by a TCS parent
Like many parents, my waking thoughts are often about my children. This morning when I was thinking about how my daughter’s future has changed from when she was in the fifth grade, my thoughts wandered into the Holiday department and tried on something from Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol.
At my shoulder, the Ghost of Christmas Past presents an education in a gossamer realm of good intentions. An intelligent, sweet child is burdened with an IEP of grim proportions, declining social interactions, and subject to bullies and long tedious hours of homework. I in turn, value the ghost’s message. Without acknowledging the futility of her situation — I could not begin to seek help and improve her lot.
Enter the Ghost of Christmas Present, who surrounds my daughter with the safe and nurturing environment of The Concept School. Small class sizes where curriculum is mastered — not lectured. Project-based learning is engaging the students — you just know they will remember the concept. Everyone is actively participating in literature circles, drama productions and all the school has to offer. The best part — its not a dream.
In the six years my daughter has been at TCS, she has benefited from the TCS program and a wonderful staff. The teachers really know the students and care about their development. The small school environment allows teachers to work across curriculums to build skills and master material. Thanks to small class sizes she is on grade level with A’s in algebra and geometry. (Despite the Ghost of Christmas Past’s vision of her topping off at functional math.) She understands how she learns and can advocate for herself. She has developed a love of writing she never had before. She is accepted and celebrated for what she has to offer. And just as important, she has made good friends. You can find out for yourself how they educate the whole child, by reading articles and philosophies at www.conceptschool.com
A joyous Ghost of Christmas Future is ushered in by 6 years of TCS preparation, comprehensive career testing, and a course taught in a college format. I think it’s marvelous that students have a course taught with three classes per week and office hours for the “professor.” She is learning to advocate — getting notes, preparing independently and making use of office hours. Why not get a dose of college with people that care!
I am comforted knowing that TCS students are ready to enter and maintain themselves in college. Over the last five years, 99% have gone immediately into post secondary education or training facilities with 98% still continuing their education two or more years later.
So, the vision before me is of a young woman who is planning on continuing her education, actively involved in community outreach, planning a career, with activities, interests and close friends.
So I thought — who would play Jacob Marley in this tale? I decided it would be me. I would encourage parents to find the most appropriate education for their child. Don’t wait. It can happen for you. You, too, can have a happier, better prepared child.
