9) Londonderry classes are small and intimate. No class is larger than 15 students (see some of the latest research on why small class size is so important), and each preschool class has a teacher and an assistant teacher. Three of our five assistants have college degrees.

8) Every year, Londonderry presents a musical extravaganza by Music and Dance teacher Sandy Westerman that involves every student from the youngest to the oldest, complete with costumes, props, and scenery.  What other school gives you a show with 2- year-olds dancing across the stage with eighth graders?

8) Londonderry's annual Science Fair gives even preschoolers a chance to experience the scientific process.  The prestigious event has garnered county wide attention for its complex, award winning entries.  (Ed. note: I guess Anne couldn't narrow it down to only 10 reasons, so she had to stick in an extra one with two # 8's!)

7) Students in kindergarten on up learn a second language, from teacher Barbara Cohen, who also teaches college.  Preschoolers learn a smattering of Russian, Vietnamese, Turkish... from whatever country they learn about for the International Festival in December.

6) Computer teacher Kathy Boyle uses the computer to teach logical thinking Londonderry students from kindergarten through eighth grade.  Children in her classes are challenged to plan and problem solve as a team as they program the computer, rather than be programmed by it!

5) Your kids will do more than just draw leaves or make snowmen in their art classes!  Cindi Hardwicke, who's also taught at the college level, gets them on the floor to pretend they're Michelangelo or encourages their swirls of color into a work of art.  Her students have won international awards with their creations.

4) What other local school has its students invited to professional-level conferences for their scientific work?  Mary Pat Evans' students have traveled both coasts and in-between to present their advanced research on Global Imaging Systems.  And close to home, her students spend the first few weeks of the year partnering with the State Museum on the City Island archaeological dig.

3) Londonderry students progress according to their abilities; programs are tailored to individual needs.  Advanced students can work at an accelerated rate, while those with special needs are encouraged to reach for goals based on their talents, not a formula.

2) Londonderry teachers average 15.5 years of teaching experience.  Eight staff have earned masters' or other advanced degrees, and eight have logged 15 or more years at the school.  Part of each year's tuition increase has been dedicated by the board for the past five years to increasing teacher salaries, with a goal of  bringing them from 50% to 75% of what public school salaries are for comparable experience and education.

    DRUM ROLL.....AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON IS...

1) "Principal" Rhoda Barasch takes temperatures with a kiss to the forehead.  She and Business Manager Gayle Goldberg make the office a haven for sick and healthy kids... and their parents.