“If not me, who? If not now, when?” Rabbi Hillel

“If not me, who? If not now, when?” Rabbi Hillel

I have been lucky to travel this spring and it has provided me an amazing experience to see different parts of our beautiful country. Last week I was in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and then in Sarasota and Tarpon Springs, Florida visiting with family and friends. Everyone has an interest in schools and I enjoyed sharing with folks about schools that believe children have a natural impulse to learn! I have always been interested in finding ways for each child to succeed. In 2008 I explored, through case study research, how social relationships with peers, faculty, and administration affect students’ decisions to stay in school until completion. Part of the exploration included what school-related factors were associated with why students decide to stay in high school until graduation. High expectations by caring adults topped the reason that students persevered and completed school, despite difficulty.

It is important work, advocating for relationships that help young people to stretch and grow into their best selves,  for years many have tried as a parents, teachers and administrators. When I met Beth and Jim from the Circle School in Harrisburg last May, I heard what young people in my 2008 research expressed as important - respect for the child and high expectations. Curiosity peaked - I wanted to learn more about a school that trusted children to be responsible for their learning. This concept was not part of what I knew as a public school parent, teacher or administrator. I read everything I could.

Hooked by the concept of a democratic school, using integral education theory, I shared research and information about this alternative school with anyone who thought it sounded like an interesting way for students to learn. Each article and book gave me more inspiration than the one before. People started to share information with me! On a cold, snowy November night, after months of sharing information with my friends, we gathered in my living room and discussed what a school could be! We all agreed that we didn’t know a lot about starting a school from scratch - but as Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Today, as we continue to pursue this alternative school we realize we are not starting a school at Kirkridge because of what we know - we are starting a school that reflects what we imagine a school can be!

Today I am home again, invigorated from my travel and the time I had to read, talk with new people and reflect on this journey of starting a school. I am grateful to be involved with friends who are dedicated to starting a School at Kirkridge. We have work to do and money to raise. We are building a web page, creating a 501(c)3, and opening a bank account. We have enthusiasm abounding from families who share our vision that an age-integrated community provides powerful examples of effective life skills; that freedom is best mastered when balanced with responsibility; and good citizenship skills are best cultivated in a democratic environment. These families also understand the importance of students and staff working together to make laws and manage the school’s day-to-day affairs; and the value of students being fully empowered citizens, and active creators of their community and their lives. We have met with the Kirkridge Board of Directors and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. We have created common understanding of integral and democratic education, shared reading materials and visited schools in the Sudbury/Circle School model. We have worked with Kirkridge to secure site and occupancy permits, we have met with the zoning officer, and we are collaborating with The Circle School & Philly Free. 

Democratic education cultivates originality, leadership, and empowers a sense of creative control in one’s life. We believe that all students can learn. We believe that children have a natural impulse to learn. We imagine school as a place where students are better able to find their true voice, explore their passion and become responsible citizens. The School at Kirkridge, a private school, where students practice LIFE!

Join us on Wednesday, June 5th at 6:30 pm at the Hermitage at Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center as we continue the good work of starting The School at Kirkridge! Follow us on Facebook.