The Chance School

Background: A former parent, since re-located. Based on local anecdote, I think The Chance School was a very different school a decade or two ago; I probably would have liked it better. There is an almost patriotic pride (for some) associated with the cache of going to a 'private' school here. By comparison, though, our local public school admin were more credentialed that the those at Chance. My understanding is that the new leadership at Chance has a Theological background, which would raise a 'red flag' for me in a secular school. In terms of academics, the math program is based on a spiral curriculum. The thought behind it, is that we will throw a bunch of early concepts at your child 'if they don't stick, we will revisit them later'. This approach to math, left my child dizzy & confused. I found that in a different school, using a mastery-based program (Singapore math), my child could slowly build upon concepts that they had solidly learned. I feel there are a lot of self-appointed 'experts' in early-childhood education here, but many lack the training or breadth of experience to really qualify them. That said, there are some excellent & dedicated teachers in the upper grades.
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT school! Each child is truely taught at thier own level and inspired to learn. Great teacher to parent communication. Lots of great activites and hands on learning. Any downside may be that there are many stay at home moms that participate (which is good) and if you work and cannot be there for everything you tend to feel left out. However the fact that parents are that involved is really good for the kids. Teachers and administration are super welcoming and great with kids. LOTS of outdoor activities and exploration.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended Chance School. We were amazed with the promises of a sound education and disappointed with the delivery of a mediocre outcome. Chance has very little to offer in terms of extracurricular activities and stuggles to keep afloat. We at times get disinterested in the nickle and dime approach to other costs/fund raising. We've met great parents from all socio-economic background and found the community of parents/students to be exceptional. There are good teachers but you need to be in "the know" as to which class is best for your child and many parents aren't offered an option. The strongest aspect of chance is the involvement of families the weakest trait is the administration does not listen to the families. Don't let the charm overshadow what other schools can over comprehensively.
—Submitted by a parent

We were intrigued by the Chance School philosophy of educating the whole child. From a straight academic perspective, this school delivers. But I believe the whole child should include a nod to differences -- not only race, but socioeconomic differences. We are not paupers, but we strive to raise our child to understand that the world's resources are finite and not everyone lives so securely. The students in my daughter's class are privileged and have an air of entitlement with which we are wholly uncomfortable. After meeting their parents at various functions, we are less than surprised. Our daughter will be attending her reside public school next year, where I feel confident she will succeed and perhaps better develop as a whole person aware of the world around her.
—Submitted by a parent

What I really like about Chance is the way that my children learn by doing a wide variety of activities. Rather than lots of traditional desk work and passively receiving information, the teachers involve the kids to bring their studies alive. Fun, inquiry based learning is what you get. Also, we have enjoyed getting to know many of the families at school. We find them to be a diverse and interesting group.
—Submitted by a parent

After extensive research, many visits and tours of several schools, we chose Chance School for our child....and we made the right decision. The environment is so positive and 'loving', and what more could you ask for your child. The administrative staff and the teachers are supportive of the 'whole' child....and they are always eager to discuss your child's progress and any concern you may have. My child's teachers have been so enthusiastic and energetic!! The Chance 'Community' is made up of families who are seriously committed to the school and its philosophy and they are very close knit and supportive of every family, and particularly every child. Chance School is so unique....and the success of its alumni (as is also reflected in standardized testing on every level) speaks for itself. I would strongly recommend any interested families tour the school....your child will so happy you did.
—Submitted by a parent

As a professional educator with a Masters in Education, I have chosen this school for my children due to its commitment to its well thought out mission, focus on educating the whole child, and dedication of the faculty to embrace 'best practices' of developmental, experiential education. Children at Chance learn by doing, collaborate with their peers, and are challenged academically. The teachers are professionals and the school communicates well with the parents. After nine years as a parent at Chance, I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Each of us has the rare opportunity as a parent to give gifts to our children that last a lifetime- Chance is just such a gift! After exploring a variety of educational settings for our first child, we selected Chance for its great preschool program. We were very impressed with the rich experiential learning offered by caring faculty and the fabulous Chance community we discovered. After re-opening our school decision for elementary, we remained at Chance. It's such an amazing place! Both of our children- who are dramatically different from one another- have been successful here. Our fifth grader will graduate this year from 'the cottage' and is ready for the challenges middle school will bring- both academically and socially. She's had the opportunity to be challenged -- to excel and relish in success and to make mistakes and learn to recover with effort and grace. You should check Chance out!
—Submitted by a parent

Once I got past the beautiful setting and the adorable classrooms and the amazing playground on the bluff, this is a school with sub-par teachers, lack of communication and poor follow-through. Why pay for that when I can get it for free at an under-performing public school?
—Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled! We were so sad at how our year turned out. Teachers would not communicate with us about our child. If your child has even the smallest issue than this is not the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with a very loving staff. The math program is great. Learning is very hands on and the elementary has very small class sizes. But the reading program is questionable. I am for my child finding outside tutoring for reading. I had heard this for awhile and am now experiencing this for myself. But otherwise have been happy with our children's progress.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school! Children are taught to love learning and become self-sufficient in their studies. Emphasis is on ability development rather than on milestone expectation.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our child's first year at Chance and we have been incredibly impressed with the teachers, the staff, the learning philosophy, and the physical setting of this school. Parents are encouraged to be partners in the learning process and teachers are excellent about providing regular feedback about what is happening in the classroom. It is truly a 'community' of students, parents, teachers, and staff and exactly what we were looking for as a long-term pre- and elementary school option. I highly recommend taking a tour and visiting the Chance website for more information about all this school has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

Chance school is a wonderful, loving school where all children love learning and love coming to school. The teachers are outstanding and the children at the school are very kind to each other. It is overall an excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

Chance is a school 'where learning comes to life'! It's a model school, with small classes, 2 teachers per class. Parent involvement is high, learning is fun, kids love to go to school! It's a unique learning environment in Louisville.
—Submitted by a parent