Quest Elementary School Application Process: applications due February 3, 2012

Quest Elementary Learner Profile describes students who strive to be . . . Inquirers, Thinkers, Caring, Well-Balanced, Communicators, Principled, Knowledgeable, Risk-Takers, Open-Minded and Reflective.  Quest is an IB-PYP authorized school.

Quest Elementary is a school of choice. An application to attend must be sent to the school by February 3, 2012.  Families residing in any location within the Hilton Central School District are eligible to attend the Pre-K-6 school, an authorized Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate [IB-PYP].

Application to Attend Quest     l     Programme of Inquiry

ENROLLMENT and MAIN OFFICE  Quest Elementary School has an enrollment of about 415 pupils in grades Pre-K-6.  Principal is Karen Spillman.  PYP/IB Specialist is Andrea Geglia.   Quest is located at 225 West Ave., Hilton. The main office is reached at 585-392-1000 ext. 6100.

MULTI-AGE  Quest Elementary students are grouped in four age-ranges: Kindergarten; Primary (Grades 1-2); Elementary (Grades 3-4); and Intermediate (Grades 5-6); creating a multi-age environment where children work together and grow at a pace that is developmentally-appropriate within a structured learning community. Quest Elementary is open to all elementary students in the Hilton School District including special education students, REACH, academically-gifted students, etc. Teachers consistently monitor all student progress and adjust instruction to meet the wide range of student needs. Students with special needs are provided with the same level of support as in any Hilton School as provided by a students Individual Education Plan (IEP) as specified in the Committee on Special Education (CSE) process.  

TEACHERS Quest Elementary teachers share a common philosophy about child development and learning. Instruction allows for flexibility of age combinations, ability, interest, and learning styles.  Teachers work to develop heterogeneous, multi-age groupings to allow for flexibility in the time students are allowed to meet expectations and to provide cooperative and independent learning situations.  Instruction is based on what students can successfully accomplish.  Teachers develop strategies that will challenge students to increasing levels of competence.  Programme of Inquiry

PARENTS  Quest Elementary parents share the responsibility of designing and developing their children’s education.  Parents play a significant part in shaping school-wide decisions, through active participation on the School Improvement Team, school committees, interview teams and the PTSO [Parent-Teacher-Student Organization].  Parent volunteers are encouraged throughout the year to assist their child and others in their learning.  In a community survey, 98% of Quest Elementary parents indicated they are offered many opportunities for involvement in school; 75% of parents indicated that they volunteer in the classroom regularly; 100% of parents responded that they had visited the school, and spoken to the teacher, during the school year.   The Quest Elementary Reporting System reflects the philosophy, beliefs and goals of the school.  Quest PTSO Web

REPORTING SYSTEM  Quest Elementary believes that parents and students should have direct input and responsibility in establishing academic, social and work habit goals and expectations at school. Quest Elementary draws parents into the conversation about their child's education.  The reporting system consists of a three-way conference in the fall, a student-led portfolio share in the winter, and an end-of-the-year report card.  These allow you the parents the opportunity to participate in the learning process and features authentic assessment.  

IB/PYP  Quest Elementary was authorized in July 2006 to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The International Baccalaureate is a prestigious organization that aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  The Primary Years Programme [PYP] is designed for students of all backgrounds, abilities and needs.  At the heart of the Primary Years Programme is a commitment to guided inquiry as a vehicle for learning the District and State curricula.  Six organizing themes help teachers and children explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word.  Teachers and students use key questions that are concept-based to structure the units of inquiry.  They acquire and apply trans-disciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts that are relevant to our students while developing a global perspective.  Students learn Spanish as a second language as soon as they enter kindergarten. What is a Learner Profile?  Exhibitions are presented in students' final year of the programme.  They are extended, collaborative inquiry projects under the guidance of their teachers. The exhibition represents a significant event in the life of both the school and student, synthesizing the essential elements of the programme and sharing them with the whole school community. It is an opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the student profile that have been developing throughout their engagement with the programme.  It is a culminating experience marking the possible transition from the PYP to the Middle Years Programme (MYP).

COMMUNITY SERVICE and LEARNER PROFILE   The Primary Years Programme offers students opportunities to take action in their home, school, community or world.  Students ask “What can I do?”  “What is my responsibility?”   The Primary Years Programme Learner Profile is central to our work at Quest Elementary.  It represents the aims of PYP, drives the curricular framework, and represents the qualities expected to characterize students.  The Learner Profile describes students who are Inquirers, Thinkers, Caring, Well-Balanced, Communicators, Principled, Knowledgeable, Risk-Takers, Open-Minded, Reflective.  

To request information about the Quest Elementary School, please 585-392-1000 ext. 6100/6101. Application to Attend Quest