Free Union Country School

My child is excited to go to school everyday, engaged academically and socially, and honored as an individual. The environment is rich with multisensory and interdisciplinary learning. Thankfully, the school is free from sectarian or pedagocially-restricted influences. The staff and parent body welcomed us warmly and continually reach out in myriad ways to support us and our child. One day, in a mix-up with pick-up, a parent offered to help provide a ride. There is a true community feel to the place. I also appreciate the way the teachers handle conflict within the student population. Students are held responsible for their actions without shame and with an emphasis on mutuality and compassion. I trust that this type of progressive education bodes well for my child's future engagement with the world -- intellectually, emotionally and socially. I wish I had spent my elementary years at Free Union!
—Submitted by a parent

The Sept 2011 review is very fair and accurate. The new director has a challenge of blending the old free union (hippy?) culture to meet the academic challenges of today's school system. Hopefully, she will elevate the academic bar and discipline needed. The "inner circle" is still there. This is a small group of moms that remain at school or in the front office for socializing and helping. They are essential help, but also create an atmosphere that is reminiscent of high school cliques- false smiles, not welcome to new ideas, exclusivity, and even elitish snobbery- yes- all carefully hidden under the granola bar clothing. The school is progressive only in theory and it's future progess is being slowed by the very people that seek to preserve it. Cultural diversity is zero- all white. That said, focus on the pros from first review. I agree with all of them. Teachers are terrific and nuturing, just too relaxed in academics and correcting inappropriate student behaviors.
—Submitted by a parent

Pros 1. Atmosphere: children always seem happy, they socialize with each other and teachers, they are respectful of others. 2. Free play time, especially outdoors. 3. Naturalistic grounds (stream, fields, nice play structures, gardens etc). 4. Nice facilities: cozy and functional. 5. Approachable teachers. 6. Sense of community 7. Small class sizes. Cons: 1. inner circle of 'friends' making key decisions such as faculty hires, sometimes flawed ones 2. Uninvolved playground supervision: 'let them figure it out on their own' undermining safety. 3. Academics not as good as they could be: no grades; no recognition of individual achievement; 'challenge' is a dirty word. 4. Lack of diversity: no scholarships based on ethnicity; financial assistance typically goes to white families (99%); little concern for the working/traveling parent (last minute trip notifications, mid-day teacher meetings etc). 5. No transportation for events: conflicts by not caring for the random volunteer driver. In sum, great school for very young kids: cozy atmosphere, emphasis on social development. Note: the former director of the school tended to be abrasive to parents. No longer an issue.
—Submitted by a parent