Assessment

The Central Park School for Children views academic skills and knowledge as essential tools for communicating ideas, solving problems and achieving goals rather than as ends in themselves. CPSC's curriculum establishes a foundation of basic skills and knowledge, but also fosters higher-level thinking skills and the development of individual talent, character and ambition.

How do we measure student progress?

While standardized tests can measure academic skills in young children, they do not adequately measure the other dimensions in which we want our students to grow. To get a fuller picture of student progress, CPSC uses Authentic Assessments, Naturalistic Assessments and Process Assessments as recommended by the Coalition of Essential Schools.

How do we communicate student progress to families?

CPSC does not issue report cards with letter grades. Instead, teachers meet regularly with parents, and provide written narratives and "Milestones" checklists describing each child's progress. For more information, please see Section 2 of our Parent Handbook.

Do CPSC students take EOGs?

CPSC administers EOGs/End-Of-Grade tests for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in May, as required by the NC Department of Public Instruction, but we do not do quarterly benchmark testing as many traditional public school systems do. Our school profile on the state's Education First / NC School Report Cards website lists EOG results and other data for CPSC.