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There are many ways parents can get involved

Gecko Garden School welcomes, values, and fosters parent participation in school life as integral to creating a healthy community for our children. Research shows that children make significantly greater progress when their parents are involved in their learning. As such, parent engagement is not only encouraged, but expected.

There are many opportunities for parents to get involved in life at Gecko Garden School:

  • Attend Parent/Teacher nights
    Each class holds a quarterly Parent/Teacher night, where parents meet their children’s teachers, socialize with each other, learn what their children are doing in the classroom, and ask questions. Families are encouraged to make sure at least one parent can attend each Parent/Teacher night, to be fully up to date on school activities!
  • Be a Class Parent
    Class Parents support the teachers in ensuring they have the support and materials they need to deliver a magical experience to our children. They also organise social events for the families and kind surprises for the teachers!
  • Join a Committee or Working Group
    Gecko Garden School has numerous ways for parents to engage and bring their passions to the school community. There is a Waldorf Working Group, an Environmental Sustainability Committee, a Festivals Committee, a Finance Oversight Committee, and the Board of Trustees to name a few.
  • School events
    Help out at school events such as festivals, or with projects to care for the facilities, like gardening, painting classrooms, or playground improvements.
  • Come to study group
    The Friends of Waldorf/Steiner Phnom Penh group organizes a bi-weekly study group on topics of interest to the study group community. Check the group’s Facebook page or ask in the office for updates on topics and meeting times.
  • Attend trainings
    Interested parents and community members are invited to attend trainings whenever the school is able to bring a Waldof mentor to Phnom Penh. Ask in the office for the current training schedule.

Don’t miss out on the fun

Just as Gecko Garden School creates a nurturing and safe environment for children to explore and grow, we also foster a welcoming community and network for parents. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and feel connected in the community.

"After taking a short detour with another preschool we opted to enrol both of our girls at Gecko Garden School, which definitely turned out to be the best decision. We immediately felt the warmth of the school as we stepped in. The lovely teachers, the size,... a super homey feeling, where my girls love to come every day. We particularly love the creativity of the teachers with arts and crafts – I am surprised every day with a new masterpiece brought home."

Mother of 2 and 4 year olds, Hungary

"The first thing that hits you when you walk through the Gecko Garden School gates is a massive wave of warmth. There is a sense of belonging, a feeling of joy, and the sounds of happiness resonating from behind those magic gates that warms our hearts. To be able to leave our child (and soon to be our children) in an environment where they are not just nurtured, but loved as well, is a testament to how everyone in the school truly believes in what they do. Kudos and thank you everyone at Gecko Garden!"

Mother of 2 year old, India & Sri Lanka

"To be honest I didn’t search extensively for a preschool for our child. As soon as we entered the school I could tell that he would be happy growing and developing here with such an experienced group of teachers. Being a parent-run school also gave me the satisfaction of knowing that my child would be growing up in a community and not just another child in a system."

Father of Gecko student, UK

"Of all the things we love about Phnom Penh, Gecko Garden Preschool is at the top of the list! Our son is thriving with the guidance and encouragement of his wonderful teachers and teacher assistants. He loves going to school! We love being part of this amazing community of talented teachers and dedicated parents."

Mother of Tadpole student, USA

"It’s the most wonderful feeling when your children are excited to go to school. Gecko Garden Preschool has been a second family for our children. I trust the staff 100% to care for my kids the way I do."

Mother of Tadpole & Garden students, Australia

"The instant we walk through the gate we feel this warm and welcoming atmosphere, so different from my previous experiences! I also love that I can be so involved in my children’s first years in school. I won’t have that chance much longer!"

Mother of Frog & Garden students, France

"We couldn’t be more pleased with our experience at Gecko Garden Preschool. Both of our children have been enrolled here.The focus on a play-based curriculum was what initially drew us to Gecko Garden Preschool, however it was the wonderfully happy relationships our children built with their teachers and peers which pleased us the most and which ultimately has made their lives in Phnom Penh so enjoyable."

Father of Frog student, Australia

"We chose Gecko Garden Preschool because many friends recommended it but, even then, I wasn’t prepared for how much it would impress me. The teaching staff are dedicated and caring beyond belief and my son is so happy there. He spends all his time playing and having fun yet he’s also constantly learning – not just his abc’s and his 123’s but life skills too."

Mother of Tadpole student, New Zealand

"Thank you Gecko Garden Preschool for providing my daughter with loving and caring teachers who have many years experience with children. On my daughter’s first day she walked in with her head down but came out with confidence! Most importantly she is able to interact with other kids from different backgrounds and cultures. It’s a wonderful place for preschoolers to experience learning from a young age."

Mother of Frog student, Cambodia

"My kids are really happy to go to school every day. They cry when they are sick and not allowed to go!"

Mother of Frog & Garden students, Cambodia

"PLAY!! The first thing that struck me when we attended Gecko Garden Preschool open day was all the toys! My boys ditched me at the gate, immediately started playing and didn’t stop until I had to lead them away crying. Each area is full of a wide range of age appropriate and diverse toys and the staff constantly engage the children in creative, educational spontaneous and structured play. They are constantly learning without realising it."

Mother of Tadpole & Frog students, Australia

© Gecko Garden School 2019