General+points+about+the+first+visits...

Site A general points

Rainbow Mountain School

Student-centered so that students are always being asked questions. Class didn't have enough time to acknowledge us because they were focused on the kids and what was expected of them. Teachers were mediating a conflict between two third graders -- the basis for the school is about mediation, right then. So students don't get more worked up... do a lot of check-ins to make sure students are feeling good, emotionally and physically. Centering and self-centering opportunities. Physical environment in the kindergarten was attractive and appealing and interesting. Big international focus. Not a diverse population of students.

Asheville Christian Academy

The kids very well behaved, really good manners -- ma'am and sir, holding the doors for everyone else Seniors all shook Pruitt's hand after class. Very polite Uniformity -- they wear uniforms, elementary school artwork-- very formalized. Little room for person expansion. Casual Fridays get to dress down -- but they're wearing school colors. Students very attuned to clothes. Almost no diversity at all. Lots of prayers and thankfulness in the elementary school -- not in high school math, though

Oakley

Felt friendly warm and safe Buzz to get in Lots of colors, map of the US in the front hall Classrooms welcoming, full of color Diverse -- black, latino, etc. Economically diverse Good looking building, not a great playground (not a lot of physical activity) Enforced walking for recess (the track) Discipline boards with the clothespins (classroom management)

Jones

The physical set up of the school -- having to go outside between Very diverse -- majority minority kids Lots of boys -- ratio? 7 girls, 11-12 boys in a class Lots of teacher assistants Compliment jar full of marbles -- take them away or add them in... "Generic" school -- nothing shocking or surprising....