St. Scholastica Marikina - From my experience, creating one's own "ideal" image is part of adolescence. Many highschool girls dream of owning atleast one branded thing if it means being part of a clique or for one's own egoistic needs. Some may not speak of it, but they do. Some may easily brushed such things aside, achieving fulfillment by naming their schoolmate as "mayabang". Few disregard it deeming it unimportant. To answer the question, the school's been known for their 2 golden rules: simplicity and humility. You can only wear black, white, blue or brown hair accessories. Shoes can only be in plain black, no jewels. Still, kids tend to compare and show off from bags, sweaters (for some) to the littlest things like ballpens. I've seen this happen in other schools as well. Sadly, it's unescapable. As parents, all we can do is guide our children to that certain level of maturity and make them understand that they cannot judge and be judged by what they have.
ISYC Marikina - i've decided to enroll my daughter for various reasons. 1- they have a very ideal student-teacher ratio which is 5:1 for a progressive school. 2- They have wide open spaces inside and outside the classroom ideal for activities. (since progressive schools should be activity-based) 3- they practice differentiated activities. Meaning, kids are taught based on their own individual needs and level. No one is pressured or slowed down at a certain level during class sessions. 3- they promised to give weekly progress report 4- the school is not overpriced unlike other schools who priced the same inspite having limited facility and big student-teacher ratio. (71k includes materials, fieldtrip and 4 sets of uniform) 5- most teachers have a masters degree or either a masters candidate in childhood ed.
Miriam CSC or First Step- well, for 90k plus tuition, having such a fab facility is such an obvious. Downsides are 15:1 student ratio plus 1 teacher aid (First Step), 25-30 student:1 teacher, no teacher aid. They also don't focus much on the kids handwritting unlike Assumption (they have their own calligraphy style), lastly, some kids are nit even reading well enough at age 6.
Good-sides are: they offer plenty activities and students are very much knowledgeable. Almost all students have good english grammar at such a young age. Bullying is never tolerated. (they rarely happens anyway) Almost all teachers finished their master's degree from ateneo, up and miriam. They have a very ideal curriculum as they often integrate their subjects. Every subject, every class of every school day is well-thought of and well-planned. Lastly, every bit of expense is included in the TF: events, FTs, school play etc. No surprises.
Kids on Focus - 68k tuition includes 2 sets of uniform, daily snacks and materials. Fieldtrips and other
Activities not included.
Good-sides: They have cooking/baking classes every friday. They only have 3 classrooms with 10 students each which is not overwhelming for little kids. ( they only have am and pm classes which means they only have approx 60 students maximum) I loved the idea of having children eat the same food (to encourage eating in variety and also no "inggitan"). Also parents won't have to worry abt preparing baon. they have good materials for painting, pretend play and puzzles. All teachers are friendly and accomodating. Very homey environment.
Downside: classrooms are too small for a progressive type of school. 10:1 ratio plus 1 teacher aid is ok but movement inside the classroom is quite limited for the teacher and even for the students. Still manageable though.
I personally liked this school. It was one of my first 3 choices. It could be a good first school for my daughter since the school set up is quite nice too. They have a cute wash area outside the classroom, and everything is just a step away. The classrooms although small felt cozy naman.
goodluck to us mommies... Pasukan na.
