The Little School

Things we appreciate about TLS include: - The awesome teachers. - The small class sizes. - The child-directed curriculum. - The emphasis on critical thinking and research skills. - The true respect for a diversity of learning styles. - The active, involved, and at times boisterous classrooms. - The emphasis on outdoor activity. We chose TLS because it helps our children excel academically. At TLS they learn how to learn, how to put things together, how to understand language, how to think about math and numbers, how to answer their own questions, how to get along with other people, and how the physical world works. My children are intrinsically motivated and well prepared for a lifetime of learning. The school's approach can make some parents uncomfortable because it emphasizes skills that are not easy to measure. The school focuses on the fundamental skills necessary for reasoning and communicating, versus more visible, superficial skills that are easy to test and demonstrate. But I have consistently found that when one of my children is ready to pick up a demonstrable skill, he is well prepared by TLS to do so quickly and enthusiastically.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school. Small class size, progressive education, excellent teachers, and a beautiful campus! Our son is thriving, learning, growing and has wonderful confidence. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who wants there children to love to learn and wants a school who cares about the whole child too!
--Submitted by a parent

This school would not be a good choice if your student is entering the upper grades. Most students have been together since Pre-K and have established a bond within their social group and are not good about letting new students into their social world. It's very sad on many levels because I think this could have been a good school since the school incorporates some fun learning activities, however, the social experience was extremely damaging. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed the way the teacher handled conflicts within her classroom. The new "head of school" is a great asset to the school that I know will make some necessary changes to make it a more welcoming environment for new students entering upper grades. I think this would be a great choice for the lower grades but definitely not in the upper grades especially if your child has difficult making friends.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just left The Little School after 7 years. I am thrilled that we stayed at the school from the time my son was 4 until he turned 11. The amazing teachers at The Little School were able to instill a love of learning and to help my son learn to be his own person. We have moved on to a public middle school and my son's grades have been great and his transition to the change in environment and academics has been very smooth. Our family will always be grateful to The Little School and the amazing teachers there.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was terrific socially and physically, it's in a beautiful location and the children are taught to be compassionate and kind. Academically, it was beyond poor. My child didn't suffer much in middle school as a result of the lack of academics, but only because he was already an avid reader and wrote well. I would recommend this school to parents of children who are not doing well socially in public school. Of course, this means a (small) classroom of mostly social misfits, but the teachers seem to be able to handle that aspect. If you're wealthy and can supplement your child's education with tutoring, it might also be a good choice. Otherwise, unless your child is bright, doesn't mind the lack of academic challenge, and struggles socially in public school, there are much better choices out there.
--Submitted by a parent

A school with heart. Teachers have a deep knowledge of child development. Rich and vibrant curriculum. Beautiful wooded campus where kids can get dirty and discover the natural world around them. A wonderful community of learners. What more could you want for your child?
--Submitted by a parent

Our son is in his 3rd year at The Little School. And every year it gets better. Now, there is a new principal and she is making it an even better place to grow. The teaching staff is amazing and experienced, allowing each student the ability to create their own experience. While guiding them to academic benchmarks. The Art Program here is incredible. The small school atmosphere, nestled in an amazing natural environment allows for a unique educational experience. Unbounded by mindless droning of trivial data, children are allowed to learn math, reading and writing through experiences and not lectures. Truly refreshing and engaging.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended TLS from K-5 & is now in a highly academic & rigorous middle school program. She is excelling there in many specific ways that I credit to TLS: her natural curiosity & love of learning were nurtured & are serving her well now she's in 7th grade; she was supported in working independently on projects that required her to be self-motivated and self-regulating; & she was given many opportunities to stretch herself as a public speaker and self-starter (perceiving a need or having an interest & being allowed to run with it). As the daughter of an academic & someone with two graduate degrees who spent several years teaching undergrads, I was looking for an elementary school that would keep alive the skills necessary to succeed in higher education and real life: self-regulation, self-motivation & an intrinsic love of learning. We found that at TLS.
--Submitted by a parent

We have three children at The Little School, and have really found it to be the perfect school for us. Education is *very* important to my husband and I, and we feel strongly that our children learn in an environment that is not fact-, homework-, or test-driven. As parents, we particularly like the small class sizes at TLS, the way our children are encouraged to answer their own questions, and the focus on social development. The kids love their teachers and friends, the autonomy they are given, and exploring the beautiful campus.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter moved to the Little School this year, and it has completely changed her attitude toward school. She quickly developed confidence and enthusiasm toward school, which she did not have at her previous school. The staff are wonderful, class ratios are small (2 teachers for 16 students), and the other parents are friendly and welcoming.
--Submitted by a parent