Community School #1 Elementary

With four children, we have many years of experience and several schools with which to compare the education offered at CS#1. This is a unique school that offers more than just quality academics. At CS#1 children are consistent and active participants in their education, are recognized as valued members of the school community and are involved in problem solving to an extent that is not seen at other schools
—Submitted by a parent

Great Concept. Okay in practice. The idea of a community based school attracted me to place my child at CS1. After experiencing the school, I was disappointed with experience. Expectations for younger children were a little unrealistic and the idea of partnering younger/older children only works if you have strong older children around. The concept for the school is good but I think more instructional support may be needed.
—Submitted by a parent

FINAL - Part 4 of a long review. Bottom line, our son looks forward to school and learning every day. We are making sacrifices to send him to this school in that it is a farther distance to drive and more money, but it feels like a bargain for what he/we are gaining. It is one less thing for a parent to worry about. We are 100% confident that our son is getting what he needs at CS1. P.S. - Another bonus is that healthy eating is highly encouraged. Snacks are provided throughout the day so the students have optimum learning potential.
—Submitted by a parent

Part 3 - continuation of review Since the school is small, the learning is tailored to each individual child. The students learn life skills as well. The older students are mentors or heart friends to the younger students. This gives them opportunities to effectively handle conflict resolution which is necessary in all areas; family, work, and friendships. The students and teachers have weekly meetings to address concerns. The students have cleaning responsibilities. Homework is given in a packet once a week. They have a week to complete all homework which helps to teach time management. This is helpful to parents as well since some evenings are busier than others. All policies have been well thought out and come from years of teaching experience. There are all school parent meetings throughout the year to address questions/concerns. The school really does feel like a community working together with a common goal.
—Submitted by a parent

Part 2 - continuation of review They have time to learn critical thinking rather than study for a test with rote memory. A minor example of the critical thinking teaching is this. We were on a field trip visiting the Kansas City Gardens a few days ago. The students were inquisitive and learning a lot so the morning portion of the field trip lasted longer than anticipated. We didn t have enough time that day to go to the zoo for the afternoon part of the field trip. I was impressed the way Linda, the teacher, broke the news to the students. Rather than telling them they weren t able to go to the zoo. She had them come up with the reason they couldn t go. They determined how much time was left in the school day, how much money the zoo costs, why it wouldn t make sense, and came up with a different day to go. Problem was solved and everyone was happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Part 1 of a 4 part review Our son started school at CS1 in 5th grade after experiencing bullying at his former Kansas public elementary school. He was losing his identity and was finding it difficult to focus on academics. He started school at CS1 where there is zero bullying, not just a policy stating no bullying. This school teaches acceptance and kindness. He is now flourishing in all areas. His motivation to learn has skyrocketed. The curriculum is academic with traditional text book learning but since the school is small they are able to have many hands on learning experiences through field trips and other daily activities.
—Submitted by a parent

For us, CS 1 was a "game changer." After our son's previous school squelched his natural love of learning and left him with a severe math phobia, CS1 helped bring back the curious and enthusiastic boy he always was and is today. As far as how to educate, inspire & stimulate, the staff is doing everything right. Some words that come to mind about CS1 are: hands-on learning, the world as an extension of the classroom (i.e. tons of great field trips), friendly & supportive, "level-appropriate to each child" and very much community minded - the name says it all! Now that we've entered a new phase of our child's education, I'm confident that CS1 prepared him well and has made his transition, to a large and more traditional school, a smooth one.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does absolutely amazing things for our children. The Kansas City community at large is their school yard, library, and resource center. It does all of the standard stuff and does them great: spelling, reading, math, literature, science, social studies, art, music, dance. But it also teaches these young kids to organize themselves, complete often elaborate multi-staged assignments (both individual and group) and be responsible for their own education. It teaches compassion and empathy, as "olders" help "youngers" in the "one-room schoolhouse." All ages are in the same "class" together. Even the youngest kids end their first year feeling comfortable with oral presentations of several minutes. Above all, cs1 is "their" school: a community of children learning under the guidance of their teachers and parents. Parents too learn how to help their children to achieve in new ways from the excellent teachers. It is more like a family as children learn naturally in an environment that is as emotionally supportive as it is academically rigorous. And at rock bottom prices for a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are all about rote learning, this is not the place for you. Your child will learn to think; your child will learn to question; your child will learn to learn. It is more than just a school, it is a community. Your child will leave with all the knowledge to allow him or her to thrive in any other academic environment. With that, you child will take a sense of self and community, and a respect and passion for education.
—Submitted by a parent

CS1 is one of the best schools ever. It is interactive and thrives on helping students develop the love of learning. Give a child a fish feed them a meal teach a child to fish feed them for life. CS1 has mastered the art of teaching children how to fish. The teachers are innovative, creative, well rounded and fun. The students leave educated, happy, and well prepared. Trust me I know I've sent 2. I've been to and sent my children to many different private schools, I am private school educated K- College and by far CS1 is the best that I've seen, don't take my word come experence this great innovative place for yourself. After all remember teachers are nation builders and what a difference your child can make in this nation after experiencing all that CS1 has to offer
—Submitted by a parent

This is the beginning of our 3rd year at CS #1. From the first semester at kindergarten, our son's education just took off like a rocket. While there are many things to say about CS#1, I'll highlight a few we particularly value. All kids give weekly presentations and they learn to get comfortable with how to handle themselves in front of an audience. Wow. We didn't know how it would work to have our child give weekly presentations, but boy were we surprised when we discovered our 5 year old could not only prepare for a speech (with illustrations on note cards), but could deliver it with style. In addition to receiving an exceptional education, he experiences the outside world of greater Kansas City through numerous monthly field trips. CS#1 regularly attends the symphony, ballet, theater, museums, natural habitats, local library, historical points of interest and an annual author event hosted by Reading Reptile. This school promotes a love of reading, celebrates the unique talents of every child and requires that everyone be treated with respect. CS#1 and its amazingly gifted / hardworking teachers is a gift we cherish.
—Submitted by a parent

CS1 is an alternative for savvy parents who want the formative years to be more than standardized test preparations. I taught in public schools long enough to know that the curriculum is dictated by NCLB, and the joy of learning is quickly siphoned away by the time they are 7 years old. After we visited their open house, my son said, "Well, this would be a great way to avoid kindergarten!" Little does he know that it IS kindergarten! It's just a completely different way of teaching and learning-- and if I could create my own fantasy world school, it would look and function like this place. And don't get me started on the students there... the grey matter in that place is destined for greatness. On top of that, there is LOVE. There is a closeness and frankness between parents/students/teachers that by design does not occur in a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

2008 is our first year at CS#1 and we are glad we found this exceptional school. Academics are key in an environment that values diversity, tolerance and peace.
—Submitted by a parent

I work for a local non-profit organization who serves a wide variety of schools in the area. Without a doubt the work that CS1 is doing is important. The vision, scope, and influence of CS1 on its students cannot be measured.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter will begin her 4th year at CS#1 in the Fall. (3rd grade) We have been very happy with the quality of her education, but more important to us has been the growth that we have seen in her personally. At CS#1, she has learned to respect and play with children of all ages, and she has gained confidence as a leader. The children at CS#1 take pride in their responsibilities as well as their achievements. This year she will be an 'older,' which means more leadership opportunities and, I hear, more homework. The teachers are intelligent, fun, and committed, and the consistency of these teachers (six years--they really get to know the kids!) can't be beat. Great group of parents as well--very diverse, but the thing we all have in common is our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended CS#1 for the past 3 years-it has been an amazing experience. The school is like a modern one-room school - it has a multi-aged combined classroom which means there are about 26 kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade all in one room at least at the beginning of the day. They spilt up into 'olders' (3rd - 5th) and 'youngers' (k-2nd) for various classes throughout the day which include: writing, math, reading, art, spanish, movement/yoga, science, music, and social studies. They work at their grade level but are not limited to that. Because the school is small the teachers have students work at their developmental level. My daughter, while in 2nd grade, was doing 4th grade level spelling, 3rd grade math and 5th grade reading. There is a strong arts & community focus too -they take many field trips to cultural events. A great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to this school for all elementary grades. His teachers encouraged him to try things that he did not think he could do and they allowed him to use his gifts and talents. They held him accountable for his actions and inaction and required him to get it right or at least do his best and try to get it right. The focus on community was important to us and the arts in all areas of study were great. He wrote more in elementary school than since he has left and what he wrote was amazing and helped him get down on paper what was in his head. I miss that. I did not like the homework at the time but now his homework is mindless busy work taking two or three hours. I miss the thoughtful and provoking work that was required.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school from kindergarten and we are very happy. There have been some ups and downs but over all she is getting a superior education. There is a lot of parent involvement not only at school but in the area of homework. The children always have a chance to fix their mistakes thus in the end can feel successful. C.S.1 is community minded and teaches the children to be respectful of the world in which they live in and it's people. It is not for everyone, but if you would like your child to focus on the basics, reading, writng and math and use these skills in every subject then it is the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent