Q&A with Imagine

1. Why was Imagine created?

We didn't like the direction that public school was going. Everything was becoming test and data driven, read aloud time was being taken away, outside time was limited to 15 minutes of an 8 hour day etc. While we loved our school, students, families, and colleagues, we were starting to lose our WHY. We wanted to create a school with everything we know as educators and want as moms.

2. What is Imagines ratio?

We have a 1:12 ratio.

3. How old does my child have to be to start?

Three and potty trained. We do not take naps so your child will need to be ready to enjoy a 8:30-2:00 o' clock day.

4. Why is Imagine only a Prek 3- 5th grade?

We feel it is important to build a strong foundation of faith and a passion for learning. We are raising the next generation of leaders and it starts now! This allows students to feel strong and comfortable in who they are before they set off to a bigger campus.

5. What sets Imagine apart from MDO, other private schools, daycares, and public schools?

~We are play based. Learning is done while touching, talking, and playing. We are NOT a "sit and get" school.

~Turnover. Our teachers are under contract and are committed to being with their students for the year.

~Certified teachers. This is not a requirement for private schools. It is important to us that our teachers understand grade level appropriate learning and can individualize instruction. Every child learns at a different pace. We accept those differences and push when they need a challenge but back off when it becomes frustrational. We want kids to LOVE school and love to learn.

~Fresh air! We have a full hour of outside time each day.

6. If we do decide to go back to public school or to another private school when they are too old for Imagine, will everything transfer?

YES. We provide a full report card that is TEKS based. You are able to send this to the school just as you would normally.

7. What curriculum does Imagine use?

We do not buy into a curriculum. Teachers use pre-k guidelines and TEKS to create their own lessons based on what their class/students need that year. This is why we hire certified teachers and another reason we wanted away from public school. While the curriculum writers may be wonderful educators, they didn't know my students. I knew what they needed, what motivated them, their learning styles and how to help them be successful.

8. How do teachers get everything they need to get done in an entire year when we are only a 5 hour day, 4 day a week school with an hour of play each day?

With only a maximum of 12 students in a class we are able to accomplish so much in a shorter amount of time. Playing outside for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon allows for better concentration and engagement in students when it is time to learn.

9. How does Imagine assess students?

We have an Imagine created middle of the year and end of the year assessment to track growth. We want to see that the child is learning and growing and meeting the grade level and/or their individual goals. We do not do any form of standardized testing. This is another reason we are able to accomplish all that we need to in a shorter school year.

10. Are the owners involved in the day to day of Imagine?

YES. We are gratefully 100% employee owned and operated.