At Staten Island Academy, education means more than academic achievement. It means nurturing students’ curiosity, confidence, character, and independence so they can succeed. To do that, we need a partnership between school and home, built on communication, trust, and a common commitment to each child’s development.
One Shared Goal
How much time do children spend with the adults in their lives? On average teachers spend between 6.5 and 7 hours with their students each school day. Parents and caregivers spend another 4-6 hours with them outside of school. Over the course of the year, that balance will vary depending on the family’s circumstances, activities, and holidays.
The value of that time can’t be measured in hours.
Teachers have the professional knowledge, an understanding of how children learn, and the ability to assess their academic and social development in the classroom. Parents have a far greater understanding of their child’s interests, experiences, and needs.
Each perspective is important, and when they are united, a much fuller picture of the child and how best to support them emerges.
What a Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership Looks Like
Two-way communication helps both sides respond with greater understanding and empathy. Teachers can share their observations about a child’s level of participation in class, learning habits, friendships, and any areas where they may require additional support. The parent can offer any relevant information about what’s going on at home, any developing interests, or any difficulties the child may be experiencing, which may impact their experience at school.
Consistency between home and school. A child benefits when the adults in their life reinforce the same values, expectations, and habits. Whether the aim is greater independence, stronger organizational skills, or better conflict management, consistent encouragement helps children put those lessons into practice at home and at school.
Getting stuck on a subject, having difficulty with a friend, or simply losing confidence after a bit of a setback is all part of growing up. When parents and teachers work together as partners, they are in a much better position to find a workable solution and help the child become more resilient.
Room for children to take ownership. Supporting a child does not mean solving every problem for them. Parents and teachers can work together to encourage students to ask questions, advocate for themselves, learn from mistakes, and take increasing responsibility for their decisions. These skills prepare children for challenges well beyond their school years.
Why the Partnership Matters at Every Stage
The needs of a young child learning to share are very different from those of a middle schooler taking on a new set of responsibilities or a high schooler preparing for college. The parent/teacher partnership must then grow with the child.
Throughout these progressions, there is an ongoing link between home and school, which gives the child a network of adults who understand their progress and can help them move on. The advisory program which begins in Grade 5 helps to introduce academic independence, time management and foster personal responsibility.
At Staten Island Academy, students learn in a Pre-K to Grade 12 community that values intellectual challenge, personal advancement, and meaningful relationships. With an average class size of 15, there is ample opportunity for individual attention and for students to form connections that make them feel known and valued. That feeling of belonging is a key component of the Academy experience, helping students to investigate their interests, develop their strengths, and begin to discover their potential.
Explore the Staten Island Academy Community
The best way to understand what a school is about is to experience it firsthand. Staten Island Academy welcomes prospective families to visit the campus, meet some of the people in the community, and see how a truly collaborative learning environment can work for your child.
Upcoming Open Houses
- November 2 at 1:05 PM: William Winter Scholarship Open House for Grade 9
-
November 5 at 8:30 AM: William Winter Scholarship Open House for Grade 9
-
November 12 at 1:05 PM: William Winter Scholarship Open House for Grade 9
- November 13 at 9:30 AM: Open House for Grades 5–11
- November 18 at 7:00 PM: William Winter Scholarship Open House for Grade 6
- December 9 at 9:30 AM: All School Open House
Every child deserves a community invested in their success. Find out whether Staten Island Academy is the right place for your family. Explore Upcoming Open Houses and Plan Your Visit.
