Frequently asked questions
We wanted to compile the questions most frequently asked by families. Some are of a purely practical nature; others deserve more pause, even a conversation, but perhaps with these answers you families can get a first idea of what MAS is like.
What is the time schedule?
Our schedule is from 8:45 am to 14:45 pm. If you need to extend the hours, it is possible to do so until 4 pm.
What is the ratio?
In September 2024, it is foreseen that there will be 14 children in Infant to 2 adults, 20 children in Primary to 2 adults, 28 children in Secondary to 2 adults. The ratio can range from 6 to 15 children per adult depending on the age range.
Why are teachers called accompanying adults?
The adults present in the space are responsible for the physical and emotional safety of the children. They observe them, record their experiences and are at their side to offer them what they need: a hug, material adapted to their stage of development, an activity responding to their interests, a conversation about their difficulties, an opportunity to discuss conflicts, a moment to make group decisions… In addition to the space prepared so that the children can choose their activities autonomously, there are meetings of all kinds. Older children have tutorials in which, with the support of the tutor, they reflect on their learning and organize what they want to study next and how.
Why an American school?
MAS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This means that it undergoes a constant process of auditing the quality of education. Standards such as learning structure, organizational structure, health and safety, finance, facilities and resources, and ethical practice are evaluated. As an accredited school, MAS also has extensive child protection standards.
How does the entry process work?
It is important that you get to know the school well before you decide to enroll, and also that we get to know you as a family to ensure that we can meet your expectations and needs. Therefore, the process of approaching the project consists of the following steps:
1. Mailing of general information.
2. Sending by your part of the data sheet.
3. If you have not attended any open doors, we contact you to set a virtual or face-to-face appointment to get to know the school. This way we can discuss general aspects of the school and your expectations as a family.
4. Observation visit: family comes to observe a normal school day.
5. Interview with an accompanying adult to solve your pedagogical doubts and to continue getting to know each other as a family.
6. Decision making: if on our part we consider that we can help you and your child, we will make a decision.
How is the adaptation of the youngest children?
The family accompanies their child in his/her first steps at school, according to the calendar and schedule established with the pedagogical team. The adaptation is understood as a process of the whole family, not only of the child. The pedagogical team will work in a personalized way on the guidelines for the family to adapt as best as possible to this new stage of life. There is no established time limit; the pedagogical team will evaluate, listening to the family’s opinion, how much is needed in each case. It does not matter whether or not the children wear a diaper or need a nap or not: we respond to the needs that arise.
When can I talk to the accompanying adults?
Before the incorporation, we organize a first tutorial so that you can tell us in depth about your child and family. Then, there are tutoring meetings with the parents 3 times a year, at the end of each trimester. During the school year, the chaperones are available to talk to the families for brief questions at the children’s arrival and departure times. In primary school, we take turns to discuss in more detail once a week. At specific times, for example during the adaptation process, extra tutorials or mini-tutorials can be arranged at your or the accompanting adult’s request.
Do you really learn?
We trust the children to know what they need and we trust the caregivers to help them discover it for themselves. It’s not magic: the accompanying adutls know what they need.
Is it a bilingual school?
The project has bilingualism objectives adapted to each child. As for all curricular objectives, priority is given to the individual and is accompanied accordingly. The children at MAS spend a lot of time playing, interacting with each other in the common language of all, which is Spanish. Reinforcement in English is given through games and songs for the youngest children, and increasingly complex activities in later stages, but always based on the desire to communicate. The level of bilingualism achieved usually goes hand in hand with the presence of English at home. We offer resources to increase this exposure and enjoy it as a family.
Do the fees include lunch?
The lunch is paid for separately because there are families who prefer their children to bring a tupper (see fees).
Is there a route?
There is no route. This school is a micro-school, it currently has about 65 students spread throughout the geography of the Community of Madrid, so very few in each area. However, many families organize among themselves to support each other in transportation when possible.
Regarding the participation of families…. How much time should be dedicated?
The school functions thanks to everyone’s commitment. We expect families to participate in the meetings and in the different tasks that allow us to move the project forward, create community, and be an active part of the children’s education. Specifically, we ask you to attend and collaborate:
– The pedagogical or organizational meetings are usually one Saturday a term and from 17h to 20h one Monday a term (currently online).
– Cleaning shifts: each family does 4 hours of general cleaning at school during the weekend, these shifts are approximately once every 2 months, we understand that sometimes it is difficult to find the time, so it is the only task that if the family prefers, they can pay for someone else to do it.
– The commissions: we ask that each of the members of the family sign up for one of the work commissions indicated in the Participation Commitment and dedicate at least an average of 1 hour per week.
What happens when the children go to another school?
MAS is a school authorized by the Community of Madrid. Like any private school in Spain, it issues a transfer certificate and sends the students’ records to the new center. Although the children follow their own pace, the accompanying staff ensures that they acquire the minimum content and, as soon as it is known to which center they will go in case of a change, they are prepared to live this transition in a friendly way.
MAS children often acquire life skills that make them very adaptable to their new circumstances.
Do you have more questions? Let us know!
Message us at info@madridactiveschool.org or call us at +34 666667785.