Parent FAQs
LCG meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1-4pm. We rent space at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, 1200 Winton Rd. South (behind Brighton High School). The school year begins in mid-September and goes through to mid-May, with breaks for holidays corresponding to the Brighton School District schedule.
For what age children are Lilac Children's Garden classes?
We offer classes for homeschooled children ages 5-14.
Is LCG a parent coop?
We do not strictly follow a parent coop governance model. However, our activities at LCG cover a lot of ground, and teachers and administrators can almost always use help from parents with the many details that make our quality offering possible. With each new year at LCG, parents are asked to volunteer for at least one parent job (e.g., help during the plays with costumes or scenery, or assistance with the planning and production of our festivals). In addition, parents are asked to provide a light class snack and help their child's teacher with cleanup after class on a rotating basis (three or four times a year, depending on class size).
Does LCG teach religion to children?
While Rudolf Steiner drew great wisdom from esoteric Christianity which informs the teachers' personal growth, we at Lilac Children's Garden in no way endeavor to teach children any formal religious doctrine. We focus instead on nature study and the arts, which draw children without effort or words toward the ideals of any profound experience of reverence: universal love and compassion.
How much does LCG cost?
We hope to serve any Rochester-area families who might be interested in participating, and so are able to charge a sliding scale that we hope will make it possible. We ask a contribution of $550-$650 per child to cover materials and expenses (which includes a fair wage for our hardworking and dedicated teachers). Please speak to a member of the Board about a payment plan that might work for you.
Will my child be safe at LCG?
Personal safety is an issue that the teachers at our initiative take very seriously. We have strict rules about children's movements and whereabouts during class sessions, and take every reasonable precaution to ensure that your children will have a safe and happy experience at Lilac Children's Garden. There is a structured procedural protocol in the event of illness or injury. We welcome suggestions for improvements to our ever-evolving and responsive safety plan.
Will LCG be right for my child?
There is no definitive way to answer this question. Visits are encouraged before any commitment to enrollment is made. Our curriculum focus and style may not be the right mix for everyone. If after consultation and the chance to see the program in action, Lilac Children's Garden does seem like a good fit, however, we will welcome your child, and your extended family, into our community. For every child enrolled, we do our best to further your child's growth and enrichment.