing groups
EXPLORATIONS - Ages 10-14
"Who am I becoming?" "What am I passionate about?" "What makes a good friend?"
- life skills classes, i.e. health, cooking, goal setting, executive functioning)
- practical application of academic skills in project-based modules
- social experiences with peers
- volunteer opportunities
- art, music, dance, building, tinkering options
- peer learning groups and clubs
- sports (TBD Spring 2017)
LAUNCHPAD - Ages 12-19
Preparing for adulthood. Answering the question, "How do I want to affect the world?"
- internships based on student interests
- entrepreneurial track for students with business ideas
- integrated foreign language, science and history modules with international travel option
- high school level academic classes
- life skills classes, i.e. sexual education, driver's education, financial management, etc.
- peer learning groups
- sports (TBD Spring 2017)
- volunteer opportunities
- social events such as gaming, dances, art, music, clubs, and outdoor skills
PARENTS
Life-Long Learners, Family Oriented, Community-Minded Adults
- Homeschooling 101 series for new families
- Professional Development Series featuring parenting and educational topics
- Support groups
- One location for multiple children to have simultaneous activities allows for convenient part-time employment or time to exercise
- Deep friendships and connection with like-minded adults
- Know your children's friends deeply!
WHEN?
Our school is open Monday-Friday betwen 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our Foundations program runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Our Explorations and Launchpad programs run from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Additional evening and weekend hours are available based on programmatic needs and special events, such as plays, dances or support groups.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Dimensions is a member-based institution. The base fee is only $80 per month! Though we expect most families will use the center part-time, we currently cap our pricing at $350 for one child. Additional children are only $50 more per month. Tuition is charged monthly as part of a ten month contract (September through June). Each family is also required to volunteer at Dimensions based on the number of classes that the students are registered for. Clubs and are included with your monthly membership fee; some classes may have a materials fee or fees for participation. There is also a yearly application fee per family. Read more about memberships and pricing.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Go to the Application Form.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
See the Current Class Listing
See the Current Student-Led Clubs
See our Parent Professional Development Opportunities
See our Special Events Listing
See our School Calendar