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Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do we meet academic needs?
We meet academic needs through a multi-age, non-graded structure that encourages group cooperation as well as individual progress, learning modes, and expression. We nurture the child's sense of imagination which assisting the development of cognitive skills, for the truly innovative spirit is a blend of these two forces. Ours is education of the heart as well as the mind. We believe children's emotional, social, and spiritual needs must be balanced with the development of strong academic skills. We strive to stimulate within each child caring, trust, responsibility, cooperation, independence, creativity, and eagerness to learn.

2. Do you teach any certain religious doctrine?
We have no religious preference. As well as welcoming all races, we also welcome all religions. We are inclusive in our spiritual striving, rather than exclusive. We have found that the beautiful thread of truth that runs through all religions are the virtues. Our curriculum and teaching methods are rich with moral principles and values.

One of the saddest ways man has interpreted the message of the great religious teachers is the severe division between peoples of different faiths - and even worse, the armed conflict that sometimes occurs as a result of religious differences. If the followers of any one religion would learn about the fundamental teachings of other religions, and focus less on on the manmade interpretations or extensions of these teachings, the fewer religious conflicts there would be.

It is our conviction that emotional security and feelings of self-worth are essential elements of education and growth. We encourage self-discipline and compassion by modeling intelligent love and remaining responsive to the voice of the inner child.
The World Core Curriculum works from whole to part, as well as part to whole, offering the child a vision of himself as a vital contributor to a harmonious universe, planet, country, and community.

3. May we visit the school?
We have visiting days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment, starting at 8:45 AM. Visitors are welcome to stay from 30 to 45 minutes. We prefer that you write comments or questions while observing so as to remain unobtrusive and allow the regular flow of the day to proceed. After viewing the school, a representative of the school will sit with you and answer your questions and comments.

One of our greatest resources is our parents. We welcome parent involvement at all levels of school life. Typically, parents gather for Family Night and serve on committees formed to support school functions.

4. Does the school have regularly scheduled conferences?
Formal parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year. This is an important time to discuss the growth and development of your child. Both parents are encouraged to attend. Although only two formal times are set up through the school, you are welcome to contact your child's teacher at any time to set up additional meetings. We encourage you to let us know immediately of any problems at school or personal stresses in your child's life that require our special love and focused attention.

5. What are the requirements to attending RMS?
The "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk" workshop is a requirement for attending the Robert Muller School of Fairview. Children learn most effectively when they receive consistent messages at school and at home. This workshop is offered twice a year, in the fall and the spring. It is conducted by Vicki Johnston, founder and director of our school, and is essential in helping parents understand our methods and apply them at home. There is a $30 charge for the workbook, but other than that, this is a free workshop.

6. What are the school's nutrition guidelines when we bring snacks or lunches?
Recent studies emphasize the need for a nutritious diet and its effect on children's health, behavior, and academic proficiency. In the spirit of education, rather than policing children's lunches, we offer the following guidelines:
• Provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch every day. Something as simple as peanut butter on whole-grain toast supplies both protein and carbohydrates.
• In lunches, offer lots of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a wide variety of pure food.
• Avoid sugars, sodas, candies, chocolate, bleached flour, dairy products with BGH (bovine growth hormone-somatotropin), artificial colors or flavors, products made with artificial sweeteners, and packaged processed foods. Read labels. Please keep this in mind at breakfast and when packing lunches ( no Lunchables, yogurt with colorings, etc.)

We ask that lunches not be shared between children, so you can feel comfortable knowing that your child is eating what you packed. If you are providing goodies for a gathering, special occasion, or snack, please make sure they meet these criteria as well. Providing snacks for the class is appreciated and encouraged. Your child will have the opportunity to serve their snack to his/her peers. Please involve him in the preparation and selection of what you bring. Baked snacks, dry snacks, or fruit/veggies are best.

7. What is the dress code?
Children should wear comfortable play clothes. It is important that children be allowed to get dirty and not be afraid to do so. Their clothes will be exposed to paint, water, mud, chalk, pastels, glitter, etc. Purchase a pair of mud boots to use during wet weather and to leave at the school to avoid muddy shoes at pickup time.

8. Can tuition be paid on a monthly basis?
You have the option of paying the total tuition or you can make 10 monthly installments. If you choose monthly payments, the first installment is due August 1. A $25 late fee will be added after the fifth of the month. Payments are due regardless of early withdrawal. Please submit tuition checks separate from other money in an envelope addressed to Bookkeeping. Remember to write your child's name and "Tuition", "Field trip", etc., on the outside of the envelope.

9. May we change the enrollment plan of hours and/or days for our PreK/K class schedule?
The opportunity to request a change in the enrollment plan for PreK/K occurs once during the school year, which is on or before the first Friday of our December holiday break (on a space available basis).

Non-scheduled extended care (11:50 to 1:50) for PreK/K is $10 per hour. Always check with your child's teacher to see if there is available room for the particular day. Days missed may not be "made up" at a later date.

10. When is the arrival and pick-up time?
Pre-K/Kindergarten 8:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Pre-K/Kindergarten Extended Day 11:50 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
First Grade 8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Upper Elementary (Grades 2-8) 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Students should arrive at the above scheduled time. Before that time, we are busy preparing the environment. Please be prompt for arrivals and pickups. Being on time shows respect for others and does not impose undue burdens. In the event you are late, there is a late charge of $15 (due upon arrival) for each interval of 10 minutes or less for extended care. The spirit of this request is that our time be respected and that we model to our children and others the same respect.

11. What is the protocol for delivering the children to school?
Drive counter-clockwise around the entrance for drop-off and pick-up. For the children's safety, please stay in your car and in line around the driveway circle. Teachers and volunteer parents will be outside to escort your child from the wooden bridge to his/her classroom (PreK/K, 1st, and 2nd grade). The older students may walk on the outside of the circle drive to their building. By staying in your car in the circle driveway, accidents are avoided and a steady flow is maintained. Safety for our children and others is paramount.

When picking up your children please follow the procedure for morning arrival. Because of safety regulations and consideration for other drivers, please stay in your vehicle while on the gravel driveway. After the children are delivered to your car, pull your vehicle away from the flow of traffic BEFORE getting out to adjust the seat belt. If, on occasion, you wish to walk your child to the school, park in the grass. If you expect to be late, we ask that you call the school so that we can inform your child to avoid surprises or frustration. Any irregularities in the transportation of your child must be communicated to your child's teacher in writing, such are relatives or neighbors coming to pick up your child.

The greeters' sole concern is to welcome the children at the start of the day. Verbal messages sent to the school via a greeter are strongly discouraged for the following reasons:
1. Conversations between the driver and the greeter exclude the child, and seem never ending to the child.
2. Conversations regarding the child's needs or behaviors should be held between the caregiver and the child's lead teacher, away from the child. This serves to respect the child's right to privacy, and ensures that the correct information is given to the teacher.
3. Conversations between the greeter and the driver delay traffic and smooth flow.

Again, written communication is welcome at any time. If you need to speak with your child's teacher, please schedule an appointment. You may also call the school and leave a message for your child's teacher.

Morning Circle Time

Pre-K/Kindergarten 9:00 AM (Late arrivals 9:20 AM)
Lower Elementary (Grades 1-2) 8:45 AM
Upper Elementary (Grades 3-8) 8:45 AM

Morning circle begins promptly at times stated above. Circle time is an important focused time for the children and the teachers. It serves as a special time we share with your child, and we find it important to begin the day without interruptions. Upon arriving late, we ask you to wait the 20 minutes for circle time to conclude, before escorting your late child to the classroom. We request this to ensure that circle time is an enjoyable, uninterrupted transition period for all the children. We all run late from time to time. If this happens in your family, please try to be relaxed as possible on the way to school. Your child will have a better day with your calmness.