Admissions
How to Apply

Testing and Observation Q&A

Testing and observation are important parts of the Mason Prep application process. Read on to learn about our process and how it helps students start a successful academic career.

Why do you have testing and observations?

We use testing or observations to gauge each child’s readiness for the grade level in which they are interested. Testing and observations help us to determine if a student is ready for and will be successful in our curriculum.

But testing and observations are just part of the process. In addition to testing and observations, we place great importance on meeting with the parents. We like to get to know them, discuss their expectations for their child’s education, and make sure that Mason Prep’s mission aligns with those expectations.

Above all, we want each child to be successful wherever he or she attends school. Testing, observations, and the admissions process help the students, the parents and the school determine if the fit is right for the child.

Kindergarten Observation

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • How long does it take?

    20-30 minutes.

  • What does the observation involve?

    Students are welcomed into the kindergarten classroom by the teacher and kindergarten assistant. Students enjoy story time with the teacher and play time at rotating centers which involve counting, writing, cutting, sorting, and other skills. The kindergarten teaching teams observe the children and complete a rubric for each student. The rubric measures things like listening skills, peer interactions, and active participation.

  • Are the parents involved in the observation?

    During the observation, parents have a meeting with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Director of Enrollment, and current Mason Prep kindergarten parents, where they learn more about our kindergarten program and have a chance to ask questions.

Testing, First Grade

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • How long does it take?

    Approximately 2 hours.

  • What does the test involve?

    Students are welcomed into the first grade classroom by the first grade teacher and assistant. The children are given a test which tells us more about each child’s level of readiness in different skill areas such as letter recognition, math, listening, and beginning phonetics. The test is read to the students – we do not expect that every student can read. In addition to the test, teachers speak with each child to get to know them better as individuals and observe them during snack time and play time.

  • Are the parents involved in the testing?

    Parents leave for a bit and then return to school for a meeting with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Director of Enrollment, and current Mason Prep first grade parents where they learn more about our first grade program and have a chance to ask questions.

Testing, Grades 2-8

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • How long does it take?

    Approximately 1 – 1.5 hours.

  • What does the test involve?

    Students are given a grade-appropriate test by a Mason Prep teacher in one of our classrooms. While many independent schools use a standardized test, our tests were created by our teachers to determine if a student is ready for our specific curriculum. In addition to the test, we look at transcripts and teacher recommendations and comments to learn more about each student’s academic abilities and social and emotional growth.

  • Are the parents involved in the testing?

    Parents leave for a bit and then return to school for a meeting with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Director of Enrollment, and current Mason Prep parents where they learn more about our school and have a chance to ask questions.

    Please note: The above information applies to our group testing and observation dates. We also provide testing and observation on an individual basis for students unable to join us on the scheduled days. While we do not offer the parent Q&A forums during individual testing, we are always here to answer any questions our prospective families have.
     

Ready to Sign Up for a Testing Date? Have Questions?

Jake Petty, Director of Enrollment
843.805.6015 | admissions@masonprep.org
56 Halsey Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843.723.0664
Fax: 843.723.1104
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.
©2020 Mason Preparatory School