Parent Role

Parent play an essential role in preparing students for academic success. 

The role of the parent, or other home mentor, is to help provide organization and structure, to help create a proper learning environment, and to promote continuity in the learning process.  Parents also act as learning companions, advocates, and facilitators for their child.  They help build and sustain a positive relationship with the school, and work closely with teachers to ensure a successful learning experience.

Parents contribute to their child’s learning experience by being present and available as much as possible, showing an interest, asking questions, and communicating frequently with teachers. Being your child’s home mentor may include things like providing additional learning materials, exploring concepts together, reviewing and proofreading assignments, reading out loud, or simply expressing encouragement.

A strong partnership and excellent communication between parents, students and teachers, gives students confidence, sparks their desire to learn, and ensures a successful learning experience.  Keeping the lines of communication strong also helps with recognizing and addressing individual learning challenges.

Grades K-8

During the elementary school years, parents play an especially active role in planning and delivering the curriculum, in partnership with our teachers.  Parents work with teachers to develop and nurture the student’s education plan and curriculum.  Parents are encouraged to work with their child to create a schedule for completing assignments that works in tandem with their learning style.

As students progress to middle school, parents begin to gradually play a more supervisory role.  They ensure that their child is managing his or her time properly, and is on task with assignments.   Parents work with their child and his or her teachers to create a schedule that accommodates classes, clubs, and an increased amount of coursework.

High School

As students progress through high school, parents take on the role of supervisor, coach and mentor.  Teachers stay in frequent contact with both students and parents, responding to them through email or phone.  Our interactive grade book is an excellent tool for parents to view information about their child’s academic work. At the high school level, Laurel Springs requires students to have a non-family member serve as a proctor for some final exams.