Sunnyvale currently does not offer a K-8 school option. The Fairwood Explorer program, a free, public K-5 parent-participation program open to all students in the Sunnyvale school district and located on the Fairwood campus, has proposed to extend the program through grade 8, starting with a 6th or 6th/7th grade class in 2013-2014.

This would allow the students in the first graduating 5th grade class of the Fairwood Explorer program to continue their education in a nurturing environment, with the support of the parents and teachers who know them. It would also enrich the K-5 program by providing a class of mentors and role models.

The benefits of a K-8 education -combined with parent participation- are:

1. Higher social and academic achievements

K-8 students show higher academic achievement and significantly higher scores on standardized tests.  They also have higher levels of participation in extracurricular activities, demonstrate greater leadership skills, and are less likely to be victimized than those in the elementary/middle school setting.  They are more likely to be enrolled in selective high school programs and demonstrate a higher GPA in 9th grade.

2. Leadership opportunities, greater confidence and self-esteem

Middle grades students in a K-8 school behave differently than in a middle school.  They take on the role of protector and role model as opposed to having to establish new reputations upon entering middle school.  K-8 schools enhance students’ social capital and create greater opportunities for success by building relationships with staff and peers over a course of nine years. The result is greater confidence and self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.

3. Less change, more nurturing in a close-knit community

11- and 12-year-olds are already dealing with so many changes that it makes little sense to pile on a change in schools. In K-8 schools, the early grade teachers know almost everyone in the building, and the middle grade teachers speak with them regarding a student’s history, learning style, and family dynamic. In this nurturing K-8 setting, each child is recognized as an individual and has an important place in the school.

4. Gradual vs. expedited maturity

The K-8 environment allows students to engage in age-appropriate activities and events, without being exposed to the very different social and academic pressures of high school students. Our children are free to stay “younger” a bit longer.

5. Small-group instruction through continued parent participation

Parent participation in the classroom is essential to providing students with small-group, hands-on instruction. All parents have valuable skills to contribute to their child’s classroom, regardless of education level, native language spoken, or skill set. In a K-8 setting, students become accustomed to seeing parents as a part of the school environment and, as middle school students, do not object to, but welcome parental involvement.

We strongly feel the students deserve this opportunity.

If you feel the students in the Sunnyvale School District should have access to quality K-8 education, please sign this petition.

 If you would like to know more, express interest or join the discussion, please contact us at

www.ExplorerK8.org - information@ExplorerK8.org  – 408.806.6783 – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ExplorerK8/