Schools
Parents attend Reggio Magnet School of the Arts' Open House
Reggio Magnet School of the Arts opens its doors to parents interested in learning about their PreK to Grade 5 program.
Reggio Magnet School of the Arts held an open house for interested parents on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 3.
The event started with a presentation by Josephine Di Pietro-Smith, principal of Reggio Magnet School.
Di Pietro-Smith says the curriculum is designed to “follow the interests of the child.” Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy from Italy, students are encouraged to control the direction of their learning.
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Reggio Magnet School is one of Capitol Region Education Council’s (CREC) tuition free interdistrict magnet schools for preK to grade 5. CREC has developed numerous affordable and high-quality educational programs for children and adults since 1966.
There are eighteen students per classroom. According to Di Pietro, members of her “large and quite talented” support staff go into classes to help at times.
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Classes are held from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. After care is provided from 3 p.m to 5:30 p.m. for a fee. Students often participate in talent shows and plays while attending after care.
After her presentation, Di Pietro-Smith took questions from parents who asked about the admission process, homework and plans for a permanent site—the school currently has two temporary locations in Avon and Simsbury.
Admission to any CREC school is determined by an annual lottery. Applications are due in February and the drawing occurs in April.
The amount of homework a child receives is based on their grade level. Each child is required to read 20 minutes every evening.
Di Pietro-Smith said plans to create a permanent home for the school are currently underway and should be completed in two years.
Jason Kilty, Enfield resident, says he’s considering Reggio Magnet School for his child because there aren’t any preK educational programs in his town.
“We want to get our child involved with the best educational experience they can have,” Kilty said.
The open house concluded with a tour of the school. Meredith Suto, executive assistant, guided one group of parents throughout the school.
Suto describes the classrooms as “almost like an art gallery space when you walk through them.” Large windows in each classroom provide an ample amount of natural light. Students’ artwork is displayed on almost every wall of the facility.
For more information, visit www.crecschools.org.
