Parent Conferences – Alcuin Advisor Knowledge Base

Formal conferences are held twice each year, for all students in Toddler through Upper School, one in the fall and one in the spring. During these individual conferences, parents and the guides/faculty members discuss all aspects of a child’s development. The purpose of these meetings is not just to review the Conference Report but also to exchange information necessary to facilitate proper guidance of the child. Parents of students in Primary through Upper School will be given a report that reviews the holistic development of the child. It is strongly recommended that both parents attend conferences together, even in divorced cases.

For toddler through elementary students, conferences are scheduled and communicated by the respective guide. Middle and Upper School conferences will be scheduled by the Head of Middle School and Head of Upper School. Note: Scheduling conferences each semester is challenging for you and the guide/Division Head. Please do not ask to reschedule your conference unless it is due to a family or work-related emergency.

Parents can expect at least one student-led conference per year for 5^th through 8^th levels. In Upper School, students will lead all conferences. The schedule for conferences is:

5^th level Spring 8^th level Fall 11^th level Fall and Spring

6^th level Fall 9^th level Fall and Spring 12^th level Fall

7^th level Spring 10^th level Fall and Spring

Student-led conferences allow students to reflect on their own work, self-assess areas of strength and opportunities for development, and communicate their ideas to their parents and guide/faculty. These meetings allow parents, guides/faculty members, and students to work as a team to consider the student’s achievement and engage in goal-setting. This process enhances the student-centered learning in the classroom.

Please note: Due to limited “Conference Time” your child’s guide/faculty member makes every effort to schedule parent conferences well in advance. Because these conferences require a great deal of preparation and are a vital form of communication between family and school, we do appreciate your efforts to attend without rescheduling.