Lincoln Multi-Age

My daughter attended LMA/Bessie from K-2nd. We loved it. She is one who thrives in that type of environment. We recently relocated and I hated taking her out of the high scope learning structure. The only complaint that I have is that I asked that my daughter be tested for dyslexia and was told that she is still young and will grow out of it. She was diagnosed with dyslexia through her new school early in the school year at their own request to test her. So I have done a lot of research on it, and the school could have tested her and she could have received help sooner. Although I love the school and its educational foundation... I hope no other children with with dyslexia are being overlooked or brushed aside instead of getting the assistance they need.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended LMA this year and had a pretty great experience, I will agree with the parent who said the programs has changed since being moved to the main campus...we did deal with a little bit of bullying from some of the Brick students but it was stopped right away. In 2012 the school will move again and I hope that is the last time. My child loves the freedom in his education, and I love the confidence the program has helped him build. The parental involvement is wonderful!
--Submitted by a parent

LMA or Lincoln Multi-Age is the greatest place for my children. We have moved this year but were assured at the beginning that the transitional year would be different in our space allotment. My children have AWESOME teachers and are turning into amazing people due to the basic principles of the program and dedication of the teachers and other staff! They are learning, growing in confidence, independence. They make good choices most of the time and are able to think of a new and better plan when they have made a poor choice. Having met with the appopropriate people involved in decision making I rest assured that the upcoming year will be even better post total renovation of our building. I cannot think of a better place for my children! Kudos to the teachers and staff that have made it work this year and we look forward to many more in our new great space!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school moved this year to a building on the main and changed it's name to Lincoln Multi-Age or LMA. The program has suffered GREATLY because of this move, there aren't enough bathrooms or drinking fountains, they do not have their own gymnasium, auditorium, or cafeteria since the move. They are in the process of trying to remedy these problems but I highly doubt these things will be fully fixed. The highly touted High Scope Teaching Method is wonderful when practiced andinstructors are trained properly but again, since the move, that all went out the window. My child is getting a watered down education at best. In the past, they were great but I will be removing my child from this school and finding a school that can at least provide enough bathrooms for their children. If you care one bit about your child's education DO NOT SEND THEM THERE.
--Submitted by a parent

Three core concepts that are foundational to the program and students at Bessie Hoffman are: 1. Stand up for yourself and others. 2. Solve problems without hurting others. 3. Be responsible for your own learning. The school is great at teaching students how to be responsible, make good decisions, solve problems, and to respect each other, their teachers and themselves. Every day activities provide opportunities to practice these skills. The multi-age program provides a great opportunity for children to interact with many ages and skill levels, and stresses the importance of building character as well as academic skills.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Bessie Hoffman. It's has a very laid back, comfortable atmosphere. The teachers care about the kids and are very open to parent help, which I love. Coming from a cooperative preschool, it was very natural to step into Bessie and enjoy getting to know my children's classmates and teacher first hand. It's not a perfect school, but it's close to perfect for us. My kids are happy and thriving socially and academically. How much more could a family want?
--Submitted by a parent

My son attends Bessie and we couldn't ask for a better school or teachers! We are so proud to be a part of Bessie and all it has to offer our kids! I would highly recommend this school! It feels like a family, not just a school.
--Submitted by a parent

Bessie Hoffman is an amazing school that runs a top-notch educational program. The staff at the school really understand children and their needs. My oldest graduated out and went on to middle school where he has been on the honor roll ever since, and has been nominated as student of the month two years in a row. As a teacher (at another school) I couldn't plan or put togther a better program than what they do here.
--Submitted by a parent

Bessie Hoffman is a great place for children to learn. I have my youngest attending there now, and I wish I would have known more about it years back becuase my other children would have attended there. I highly recommend this school, it is a great learning place. I have friends that have had children go there and end up on honor roll and honor society and others even mine did not attend and struggle to keep up in Middle school or hold 2.8 to 2.9 gpa. The hand on learning is a great way to learn and parental involvement is awesome and the staff work together like a real caring team. Thanks Bessie Hoffman for being a great school, those are hard to find these days.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is now in middle school. He attended Bessie Hoffman for 5 years. He has been on the A honor roll all year and in advanced reading. The programs at Bessie Hoffman allow the students to interact with their classmates and work together to learn. Most classroom activities are done in groups or as a class. The class sizes are kept small due to the building size which allows the children who need extra attention to receive it. The teachers are dedicated to the future of our kids. Parental involvement is amazing.
--Submitted by a parent