| Does Year Round Education
work?
At Nautilus, the Year Round strategy has proven to
help our students academically. In a comparison of SAT 9 Test scores from
"pre"-year round to "post" year round, the student achievement has significantly
improved.
Do the students like it?
The students do like the calendar. Between 25 - 59%
of the student population attends the fall and spring Intersession classes.
Upon return to school, students "pick up" where they left off, with ease.
Does the staff like it?
The answer is a resounding YES! At Nautilus, the
teacher turnover rate is low and staff daily attendance is high. Teachers
comment that they are refreshed and not burnt out. The staff finds that
they spend less time transitioning (reviewing information and procedures).
The shorter breaks promote continued enthusiasm, yet provide the necessary
stability to the educational process. Several teachers at Nautilus have
over 10 years of experience, and are still going strong!
Isn't the summer break too short?
We have found that the 6 week summer break is sufficient.
Families have the opportunity to go on family vacations, visit grandparents,
or other family members. Many Nautilus families plan a vacation during
the Intersession breaks because the venues are less crowded and offer "off
season rates".
Do students have to attend Intersession?
No, Intersession is not required, but many families
choose it as an educational strategy. Intersession offers students
an opportunity to get extra help in core subjects (Reading and Math).
Intersession also affords students Accelerated classes (Higher level constructs)
in Creative Writing and Problem Solving through Hands on Science.
Other Intersession offerings are Enrichment classes such as swimming, drama,
dance and arts and crafts. Even the school to work aspect is covered by
Intersession. "The Magic School Bus" links school and work in the
"real world".
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