The School of Organic Education
The School of Organic Education | Nature / Farm School
When I first heard of The School of Organic Education I assumed it was a newer school. It seemed that a new “organic” school would fit in nicely in our increasingly “green” society. Or, I thought, maybe it was founded in the back-to-nature era of the 60s or 70s. I was very surprised to find out the School of Organic Education in Fairhope Alabama is over 100 years old! The school’s founder, Marietta Johnson, was truly ahead of her time—she preceded Maria Montessori , Rudolf Steiner, and A.S. Neill. In 1907, she founded a school based on the belief that a school should "minister to the health of the body, develop the finest mental grasp, and preserve the sincerity and unself-consciousness of the emotional life." Today's students learn concepts in much the same way as Mrs. Johnson's students did. They observe nature, record what they learn, and utilize reference materials to confirm their findings rather than study a textbook that describes nature. Nature's wonders, holistic learning and natural learning (not state standards) are the cornerstone of this school. I find that very refreshing!
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The Brooklyn Free School
The Brooklyn Free School | Free / Democratic and Unschooling
The very concept of a “free school” is intriguing to me. What would really happen if we quit pushing education on children and instead let them learn what they wanted, when they wanted, and how they wanted? One might assume that they’d end up wasting their day away and never learn to read, write, or solve problems. But, The Brooklyn Free School is proving that notion wrong. The Brooklyn Free School was founded based on the principals of The Sudbury Valley School and Summerhill School (see resources below) which both have a long tradition of success. The Brooklyn Free School is governed via a democratic meeting which includes staff and students—each individual having a single vote. This process is used to hire staff and handle disputes. Students are supported by a staff of teachers who they can go to with questions and interests. The teachers can connect students with readings, people, and other resources that can enhance their study of a particular subject. There are no classes. There is no division of students by age. There are no required textbooks. There are no tests. Students are free to pursue their individual interests for however long they want and in whatever manner they choose, thereby placing that responsibility for learning on the student. Fascinating. http://www.brooklynfreeschool.org/
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New Gate School
New Gate School | Montessori
I thought it fitting that the first "Think Outside the Desk" post should feature the school that opened my eyes to non-traditional education. Four years ago a fellow parent at my daughter's daycare mentioned that her older son attended a Montessori school. I had heard the word Montessori--vaguely remembered reading that it was self-directed learning. For some reason I envisioned "hippie-like" teenagers studying artsy topics. Two weeks later I took a tour of New Gate Montessori School. I was absolutely blown away. I walked into a classroom of 3-6 year olds and each one was independently working. I had never seen, and still have never seen, any classroom come close to the level of engagement of those tiny children. They didn't even notice that I walked in the room. In their faces I saw purpose and determination. There were no rows of desks, no teacher talking "at" the students. Some children were at tables, some sitting on small rugs, some in small groups, some working alone. But, each was engaged and independent and happy--a truly inspiring sight. I signed my 1 year old up that day. She is now almost 5 and has been at New Gate Montessori School since she was 18 months old. I'm thrilled that she is reading and writing at 4 years old. But, more importantly, I can see that she loves to learn and that she is directing her own learning. Each day when I pick her up, I find her engaged in a lesson--geography, botany, history, culture, music, art, and on and on. She never wants to leave her "work". Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could bring that level of enthusiasm to all children? http://www.newgate.edu/
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