FAQ | The Concordia School

What are your hours?

We are open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school portion of the day is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Child care before and after school is available at no extra charge for full-time students.
Do you have a year-round program?

Our regular school year runs from September to mid-June. We observe the traditional federal holidays. We have a two-week Holiday Break in December and a one-week Spring Break; optional child care is available in the Children's House if there is enough interest. We also have two Summer Sessions for students in the Children's House. We are closed for 3 days before the first Summer Session, and for one week for staff training and classroom preparation before the new school year in August.
What are your professional affiliations?

The Concordia School is committed to Montessori education. We have been verified by the American Montessori Society for adhering to the five core components of a Montessori program: Properly trained Montessori teachers Multi-age classrooms Use of Montessori materials Child-directed work Uninterrupted work time
Do you teach any foreign languages?

We have a Spanish teacher who works with the children in all of our classes—2-year-olds up through 6th grade. In our study of world culture, we often discover words and phrases in other languages.
Do you have a parental volunteer requirement?

We do not require parents to volunteer, but we welcome their participation in school events.
What training do your teachers have?

All of our Head Teachers have credentials through the American Montessori Society or Association Montessori Internationale. We require all of our Children’s House teachers to be fully qualified Early Childhood Education teachers under California Community Care Licensing Standards. Many of our teachers continue their education, and participate in workshops and other professional development opportunities. We also have an in-house training program for our staff.
How are the children grouped in the classroom?

All of the children, ages 2 through Kindergarten, are in the same room. We have a beginner’s area for 2- and young 3-year olds as they transition into the classroom.
How many children are in the classroom?

We are licensed for 34 children.
How many teachers are in the classroom?

We have a Head Teacher and 4 support teachers. During the day, the teacher:student ratio varies from 1:5 to 1:12. During transition times (lunch into naptime) the ratios are lowest.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?

No. We will work with your family when your child shows readiness to begin potty-training.
Do you serve food?

Children bring their lunches from home. We serve an afternoon snack at 4:00 for children who stay for day care.
Do you have part-time programs?

We have a limited number of part-time spots for 2- and 3-year olds. The minimum is 3 half days—Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday—from 8:30-11:30. Some children come for 3 full days or 5 half days. Our pre-K and Kindergarten programs are full-time only.
What is the schedule on a typical day?

7:30-8:00 Daycare: play with toys indoors 8:00-8:30 Outdoor play (weather permitting) 8:30-10:45 Work period: children choose materials with which to work and receive individual and small-group 10:45-11:15 Beginners (2- and 3-year olds) go outside to play; older children continue their work period, then do their Classroom Helper jobs. 11:15-11:30 Circle Time: music and movement, cultural activities 11:30-12:15 Lunchtime 12:15-1:00 Younger children go down for naps; older children play on playground 1:00-1:30 Older children have Story Time; younger ones are already asleep 1:30-2:40 Rest/Naptime; additional work period for those who are awake 2:40-3:20 Gradual awakening and Circle Time 3:20-4:00 Outdoor play 4:00-4:20 Story Circle and Snack 4:20-6:30 Daycare
How are the children grouped in the classrooms?

Our Junior Elementary is for children ages 6-9; 1st through 3rd grade. Our Advanced Elementary is for children ages 9-12; 4th through 6th grade.
How many children are in the classroom?

Each classroom usually has 18 – 25 students.
How many teachers are in the classroom?

The Junior Elementary has a Head Teacher and two Support Teachers; The Advanced Elementary has a Head Teacher and one Support Teacher.
Do you offer art, music and other specialty classes?

Specialty classes in art, music, Spanish and physical education are woven into the curriculum to create a well-balanced educational program. A highlight of the year for many elementary students is our school play, presented at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Every child has a part!
Do you serve food?

Children bring their lunches from home. We serve an afternoon snack at 4:00 for children who stay for day care.
What happens after Concordia?

We are proud of our graduates. They are well-rounded academically, socially and emotionally. They carry a strong sense of who they are and they love learning. Many of them have been with us for 6-10 years and feel like part of our family. Typically, about half of them go on to public schools, and about half go on to private schools.
What is the schedule on a typical day?

7:30-8:00 Daycare: indoor play/reading 8:00-8:30 Outdoor play (weather permitting) 8:30-11:40 Work period: children choose materials with which to work and receive individual and small-group lessons 11:40-12:00 Commons: a class meeting to discuss daily activities 12:00-1:00 Lunch and playtime 1:30-2:30 Story Time 1:30-2:30 Work period 2:30-3:00 Classroom jobs 3:00-6:30 Daycare