Why Private Elementary School

A Day in the Life at Tenacre...

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What differentiates Tenacre from a public school education?

Families considering private elementary school often wonder if the education is worth the cost—especially if the family lives in a town with excellent public schools. What differentiates Tenacre from strong local public schools?

At Tenacre, academic rigor and small class size allow children to thrive. Tenacre’s team teaching approach ensures that each class has two, full-time, highly qualified co-teachers. Most classwork is done in groups of 12 students or fewer, with math and reading groups as small as six students in Grades 1 and 2. This allows Tenacre to challenge its students at a level appropriate to each and every student.
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What are the advantages of starting at Tenacre in Pre-Kindergarten?

Pre-Kindergarten is the largest entry point at Tenacre, with 18 spots. In Kindergarten, there are four available spots. First and third grade generally have two available spots. Additional openings at all grade levels are created through possible attrition each year.

By starting at Tenacre in Pre-Kindergarten, students start at the ground floor. Tenacre is essentially an 8-year curriculum that starts in Pre-Kindergarten. Each grade is part of a larger unit. What students do in Pre-Kindergarten is designed to be moved forward into Kindergarten and beyond.
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A first grader's perspective...

In first grade at Tenacre, students participate in a daily Writer's Workshop. In the spring, each first grader writes a book on a topic of his or her choice. In addition to praising the qualities of the "first grade pencil," this particular book includes a strong recommendation for attending Tenacre.

"A Collection of Opinions and Reviews"

Reasons to Choose Tenacre

List of 8 items.

1. TENACRE NURTURES AND CHALLENGES EACH CHILD, EVERY DAY.

Every day, teachers and staff at Tenacre provide the right amount of age-appropriate nurture AND challenge to make sure your child grows academically and socially. By the time your child leaves Tenacre, he or she will be thoroughly prepared to succeed at the next academic level.
2. OUR CURRICULUM CREATES AN EXCELLENT ACADEMIC FOUNDATION

Academic growth begins in Pre-Kindergarten and continues through Grade 6 with language arts, math, science, and social studies at the center of our program. The importance of critical thinking skills and the quest for academic excellence permeates all that we do. We offer a structured, cohesive program with intellectually stimulating content that often integrates studies across disciplines.
3. A RICH MIX OF SPECIAL SUBJECTS CONTRIBUTES TO CHALLENGING THE WHOLE CHILD

Special subjects like technology, Spanish, science, art, music, library, and physical education are an important part of each child’s day at Tenacre and create a well-rounded student. Collaboration between Homeroom and Special subject teachers deepens understanding as students explore topics across multiple disciplines.
4. OUR STUDENTS LEARN TO SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE

Learning to feel comfortable on stage or speaking in front of groups is part of the Tenacre experience for all students. Starting in Pre-Kindergarten, each class performs a play in front of the whole school. Public speaking is incorporated into the academic curriculum as well, with students sharing work with the community during weekly assemblies.
5. TEAM TEACHING PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

Each grade at Tenacre has two full-time teachers. This model allows teachers to create flexible, small group student sections, ensuring that each child is receiving the instruction and attention that he or she needs. Team teaching also provides a positive role model of what a successful working collaboration looks like— skills that all students will need as they move on to secondary schools.
6. TENACRE PROVIDES GENEROUS FINANCIAL AID

Many families mistakenly believe they do not qualify for financial aid. However, there is no specific income level at which a family is no longer eligible for aid. For 2019-2020, Tenacre awarded close to $1 million to about 20% of its students. There is also financial aid available to help with our MidDay and After School programs. Applying for financial aid does not affect your child's chances of admission.
7. WE LOVE BEING AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND WE EXCEL AT IT.

We love being an elementary school. When our students reach sixth grade, they are ready for what we call “The Leadership Year.” Sixth graders have public speaking opportunities, serve as admission tour guides, direct Student Council, and act as Big Friends to their Little Friends in first grade. They step forward to meet these numerous leadership moments and excel. They are our school leaders during their final year at Tenacre and head off to secondary school full of confidence.
8. COMMUNITY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TENACRE EXPERIENCE

Tenacre is a small and inclusive community. We value having diverse families from many different backgrounds and draw students from 31 towns. As a community of children and adults, we strive to work hard, find joy, and be kind.