Frequently Asked Questions
General
- Q: Why do parents choose Ivy League School?
- A: When you visit Ivy League, you will immediately see that we are big enough to provide an unmatched scope of education, yet small enough to attend to the needs of each child's individual school experience. This commitment sets Ivy League apart from all other schools. Our uniqueness continues with our detailed attention to the creativity and sense of wonder we integrate into every part of our curriculum. We strive to make sure that the needs and expectations of our students, and their families, are constantly being fulfilled.
- Q: What grades does Ivy League offer?
- A: Ivy League School has programs from toddlers to grade 8.
- Q: How do I arrange a tour?
- A: You may call the main office for an appointment at 631-265-4177. We are flexible and able to arrange a tour around your schedule. When possible, we recommend visiting during school hours so you and your child can see a class in action.
- Q: How does Ivy League School promote values?
- A: Ivy League encourages a child's lively intellect, promotes independence and self-confidence, fosters social competency and inspires a love of learning. We accomplish this mission by offering a highly interactive, thought provoking curriculum that challenges each child's developing capacities. Small classes allow teachers to pay special attention to each child's emerging talents and skills, based on their learning level. Children are encouraged to think critically, to question, and to generate ideas through multiple forms of expression. Each child is made to feel special and valued.
- Using innovative and traditional approaches to learning, teachers guide our children through lessons in core subject matter, often incorporating the arts and technology. Foreign language, music and athletics round out the program. Within a mix of teacher directed and child selected activities, children broaden and deepen their knowledge, learn to make choices, and develop their problem solving and social skills. By merging the best of research with the wisdom of practice, our teaching staff has created a rigorous academic environment where children are excited about learning and in which they find multiple paths to success.
- Q: Are your teachers certified?
- A: Yes. All of our teachers are certified to teach their respective areas of expertise. Some have additional degrees and endorsements in other areas such as reading, early childhood, special education and subject matter specializations.
- Q: Do you offer before and after care?
- A: Yes. Ivy League offers coverage from 7:00am to 6:00pm for an additional fee. Please call the office for specific rates.
- Q: Do you offer busing?
- A: If your child meets your home district’s cut off and you reside within a set distance of Ivy League, your district must provide transportation to and from school for grades K-8. Applications for transportation must be submitted to your home district no later than April 1st.
- Q: How diverse is your student body?
- A: Ivy League’s students are representative of a wide range of religions, racial and cultural family backgrounds. We welcome students from differing family structures and socio-economic conditions.
- Q: How can I become involved in the school?
- A: There are several ways that parents can become involved in the school. All parents are a member of our PTO. You can become an active member of the PTO board, planning and making things happen at various activities, a PTO volunteer, or you may volunteer in your child’s classroom, read a story, or participate in a project. For parents who cannot come in during the day, there are opportunities to volunteer at night or projects you can work on from home.
- Q: What health or medical information pertaining to my child must be shared with the school?
- A: All health forms including physical exams and complete vaccinations are due before a child may start school.
- Q: How do you celebrate birthdays and holidays in school?
- A: Any outside food must be labeled and nut free. We ask that you always coordinate celebrations with your child’s teacher.
- Q: What should my child wear to school?
- A:Whenever possible, we like to take the children outside to enjoy the fresh air and grounds. Uniforms are required in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Please send your child with appropriate outerwear, including hats and gloves in the winter months. We recommend rubber soled shoes daily and sneakers on gym days.
- Q: Are your classrooms air-conditioned?
- A: Yes. All of our indoor spaces are air-conditioned.
- Q: How will we know if school is closed?
- A: Any time school is closed, it will be posted on News 12, both on television and online at News 12. We also ask that all parents sign up with TextCaster so we are able to communicate via text with our families.
Preschool
- Q: How old does my child need to be to start school?
- A: Ivy League School has programs from toddlers to grade 8. Full time students must be 3 years old to be in a school program more than 3 hours.
- Q: Does my child need to be potty trained?
- A:Ivy League does not require our toddlers or nursery students to be fully potty trained. If your child is not potty trained, we ask that you send in a supply of diapers/pull-ups and wipes. Children in Pre-K through 4-year old’s are expected to be fully potty trained.
- Q: What can you tell me about your lunch program?
- A:Please be aware that Ivy League School is a Peanut/Treenut aware school. We ask that only nut-free items to be sent in for lunch with your child. Students in 3’s and 4’s and grades K-8 may bring their own lunch or purchase lunch through our online system. In addition, Ivy League School provides nutritious snacks for for all of our students throughout the day.
- Q: What are the school hours?
- A: Ivy League School offers coverage from 7:00am to 6:00pm. The office is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday. We have many programs varying in hours (from half day to full day) to help fit your needs. We offer 2, 3, 4 or 5-day options depending on the specific program.
- Q: What if my child has never separated before?
- A: All of the teachers and staff at Ivy League are here to support you and your family in this important transition to school. We have opportunities before school begins for your child to meet the teacher and visit the classroom and grounds. We follow the philosophy to start the regular drop off routine right from the first day. You are always welcome to call the office for an update on how your child is adjusting.
Elementary and Middle School
- Q: How is the curriculum set?
- A: Ivy League combines both traditional curriculum with elements including the most effective state standards. With all of the issues facing public schools these days including: over-crowded classrooms, teacher dissatisfaction, poorly introduced Common Core standards and excessive test prepping and testing, the Ivy League School is an exceptional alternative academic environment that focuses on educating the whole child in a personalized manner.
- Personalization of learning here at Ivy League refers to instruction that is paced to address specific learning needs and tailored to learning preferences of different students. Personalized learning is about differentiating the method or approach of instruction and about individualizing the pace of learning. It seeks to empower the student to shape how they learn and engage them through relevant academic activities.
- Q: What are the school hours?
- A: Ivy League School offers coverage from 7:00am to 6:00pm. The office is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday. Our K-8 program runs 8:40am to 3:30pm.
- Q: Do Ivy League students wear uniforms?
- A: Yes, all students in grades K-8 wear uniforms. Parents are able to order uniforms from Land’s End.
- Q: I would like to hear more about the unique academic program and schedule you have designed for students who are pursuing careers in the performing arts or athletics.
- A: Ivy League accommodates students with schedules so that they have time to pursue their passion for the arts, including training, auditions, or competitions, and provide them with academic work which corresponds to their grade level. They attend school regularly, meet with their teachers, and through the magic of technology, stay current in all subjects. Our teachers act as mentors and guides. Students are responsible for completing all assignments.
- Q: What can you tell me about your lunch program?
- A: Please be aware that Ivy League School is a Peanut/Treenut aware school. We ask that only nut-free items be sent in for lunch with your child. Students in grades K-8 may buy or bring their own lunch. A lunch menu is sent home monthly and lunch cards may be purchased through the office. Ivy League provides snacks.
Financial
- Q: What are your tuition rates?
- A: To view our tuition rates, please visit the Application and Tuition page on our school website.
- Q: Are there any other fees beyond tuition?
- A: Ivy League asks for a one time registration fee and a once a year materials fee at the time of enrollment. Before and after school care, as well as extracurricular activities are also available at an extra cost.
- Q: What are your payment options?
- A: We offer two payment plans. You can pay in full by June 1 for a discount. Alternatively, you can make 12 installment payments that are due monthly, June 1 through April 1.
- Q: Is there a sibling discount?
- A: Yes. There is a 5% discount for the 2nd and 3rd child. If you have 4 or more children attending school, the lowest tuition is free.
- Q: Do you offer financial aid?
- A: Yes. Once you apply and your child is accepted into our K-8 program, we will provide you with access to NAIS by SSS. Once you provide them with the requested financial information, they will recommend what they believe to be a reasonable and affordable tuition fee. The financial aid package is finalized by Ivy League’s Foundation Board.