What benefits do children receive by engaging in the Suzuki Approach?
What instrument choices are offered at the school?
Are parents and children able to choose which instrument to learn to play?
Does my child need to go through testing or an audition to be in Suzuki Charter School?
How much are instrument lessons?
Does the school rent instruments?
Are Suzuki Charter School teachers certificated?
Do I have to pay extra fees to attend Suzuki Charter School?
Is Suzuki Charter School a private school?
Why is Suzuki Charter School rated so high in the Fraser report and Alberta Accountability Pillar results?
Why is Suzuki Charter School not allowed to own its facility?
Does Suzuki Charter School celebrate traditional holidays and sing O Canada?
What provisions do Charter Schools provide for special needs children?
How much homework is given in each grade?
What precautions are taken with allergies?
Does Suzuki Charter School provide busing?
How is discipline handled at Suzuki Charter School?
What is the Suzuki Charter School policy on bullying?
Is the audited financial statement readily available?
Q. What benefits do children receive by engaging in the Suzuki Approach?
A: The Suzuki Approach is based on the belief that every individual has innate ability and talent, with the capacity to learn within a nurturing environment, supported by dedicated teachers and supportive staff. The approach inspires our vision and mission.
Q. What instrument choices are offered at the school?
A. The choice of musical instruments includes the following: cello, double bass, flute, guitar, piano, recorder, trumpet, viola, and violin.
Q. Are parents and children able to choose which instrument to learn to play?
A. Choice is sometimes limited by the capacity of the group classes offered at the school. Therefore, a student’s first choice of instrument may not be available.
Q. Does my child need to go through testing or an audition to be in Suzuki Charter School?
A. No. We are an inclusive school and believe that every child can learn using the Suzuki Approach.
Q. How much are instrument lessons?
A. The price depends on the instrument and the length and type of lesson. Contact information for music vendors can be obtained from the school office.
Q. Does the school rent instruments?
A. No. The school does not rent instruments. Your music vendor will discuss this with you.
Q. Are Suzuki Charter School teachers certificated?
A. Academic classroom teachers are certificated teachers. Music faculty members have specialized training in the Suzuki Approach.
Q. Do I have to pay extra fees to attend Suzuki Charter School?
A. There are fees to help cover costs including field trips, on-site educational activities, agendas, and lunch supervision.
Q. Is Suzuki Charter School a private school?
A. No. Suzuki Charter School is a publicly funded school as is Edmonton Public or Edmonton Catholic. We deliver the Alberta program of studies and are accountable to the Minister of Education.
Q. Why is Suzuki Charter School rated so high in the Fraser report and Alberta Assurance measures?
A. Strong student success is the result of the utilizing the Suzuki Approach - mastery learning, nurturing learning environment, and parent partnerships. Suzuki students perform well on provincial achievement tests which form the primary basis of comparison for the Fraser report.
Q. Why doesn't Suzuki Charter School own its building?
A. Charter schools are not allowed to own property as they do not have permanence according to the School Act. Charter schools are seeking permanence so that they will be able to own their buildings.
Q. Does Suzuki Charter School celebrate traditional holidays and sing O Canada?
A. Suzuki Charter School students sing O Canada every morning and at the beginning of monthly assemblies and concerts. SCS also celebrates the traditional holidays, however allowances are made for those who do not celebrate them.
Q. What provisions do Charter Schools provide for special needs children?
A. Charter Schools cannot deny access to any students unless they do not have the resources or space to meet these special needs.
Q. How much homework is given in each grade?
A. To support mastery learning, our standard guideline is 30 minutes of academic practice each evening. In addition, students are expected to practice their instruments and listen to Suzuki repertoire each day.
Q. What precautions are taken with allergies?
A. Suzuki Charter School’s goal is to ensure a safe learning environment for all children. Procedures are in place for working with students who have allergies. Staff are provided with education on emergency procedures including anaphlaxis reactions and use of epi-pens.
Q. Does Suzuki Charter School provide bus service?
A. Bus service is not provided as our students live throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. However, parents who qualify may receive a grant to help offset the cost of driving their children to school.
Q. How is discipline handled at Suzuki Charter School?
A. At Suzuki Charter School discipline is a school-wide approach to student conduct that supports the development of healthy relationships in our school community. It includes opportunities for the peaceful resolution of conflict by proactive and progressive handling of discipline. Students are reminded to practice the correct behaviors. Students are taught to take responsibility for their actions, and depending on their severity, are given consequences following our behavior intervention procedures.
Q. What is the Suzuki Charter School policy on bullying?
A. The Board Policy, I – 202 Bullying Prevention and Student Pledge, supports our commitment to a safe and caring school environment. Many special initiatives including Playground Harmonizers, the Leader in Me student leadership program, as well as Friendship assemblies provide students with consistent messages regarding bullying prevention and respectful relationships.
Q. Is the audited financial statement readily available?
A. The audited financial statement is presented at the Board Annual General Meeting in May, posted on the website, and available from the Secretary-Treasurer.