M.M. asks from Gilbert, AZ on September 01, 2008
What Is "Traditional" Education?
My son just started kindergarten at our local Gilbert elementary school. I've found that a few people in our neighborhood send their children to another school in the Gilbert district that offers "Traditional" education. Does anyone know the difference between the two types of schools? Is one "better" than the other?
I would appreciate any information you have.
Featured Answers
K.H. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
They may be referring to a Charter school or there are two schools : Chandler Traditional and Neely in Gilbet, which offer the Spalding program for Language Arts and a math program that all of the grade levels use. They start out very intense and build on eachother each year. They teach one grade level higher.
More Answers
M.P. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
Hi,
If you are taking about Neely Elem, let me first start off by saying its not for everyone. I work for GPS and my kids are also in Gilbert schools. Both my kids went to Neely at some point. My son went 1-6th grade. This was a 15 mile drive each way...but man was it worth it. I say its not for everyone cause its very fast paced. My kids loved it and did very well. Its a back to basics approach to learning. When my son got to the 7th grade it took him the first semester to finally do work he had not done in the 6th grade. Now gilbert also has the classic academy for 7-12th. I say send your kids there if they are smart and quick learners. I would not put my kids in any other school district other than Gilbert..hehe and thats not just cause I work here.
Hope this helps
M.
K.M. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
It included no art and not many extra activities. It 100% pertains to what you believe is best for your childs needs. I do not like this type of school for my children because I am a psychologist and I found a study that suggested children that are exposed to music etc, from kindergarten on up, score higher on test scores later...
Our three kids go to a charter school in gilbert that believes in implementing all values. We have tried 2 other public school and they were horrible compated to this concept.
However remember, it is what you believe in... is imortant in life. I believe music and extra activities are as valued as learning from a book.
Good luck,
K.
T.B. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
Hello M.,
It's nice to meet you. I am the PTSO co-president at Gilbert El. My daughter is in second grade there. I also considered sending my child to a traditional school, but obviously opted for Gilbert El instead. I really love that school. The principal and most of the staff are wonderful. I feel like my child is getting a great education there. If you are wondering about the traditional schools, maybe you could go and sit in at a class. I know they do allow it. There is Benjamin Franklin @ Gilbert and Warner. It wasn't for my child, but it might be for yours. If you have any other questions about the Gilbert El, feel free to email me at ____@____.com I don't know the answer, I can point you in the right direction.
C.H. answers from Phoenix on September 01, 2008
My son attends Chandler Traditional Academy, two locations in Gilbert. As far as I know we are one the same school schedule and the still considered a public school. The differences are they learn at an accelerated rate, (they are learning 5th grade curriculumn during 4th grade), they are more exclusive (they can cap off their class sizes like a charter school)and Our school teaches the Spalding Method for reading, phonograms and spelling and the Saxon Math Method.
C.T. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
I am a teacher in the Scottsdale District and we do have traditional schools. I teach at a regular school but from what I have heard the traditional school is a bit more structured or "traditional" in the teaching style. Children tend to have desks in rows rather than groups and do less of the interactive/group learning like in other schools. I have heard great things about traditional schools but it is not for every child. The children seem to be have less social learning time doing things such as centers and group work and it is more of a teacher in front teaches and children do the practice at their seats. If it suits your child it is a great route! Good luck
J.L. answers from Phoenix on September 03, 2008
We also live in Gilbert. I think you must be talking about the school - Neely Traditional Academy. It focuses more on phonics and other traditional learning methods. The other elementary schools use sight words and other techniques to teach reading. I know that there are waiting lists for children to attend that school. I would go and visit it and find out if it's the right type of teaching style for your children. I have friends who send their kids there and were on the waiting list for a year or so. They love it. Lots of homework and very focused on reading. They have the best test scores in the district I believe. Good Luck.
M.G. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
C H is correct. Also, "traditional" teaching is where the teacher stands up and teaches the subject then the kids do a lesson in class and then has homework each night to reinforce the learning. My children have been at Cheyenne Traditional School in Scottsdale for the past 10 years. We have been very happy with it. The kids that attend Cheyenne are usually advanced when they switch to the middle or high school. When my children interviewed for the private high school the admissions coordinator said they always felt comfortable accepting the Cheyenne students because they were used to the accelerated learning, the strict rules and wearing a uniform. You should also check the school test scores. Usually they are higher at the traditional schools
J.S. answers from Phoenix on September 02, 2008
Hi M.! My step-daughter goes to the Franklin East Academy, one of the Mesa Public Schools traditional academies. I have been very impresse with the traditional environment. The students have a pretty hard core curriculum, but they learn to read by the end of the first semester of their kindergarten year. And reading opens so many doors to learning!! It is a little frustrating that she doesn't quite understand the days of the week or the months or money, but the reading is very impressive. It is not for every kid and I don't believe they do well with special needs kids. It is as close to private as you are going to get with a public school!
Good luck!
Email