In 1963, Challenger School founder Barbara B. Baker opened the first Challenger classroom to ensure that students would develop skills and an academic foundation that would serve them well for life. Her focus on self-reliance, independent thinking, and productivity fostered, and continues to cultivate, an unprecedented level of academic achievement and growth.
Challenger has grown from Barbara and a handful of children to over 1,200 current employees and hundreds of thousands of educated students over the years.
Year after year, Challenger students embrace challenge and find joy and self-worth through achievement thanks to our focused mission, proven teaching methods, excellent teachers and staff, and supportive parents like you.
Over the next several months, watch for social media posts and articles highlighting memories from the last 60 years, as well as interesting insights into Challenger’s foundation, approach, and the efficacy of it all!
We wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for choosing Challenger School and entrusting us to be a part of your child’s life!
Watch for an email this month containing your child’s placement information for the next school year as part of continuous enrollment. If the placement is what you expect, no action is required, and your child is all set for the next school year!
If you’d like to make changes or add a program (like extended classtime or summer program), you can submit a request at any time through the parent portal. If your child has a sibling who is ready to enroll, make sure to submit a new student application soon before classes fill up.
You will receive a report this month of your child’s academic progress. Our students have accomplished much already this year and are continuing to learn and achieve.
On January 17, all Challenger students in grades 5–8 will participate in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 8. The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills.
Over 150,000 students worldwide participate in the AMC 8. We are excited to be able to offer our students this opportunity to demonstrate and challenge their mathematical prowess.
Students can prepare for, and parents can find more information about, the contest by visiting the AMC 8 website.
This month, Challenger preschoolers and kindergartners will be learning about other lands and peoples. They will explore and share traditions, songs, dances, and stories.
On Small World Day, preschool students may wear clothing that is representative of their family’s culture or country of origin. Kindergarten students will wear the Challenger uniform, but they may add a scarf, vest, pendant, or other accessory representing their ancestry or one of the nations they have studied. (Please be sure to consider safety when planning attire.)
In the coming weeks, prospective Challenger parents will have several opportunities to visit Challenger campuses to learn more about our powerful programs. Spread the word to your friends who are interested in enrolling their children at Challenger.
For specific dates and times in your area, visit the campus pages on our website at ChallengerSchool.com.
The Challenger Physical Fitness Program is a great way for students to stay physically fit and active. In late January to early February, there will be a two-week testing period focusing on the sit-and-reach, curl-up, and push-up events. This testing period is designed to ensure students are progressing in the events but is not used to determine grades or to qualify a student for a Physical Fitness Program award.
In preparation for this month’s Science Fair, students are conducting experiments using the scientific method. In a few weeks, they’ll be displaying the results of their investigations.
The fair will feature ingenious and thought-provoking experiments and inventions.
During these winter months, please make sure that your child is prepared to go out for recess every day.
Depending on where you live, your child may need boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat in addition to a coat. Make sure to mark all items with your child’s name in case anything gets misplaced.
At Challenger preschool, we help students build hand strength, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination, which helps preschoolers prepare for writing letters. We help students develop fine motor skills by offering activities that include cutting, drawing, painting, coloring, and experimenting with manipulative toys.
This month, all-day 4-year-olds will begin additional activities in which they will be introduced to Challenger manuscript and work on their pencil grip and strokes. Developing these skills will, in time, enable them to successfully write words and, eventually, sentences.
Watch for the penmanship paper each day. Ask your child to show you the fun exercises and share with you all he or she is learning!
For those who need it for their tax returns, Challenger’s tax ID is 47-1405971.