Frequently Asked Questions

What is the philosophy of the school?

The Indigo Program offers an educational choice for families who want an elementary school setting with parent participation and multi-age interaction. Our commitment is to provide a safe, nurturing and cooperative community where learning experiences meet children’s diverse individual and collective needs. We seek to inspire and support students to reach their fullest potential as lifelong learners, leaders and human beings.

What are the basics of positive discipline?

Some basic concepts: (Alfred Adler / Jane Nelson):
    • Understanding that children are social beings
    • Behavior is goal oriented
    • Children’s primary goal is to belong and to be significant
    • A misbehaving child is a discouraged child
    • Encouraging social interest
Class meetings are part of the curriculum. Children learn to be problem solvers. The environment facilitates the treating of children as individuals and creating solutions based on the situation and child. Click here for more information.

Why is the program called "Indigo"?

The name Indigo was carefully selected by the founders of the program.
"Indigo" stands for Inspiring, Nurturing, Discovering, Integrating, Guiding, and Opportunities. It is also the name of the native California bush from which the color indigo originated.

Where is the Indigo Program held?

Indigo is a program of the Oak Grove School District in South San Jose. Indigo is housed on the campus of Frost Elementary school, at 530 Gettysburg Dr., San Jose, CA. 95123-3234, just off Hwy. 85 at the Blossom Hill Road exit.

What do learning and teaching look like at Indigo?

The curriculum at Indigo is aligned with the state of California academic standards, ensuring that essential learning content and skills are mastered. These standards are delivered primarily through hands-on, active learning activities that incorporate all learning modalities and the multiple intelligences. Instruction is differentiated to meet each student where he or she is, and provides options for taking in information, making sense of ideas, and demonstrating progress. Students who meet their grade level standards are encouraged to extend their learning, go deeper into the curriculum and excel in their research, writing, and projects.

How does Indigo's enrichment program work?

In addition to the wonderful art and music programs, which are taught weekly by experienced teachers, and regular field trips, students participate in enrichment centers during the school day. These centers are planned and run by parents/guardians/volunteers/other family members who share their background, talents, and skills with the children. Enrichment activities have included drama, sewing, gardening, construction, and cooking. See Enrichment page for more details.

What does a typical day look like?

Large group, small group, and individual instruction; learning centers; hands-on activities; curriculum integrated into centers and themes. A daily schedule is available upon request.

What is the homework policy?

Homework varies by grade level and is determined by the teacher. The general guideline is ten minutes per night per grade level, e.g. first grade, 10 minutes, second grade, 20 minutes, third grade, 30 minutes and so on. Reading nightly for thirty minutes, however, is a goal for both Frost and Indigo students and is separate from the above guidelines.

Homework is meant to be a meaningful and supportive extension to work being done in the classrooms. We strive to maintain a flexible policy toward homework to best accommodate students and families. See more details here: Homework Guidelines

How does the school approach testing?

We teach to the standards, NOT the test. State testing begins at grade 2 and is used to help staff and the district assess the effectiveness of programs and curriculum.

How is special education handled?

Since we are part of Frost school, we have the same support services as Frost. Any Special Education student needing RSP or Speech can be serviced at Frost. Frost presently has a health clerk, psychologist, speech and language and resource specialist support. Students needing services not provided at Frost may not be able to attend the Indigo Program.

How are behavioral issues handled?

Through class meetings, Second Steps, and positive discipline, problem solving is addressed with students, staff and families. The principal is also available to address any unusual issues and help with behavior strategies.

Is transportation provided?

No. All parents/families need to provide their own transportation. A parent volunteer helps parents connect with other families in their neighborhoods to arrange carpooling.

What grades does Indigo include?

In 2009-2010 Indigo will be K-7 and will include a middle school for the 6th and 7th graders. In the Fall of 2010, 8th grade will be added, making Indigo the first K-8 school in the Oak Grove School District.

What is the start and end time of the school day?

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday:
    Grades K-3: 8:15-2:15
    Grades 4-7: 8:15-2:35
Tuesday:
    All grades: 8:15-1:35 (adjusted day)

What is the length of the kindergarten day?

Because the Indigo Program is a part of Frost School, the instructional minutes are aligned with OGSD. A full-day kindergarten is offered with core academic content instruction in the morning and enrichment after lunch. Parents may elect to pick up their K children at 11:40 p.m. prior to lunch and the afternoon enrichments.

How many students are there in each class?

Grades K-3 have 20 students per class. Upper grades have more. The exact numbers depend upon students enrolled. Children (and teachers) benefit from a low student/adult ratio because of parent participation in all grades.

How is the program different from my neighborhood school?

Positive discipline, hands-on learning, multi-age interaction, sense of community, and student-driven learning based upon developmental readiness.

What other schools can parents compare Indigo to?

The Village School in Campbell, Ohlone School in Palo Alto and Christa McAuliffe in Cupertino are programs similar to Indigo. Please note the intent is NOT to replicate any one program but to use these programs as resources.

What are the participation requirements (parent commitment)?

Please click here to go to our Parent Participation page.

What is the cost of participation?

In alignment with other similar programs in our county, we are asking for a contribution of $400.00 (K-5), $500.00 (grades 6-7) per child. In case of financial hardship, families can apply for a scholarship. Cost of participation is used for field trips, materials, enrichment activities and additional staff when needed for enrichment programs.

What is Indigo's relationship with Frost School?

The Indigo Program is housed at Frost Elementary School. The Frost principal, Kim Kianidehkian, is also the principal for the Indigo Program. We enjoy the support of Frost's school secretary, health clerk, psychologist, speech therapist, resource specialist, librarian, lunchroom staff, and maintenance staff. We share Frost's cafeteria, library, and computer lab and have some joint programming, such as assemblies and talent shows.

How does one enroll in the Indigo Program?

Please see our Enrollment page.

If you have additional program questions, please call:

Karen Moga, Program Coordinator, 408-578-6032
                        or
Kim Kianidehkian, Principal, 408-225-1881.