Seeking Parents' Help in Saving a Great Elementary School Program

The program is a small, mixed-age classroom for first through third graders at the Montessori Children's House on Madison's west side, where my eldest child currently attends preschool. It is in danger of being eliminated because of diminishing enrollment. I think that this would be a horrible loss to many academically talented children who would do so well there. They do so many things right there, such as:

• Nurturing, home-like environment in which intense curiosity is normal
• Mixed-age classroom, which encourages children to work at their own pace
• Elegant learning materials
• Freedom of movement and plenty of outside time
• Freedom to follow their own intellectual curiosity
• No busy work
• No homework (unless the child chooses to keep working on something after school)
• Emphasis on peace and global citizenship
• Healthy snacks provided, healthy lunch to be brought from home
• Parental involvement welcomed (the school is a parent run co-op)

As a small community, it would only take a few more children to keep the program viable. If you are the parent of a child who would benefit from such an environment, would you please look at the school's website http://www.madisonmontessori.org/programs/elementary/Elem_intro.html
and maybe take some time to observe the classroom?

Our family is committed to public schools, and we know that a school district needs talented kids and engaged families to thrive. This program would allow kids to integrate back into the public schools at a fairly young age, while protecting and nurturing them through a critical period of development.

Upon re-reading this message, it sounds like I'm making a blatant marketing pitch (which, frankly, I am). Please forgive me and understand that my only interest in the program is that it survive so that it is an option for my two children, ages 4 and 1, when they are old enough to need it. I hope that there are a few families here who might find a home there. Sincerely, Dawn M. Rappold [drappold@gmail.com]

Posted by Dawn Rappold at November 8, 2007 2:34 PM
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