Your Child's hero's Journey

[Anonymous]

Almost every national report, article, and parent blog claims that our schools are failing our kids: standards are down, teachers are burnt out, and much of what is happening inside schools does not seem designed to directly benefit our children.

As a former principal in 4 different schools throughout the USA, my heart breaks for all involved. However, empathy is not enough, and I am now in the initial founding stage of opening a K-5 affordable, nonprofit school in August, 2027, built around the child being the center of their own Hero’s Journey, growing them as both student and person.

I wish to hear back from parents as to what they feel is missing in their child’s present school journey that is hindering their present school journey, and as to what you would like to see incorporated into any new school concept. I promise that I will give it my attention and consideration. This is not a solicitation, but a genuine desire to hear from parents. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Have very limited screens for core subjects no 1:1 just computer lab where you learn tech skills starting in grade 4

[Anonymous]

Before care and aftercare needs to be built in, and should have an enrichment goal, perhaps one that builds on this areas rich legacy of heros by building in after school trips to MLK memorial, etc. Particularly as an independent school, which likely won’t have busing.

[Anonymous]

1. Many parents, in every generation, have complained about their children not responding to their era's educational norms. It's Item No.1 on the Involved Parent's List.

2. Hero's Journey? Please. Don't trivialize this literature concept. We're all special snowflakes, and our children are the specialiest of snowflakes, but that yearning for customization never translates successfully to a group learning experience, OP.

3. Given the obviousness of these two points above, that any hard-boiled principal would know, I conclude that you just want to attract rich clueless parents into yet another educational scheme in which the administration will no doubt enrich itself. There have been many such in the region, and you are simply the next one to try.

- parent of a child with special needs, and a gifted child, who did very well in their public schools, with and without screens, sometimes in very large classes.

[Anonymous]

Outdoor play unstructured
Plus just downtime time to chill and daydream
Homelike setting not so sterile and bleak

[Anonymous]

I appreciate these replies, and I would welcome more. Unfortunately, in multiple areas, the objective data is very clear as to the decline of our public schools-simply look at the international tables of achievement where we are now mid-table. Look also at recent reports from colleges that kids are coming to them without basic math skills. Look at the reports from businesses regarding the limited social and emotional skills that young employees are bringing into their workplace. Also, please do not think that our private schools are much better; they are simply pay-for-play models of the increasingly obsolete public schools. If we are to prepare our kids for the big challenges and opportunities they will face as adults, then we need to reimagine what their 9-13 years of school must look like. The use of the Hero's Journey-the individual facing personal challenges and emerging from them stronger and better-to explainwthe core experience of school is valid. Unfortunately, for too many of our kids, school provides them less and less with the chance to take that journey that offers them a fuller, more positive view of who they are, and wish to be. Thanks again. Please keep the comments coming.

[Anonymous]

1. Stop using the word journey.
2. When you mention "individual personal challenges" that sounds like AI and they will be on the computer all day every day. That would maybe fly in Texas, but people here are actually educated to see beyond a stupid fad.
3. What I would want in a school if i could make one from scratch - unstructured outdoor time, free play between classes - like a 10 min hallway break to run around or chat, higher expectations for everyone, zero screen time until 4th grade, but start computer literacy classes in 4/5th that show kids how to do research, how to spot misinofrmation, how to save a freaking file, etc.
4. A big selection of extracurricular activities - sports, arts, music, or deeper educational dives.

[Anonymous]

It's insane that someone thinks they can found a school without knowing anything about the problems they imagine they are solving.

This must be marketing research to find an advertising message to send.

[Anonymous]

Read Amanda Ripley's Smartest Kids in the World book and don't get sucked into customized edTech as a solution.

[Anonymous]

It's not that deep. Do what Sidwell does and you'll have a great school. The problems with public schools are not the problems with private schools.

[Anonymous]

My kid is at a private K-8.
A lot is applauded regarding grades, they have the JNHS as well in MS. But there is no celebration of kindness or good stewardship. I would like to see the same exposure to just being a good citizenship and doing the right thing that is given to grades.