Need info from parents on 4th/5th grade at Sanislo, Gatewood, & Arbor Heights

[jhilgedick]

Hello all,

I’m looking for opinions from parents on how Sanislo, Gatewood (public), or Arbor Heights are at integrating a child coming into their school at such a late age. I’ve got a 4th grader and I’m concerned that the classes at the above schools have probably already ‘splintered’ into different groups (or ‘cliques’) – and that a new kid might have trouble fitting in. What do you think?

I plan on talking to the schools directly – but I was also hoping to hear from some parents. Do you have any information that might help? It would be much appreciated.

-john

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[Bonnie]

I have no information as my son is in the 1st grade and my daughter preschool but my son goes to Arbor Heights and we are happy. Maybe contact the teachers at the schools and see if you can set up any playdates? (is that still done in the 4th grade??) I know it’s tough being the new kid. good luck!

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[sw]

My gut feeling is that you may run into this situation at any school. Some kids have an outgoing personality and can fit in anywhere, some are more shy and will take longer. I have one of each!

As a parent of two at Gatewood, I can offer a bit of info about our school. The kids are broken into “teams” and looped with the same teachers for 2 years – ie: K/1, 2/3, 4/5. If you had a child entering 4th Grade at Gatewood, they would be moving “upstairs” with the other kids in the grade band and have two new teachers along with everyone else. The other kids would still have familiarity with the school and environment, but the physical and psychological change for all might make your child’s transition easier.

My suggestion would be to visit all the schools you’re considering. I’m sure most would allow your child to spend part of a day in class to see how they like the environment. Talk to the teachers and principal to see how they deal with this type of situation. You’ll most likely gravitate to one school or the other. Just involve your child in the process so they have ownership of the decision – hopefully they’ll feel more empowered to go in head held high and make new friends right away.

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[mom3]

I actually moved my child into Sanislo in the 4th grade and it was wonderful. The whole clique thing wasn’t that ‘big of a deal’ (to quote my child) and my child was welcome by all the kids. She was miffed at my moving her there, but adjusted fairly quickly and has thanked me for it since.

Sanislo does a great deal of teaming between the grade levels, which I love, so I think your child would get to meet the whole 4th grade and feel comfortable within a few weeks. I also think that Sanislo, as with any of the schools you mentioned, takes the time at the beginning of the school year to form bonds between the teachers/aides/tutors/administration and the kids as well as provide structured activities to enable the team building process for the whole class.

As far as cliques are concerned: I have had three kids in 4th grade (one is currently in 4th grade) and my experience is that this is a time when kids naturally change friends, because their interest are changing. They are moving on from the doll and car stage into chapter books and soccer/baseball. So the cliques tend to change throughout the next couple of years.

An added, surprize,bonus of switching in the 4th grade for us was that when my child attended middle school she knew kids from her old elementary school as well as her new one. It’s that ‘West Seattle thing.’ Good luck in your decision.

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[Author]

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