Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about e.p.i.c. School?
What sets e.p.i.c. School apart?
What are the school hours?
What are the facilities like?
What are the class sizes?
Do I have to provide snacks?
What if my child isn't toilet trained?
This is my child's first school experience. How can I make it a fun and positive experience?
As a parent, how can I become involved in school activities?
Where do the majority of e.p.i.c. students go after senior kindergarten?

Q: What is so special about e.p.i.c. School?

e.p.i.c. School is a small, non-for-profit school, specializing in early childhood education (ages 3 to 6). Our school is small enough to maintain close ties between home and school, an essential part of our school. Our teachers are experienced and knowledgeable specialists in early education, with additional training in early literacy or numeracy, as well as child development. Teachers work as a team to develop a rich curriculum that builds on the previous year. e.p.i.c. School students participate in a well-rounded, creative programme which includes strong foundational skills along with a fabulous music and movement programme, French, a science and discovery programme, and an extra-ordinary gym programme.

Q: What sets e.p.i.c. School apart?

The constant pursuit of excellence in teaching and curriculum development. A passion for working with children, along with a solid understanding of child development and a commitment to raising the educational programming bar ever higher with each passing year. At e.p.i.c. School emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. Spiral instruction provides constant review which builds skill mastery while gradually introducing new concepts. It is an extra-ordinary learning environment.

Q: What are the school hours?

All morning classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and are finished at 11:45 a.m. Afternoon classes begin at 1:00 p.m. and are finished at 3:45 p.m.

Q What are the facilities like?

e.p.i.c. students have 3 bright, well-equipped classrooms with large windows to let the sun shine in. A piano allows the music teacher to support musical adventures. A full size gym along with fabulous gym equipment, as well as a playground offer children space for physical activity. The school is surrounded by an entire city block of green space, offering an ideal place for hands on seasonal exploration. Although the school is located in a quiet neighbourhood, it is within walking distance to the library and many other places offering perfect opportunities for short field trips.

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Q: What are the class sizes?

Class sizes vary from 12 (pre-k) to 14 (s.k.); small enough to ensure plenty of personal attention and big enough for children to have a positive social experience. We try to ensure an even gender mix, and each class has a teacher along with an assistant who is an early childhood educator. top of page

Q Do I have to provide snack

Snack time is an important part of our day. It is an opportunity to gather and chat about the day's activities. e.p.i.c. School provides nutritious, balanced snacks. On gym days, when our students have worked physically hard, snacks are extra-plentiful such as English muffin pizzas or toast and cream cheese along with fruits or vegetables. top of page

Q: What if my child isn't toilet trained?

We would be happy if all children were toilet trained before beginning school, but we understand that not all children are ready by September. Adding the pressure of toilet training by the time school begins creates unnecessary pressure on both family and the child. top of page

Q:	This is my child's first school experience. How can I make it a fun and positive experience?

The pre-school experience begins in July with a personalized letter to your child from the pre-school teacher. In August, the teacher, along with a bucket of toys, will visit your child at home. Your child has the opportunity to develop his first teacher-child relationship in the place where he is most comfortable, at home! When the first day of school arrives, your child already knows his teacher. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join children on the first day of school so that the excitement of the first day is a shared experience. On the second day, families are encouraged to leave when they are ready, but we understand that it can be a long day for young children. The school day finishes early for the first two weeks of school to ease our youngest students into a positive school experience.

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Q: As a parent, how can I become involved in school activities?

There are many opportunities for parent involvement. Everyone is a member of e.p.i.c. School's Parent Association. You can work on the yearbook committee, help organize events for children and families, or help out during special 'in-class' events. They all contribute to a spirit of cooperation that makes e.p.i.c. School a special place to be.

 

Q How will I know how my child is doing?

Close ties are fostered between home and school. Regular class newsletters let you know what your child is doing at school and 30-minute parent-teacher meetings are scheduled twice a year. Of course, you can schedule a time to talk with your child's teacher anytime. Detailed progress reports are given in January and again in June. A kindergarten learning night, offers parents a chance to come into the classroom and participate in school activities together with their child.

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Q Where do the majority of e.p.i.c. students go after senior kindergarten?

Approximately half of e.p.i.c. graduates move into the public school system. They choose to attend e.p.i.c. School for the enriched, individualized programming and small class sizes allowing them to move into grade one with strong foundational skills. Nearly half of e.p.i.c. students move to an independent school for grade one. Our students have been accepted and successful in the large independent schools.

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