New Morning School

Dedicated parents and teachers, small class sizes, individualized learning. All these things make New Morning School great. My children love this school. Academically, they are well beyond their peers at other schools because they can learn at the pace that works for them. They don't have to wait for the class to finish a lesson or fight to get their teachers attention. New Morning School teachers have a deep understanding of how my children learn best, and teach to that method. My children make a plan and work through it everyday. This skill set will serve them well into adulthood. Parents are dedicated because they understand why this school is so successful. This is the best education in town.
—Submitted by a parent

Even the positive reviews here show the basic problems with this school. 1. Most current students have struggled elsewhere and eventually landed at NMS, where enrollment is so low that they are likely the only student at their grade level. Very few families stay for longer than a couple of years, so there is little continuity from year to year. 2. The school leadership actively fosters the idea that families who choose to send their kids to other schools are ignorant, don't care about kids, and/or have harmful intent. It's an insulting attitude toward parents who never chose NMS to begin with, and a smokescreen to distract newer families from thinking critically about why so very many families and teachers have left. The intolerance and hostility toward former and non-NMS parents is contrary to the principles of critical thought, open-mindedness and acceptance that the school claims to teach. 3. Student-led learning is great in theory, but at NMS the teachers don't ensure that the students are meeting basic academic standards. If parents aren't paying close attention to academic progress, kids can fall way behind, especially in elementary math.
—Submitted by a parent

Did not meet our expectations at all. Was not as advertised in the brochure and by the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

The most meaningful reviews come from parents of CURRENT students (rather than from parents of children who left NMS because those parents were unsuccessful in taking over the school for their own ends). Scroll down and see the great reviews from those current NMS parents. The school has small class sizes, very individualized attention for each student, committed teachers and staff, and a warm nuturing environment. No wonder enrollment continues to grow as we head into January 2013. I am lucky my child continues to benefit from a school that has provided a great education to its students for 40 years!
—Submitted by a parent

I can see the negative comments that are placed on here. Let me ask this: 1. When you entered into the school, did you not understand what co-op meant? Did you not understand it takes a village to raise a child? My child has been to three schools, with New Morning being the 3rd. My child was bullied in the first school, cried to please not send them again to school and in the second school, was not challenged AT ALL!! At New Morning, my child has found out who she is and is working on how to deal when she may not get something right the first time. My child is reading at a 3-4 grade level, writing cursive, doing multiplication and obtaining skills that will last her a lifetime. The parents who thought that closing down a school to fit their own personal gain(s) are the ones that feel that the school is failing. Even though it is a smaller school, I am thankful those who did not have the children's best interest at heart are gone. If it was such a horrible place, then why are you trying to emulate the values and the teachings of the school?! I apologize if you dont know what the word means, but i can tell you, my child does thanks to NMS! A Happy NMS MOM!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son in middle school at New Morning School. He is twice gifted and has attended five schools. He calls New Morning School his "dream" school. He has an individual learning plan at NMS. He can be himself and is supported in every way during his school day. I am an active participant in his education and this is welcomed and encouraged at NMS. Our entire family wishes we would have found NMS sooner but we are grateful for the three years we have had at this very important time in our child's education. Our son is being recruited by top high schools throughout the US for his academic ability. This is thanks to NMS who made it OK for him to be diffrent, to be himself, to be confident in taking on new experiences instead of just trying to "fit in". New Morning School is not a "just trying to fit in" school. It is a school for individual learners, teachers and parents who share the same goal--be yourself, accept others and work together to accomplish your dreams and goals.
—Submitted by a parent

The school consistently loses students year over year, yet the administration will not change anything. The school is good in theory, and functions well as a preschool, but has not kept up with the times for elementary and middle school. Their materials, curriculum and teaching was progressive a few decades ago, but has not changed since then. You can now get the same small group attention at good public and cheaper private schools. The tuition is expensive for what you get, and there is an enormous amount of work as part of the coop. Don't be fooled during a visit, save your time and money and choose a different school
—Submitted by a parent

If you want your child to academically progress and at the same time learn the fundamental principals of being a part of a community, then New Morning School is the place for your family. As a teacher at NMS, I am witnessing the tremendous growth in the students on a daily basis. I am very proud to say that NMS is my place of employment. Come check us out for yourself, our classroom doors are always open!
—Submitted by a teacher

This school does not have 83 students. Enrollment has sharply declined. This year there were about 45 students. Next year fewer than 20 students are expected. This is the result of poor school leadership. Both parents and teachers are abandoning this sinking ship.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids love going to school at New Morning and our family loves the sense of community. It's a place where minds are cultivated in a natural way. Children are already thinking and wondering. New Morning encourages and supports them individually. We are more than satisfied here!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing up her first year as a preschooler at New Morning School (NMS) and she loves it there. New Morning School s approach to educating children using Piaget s proving philosophies makes a lot of sense to me. Skills required to be successful in the 21st century are adaptability, flexibility, people skills, creative thinking and problem solving. NMS does a great job of making learning fun, creating strong work ethic and refining these skills in the kids. I also love how they have reading buddies, where the older kids partner up with the younger kids to read together. The older kids have a chance to be a role model for the younger kids. NMS is a Co-op school so if you are an involved parent, you will find this school a great fit for you. I strongly recommend taking a look at NMS to see if it is a fit for you and your kids. They have been creating strong and intelligent leaders for over 38 years now.
—Submitted by a parent

Ignore the last two positive reviews, as they are sadly outdated... the school has changed SIGNIFICANTLY over the past 8-10 years. Not for the better. The preschool teacher and her family are leaving. So is the kindergarten teacher. It is iffy if the school will even open it doors next year as they have a total of 16 students for next year. That includes preschool through 8th grade! The school had 60 students a few years ago. You do the math. Beware- "lifer" families like us are leaving in droves!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended NMS for 10 years and we loved the school. She has a September birthday and we were looking for somewhere that was between preschool and kindergarten that offered before and after school care. NMS fit the bill and after a short time we were hooked on the NMS style of education. Fortunately, we were able to continue in the school until 8th grade graduation. We held a variety of co-op jobs to help keep tuition costs down and gradually got more and more involved as the years went by. We still support NMS and consider it a beacon of light in the Plymouth community.
—Submitted by a parent

New Morning School is an outstanding, unique school that offers individualized programs for all children. Due to this approach, children's needs are able to be met, recognizing that all children have gifts,plus small class sizes and extra help in the classroom. Being a co-op, the parents are involved in all aspects of the school. I was involved in the school for many years and know that the leadership has always been interested in providing the best learning experience for all. The director, who started the school over 38 years ago, has been the constant who has made it possible for the school to survive and maintain its philosophy, even at times going without pay. The teachers are dedicated to providing interesting, appropriate, challenging, and brain development strategies, planning active simulations such as The Oregon Trail, Colonial Times, Ancient Olympics, a variety of plays, research projects chosen by the children with great displays and many more creative ways to help children with all learning styles learn and be involved. New Morning School is an excellent school for anyone who wants their child to learn, enjoy learning, learn to think and love going to school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child is in 2nd year preschool at NMS and it has been has a phenomenal experience. The teacher wears education, sincerity and love on her sleeve. NMS appeared to be an answer to all of our needs and wants for our child, a school where all kids were the focus and equal. The philosophy behind the program is amazing. The teachers that implement it combined with family participation and support are what makes it work in an inspiring and loving way for each student to receive what they need and DESERVE. Unfortunately, the lack and misuse of leadership has pushed us out the door. The resignation of teachers, lack of transparency and trust has greatly saddened us and has proved there are larger issues than just the much needed updating of materials, particularly in the later elementary and middle school. The internal issues creating conflict has gutted the attention of the school's main focus, our children. In the past we recommended friends and family only to be disappointed and embarrassed by the current state of the school. When a program can no longer function to nurture and elevate the education and social development of each child an in depth reevaluation must be done.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel so fortunate we found this school! It is a dedicated community of families and teachers that go out of their way to make learning meaningful and fun. The kids are happy and loved. For us the investment is worth it. We believe we are providing our children with a foundation that will be to their advantage for years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent Learning Institution: My husband and I investigated many private schools in the Metro-Detroit/Ann Arbor areas. We are confident that we made the right decision to trust the Head of School, teachers and Board of Directors with the education of our son. The Elementary Program is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't look behind the curtain. Although the director knows all the right buzzwords and things parents want to hear when looking at NMS, the puppet master is inept and the school is a house of cards. The director has NEVER had a performance review and uses the Board as her puppets. There is no written curriculum. There are very few written procedures for many important school functions. Children are not held accountable. Some elementary teachers are truly incompetent and the classroom environment is chaotic. Teacher turnover is rapid and good teachers do not stay for long. Many great knowledgeable families have left over the past few years. Do not waste 10K+ every year while you figure all this out... instead invest in a more sound school that will serve your child better.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended NMS for 2 years of preschool. It was a really creative and fun learning environment. expensive than . They have a co-op option, but if your main aim is to save money, its not worth it. I have a younger child, and had to find a sitter for everytime I was scheduled to work in the classroom. This usually entailed atleast four hours, with preparation and cleaning. It was fun but also exhausting. In addition to the classroom work, you are required to attend the auction and purchase at least 2 tickets , which at the time were $75 each. We did not send our 2nd child there for preschool, and found ourselves relieved when we were done with our NMS obligations.The director's and t communication skills are very lacking, something I would have thought someone in her position would have spent some time and effort cultivating (i.e.toastmasters)

New Morning School is an amazing, outstanding, and unique place for both children and adults. If you are an involved parent, who cherishes your time with your child and trusts in the intentions of teachers, you will find this school to be a great fit. Teachers are accessible and knowledgeable, and the program is based on sound, proven philosophies of how children learn best. From preschool through middle school, students are provided with multiple strategies to get to the heart of their own learning. It is the rare student who would not fully benefit from an individualized approach. We're so thankful for our school!
—Submitted by a parent