KINDERGARTEN: A 30-minute virtual interview with parents to learn more about the child and the family’s hopes for their kindergarten experience. A followup, one-hour-long Saturday interview session engages prospective students in group and one-on-one classroom activities with teachers. Michel shares, “At St. Andrew’s, we reassure prospective parents that our teachers are experienced at working with children’s many emotions. We’re also happy to reschedule, if doing so is in the student’s best interests.” GRADES 1 to 12: A virtual interview with parents (and, if applying for grades 7-12, the student) to learn more about the student’s interests, activities and accomplishments. A followup opportunity to spend the day as a St. Andrew’s student on campus allows students to learn what it’s like firsthand, as well as gives teachers the opportunity to learn more about the applicant in the classroom setting. of each grade level, the nationally recognized Common Core Standards in mathematics and English language arts are a good place to start. These learning goals outline what a student should know and can be accessed at www.corestandards.org. At St. Andrew’s Schools, which consist of The Priory (all girls, K-12), The Prep (all boys, K-6) and Queen Emma Preschool (coed, ages 2-5), interviews are done virtually via Zoom. Explains Michel, “We find this is convenient for busy parents who are often taking time during their work day to take part in the interview. Conducting virtual interviews allows our process to be consistent for both local and out-of-state applicants.” To get an inside-look into the secretive interview, Michel graciously gives an overview of St. Andrews Schools’ interview process at each grade level: PRE-SCHOOL: A 30-minute virtual interview with parents discussing the family and child’s interests and former learning experiences. Many interviews, especially for younger children, include group play sessions. “Interviews take place one-onone with a student and teacher or at group sessions.” 150 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==