FAQ

List of 9 items.

• Who attends Armstrong?

  Students who attend Armstrong have a diagnosis of dyslexia or a Specific Learning Difference (SLD) in reading, writing, or math. Other common diagnoses among our student population include dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD.

   

  Up to 120 students are enrolled in the Lower School (grades 2-5) and 120 students in the Middle School (grades 6-8). Approximately 43% of our students self-identify as people of color. Approximately 30% of our families receive some level of financial aid.

• How does the program support students with dyslexia?

  Armstrong delivers a high level of differentiated remediation within the school day for each student. Our students thrive by working alongside classmates who learn like them, in a nurturing and joyful environment.
  
  How we do it:

  • 4.3:1 student-to-educator ratio
  • Multiple teachers in every classroom and advisory
  • Small group instruction in literacy and math (avg. 4-8 students)
  • Small average class sizes with individualized attention
           14 in Lower School
           19 in Middle School
  • Instructional coaches, counselors, learning support specialists
  • Multi-sensory and multi-model learning methods
  • A research-based literacy curriculum
           Tier 1-Grade-level literacy enrichment
           Tier 2-Read 180, Just Words, Fundations
           Tier 3-Wilson Reading System
  • Rich academic curriculum
  • Integrated Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) curricula
           Pollyanna Racial Literacy Curriculum
    

           Responsive Classroom

• What does a typical school day look like?

   Lower School 

  
  

  Morning Meeting	30 min
  Math	60 min
  Recess	15 min
  Literacy	60 min
  Lunch/Recess	45 min
  Humanities (Writing or Social Studies	60 min
  Rotation: PE, Movement, Design Thinking or Science, Art, or Music	60 min

  
  
  

                  Middle School Day 

   

  Responsive Advisory	30 min
  Block 1 Rotation: History, Writing, or Science	60 min
  Recess	15 min
  Block 2 Rotation: Language	65 min
  Lunch/Recess	45 min
  Block 3: Math	65 min
  Block 4: Structured Study Hall or PE	65 min
  Block 5: History/Writing/Science or Elective	75 min

• How do you support families with the transition to Armstrong?

  It can be both exciting and daunting to enter a new school community for students and their parents/guardians. In addition to making new friends and adjusting to a new school environment, students are exposed to a very different way of learning, which will eventually lead to success, confidence, and their educational experience. Armstrong wants families to feel welcomed and supported on this journey with programs including:
  
  

  • Armstrong Summer School offers an authentic, “mini” Armstrong experience for current, new, and prospective students over eight weeks in the summer.
  • Buddy Families mentor new families when enrolled and throughout their first year at Armstrong (and often beyond).
  • New Family Orientation Events “onboard” new families with logistical information and opportunities to get to know each other.
  • Charles Armstrong Parent School Organization (CAPSO) provides parent/guardian volunteer opportunities and organizes community-building events.

• How do I get my student to school?

  Armstrong students come from 38 cities and 7 counties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We highly encourage families to form carpools when feasible. The school shares information about where families are located to facilitate carpooling. 

• What does Armstrong offer beyond the classroom?

  • Visual Arts, Drama, Music
  • PE, Movement, Competitive Athletics
  • Leadership Opportunities
  • Electives and Clubs
  • Library
  • Design Thinking
  • Experiential and Outdoor Education 
  • Aftercare, after-school Learning Lab enrichment programs (e.g., robotics, chess, ceramics)

• What does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) mean at Armstrong?

  Belonging Mission Statement

  At Armstrong, we commit to the ongoing personal and professional work necessary to:

   

  • Cultivate and maintain an equitable and inclusive community where all members feel safe, valued, respected, and that they belong. 
  • Build a strong sense of identity and social justice in students and adults so that we can express ourselves genuinely and advocate for others. 
  • Recognize and celebrate diversity to prepare students to thrive in our interconnected, global community.
  • Continuously evaluate systems and practices to eliminate systemic bias and inequity.

  
  

  DEIB-related curricula and programs are listed above in how we serve our dyslexic learners. 

• What high schools do graduates attend?

  The Next School Placement Team at Armstrong assists families with a comprehensive high school placement process that begins mid-7th grade. This includes formal and informal meetings, a coordinated timeline, and an on-site High School Fair. Our 8th-grade students apply to a variety of schools, including public and independent options that provide continued support as needed. 

  
  Click here for the high schools our alumni matriculated to in the last five years.

• What are some treasured traditions?

  • Fall Festival, Book Fair, Halloween Parade
  • Winter Music Program 
  • Talent Shows 
  • Community Picnic
  • Spring Art Showcase 
  • Spring Musical 
  • Faculty vs. Students Athletic Competitions (soccer, volleyball, basketball)
  • School Spirit Weeks
  • Graduation