“What do you think about us having a funeral for a dead bird we found?” “What would you do if I said I didn’t want to go to math class, but wanted to go look at trees instead?” “How do you think about the differences between progressive and self-directed education?” “What do you think about us having so much freedom … Read More
Corona Gap Year
With all of the uncertainty, angst, frustration, and fear facing students this fall, I would like to propose a radical solution: take a corona gap year. I know; it sounds crazy, but bear with me. It’s not as far out there as you think. If you (or your child) are between the ages of four and thirteen this post is … Read More
Self-directed Education; It’s Not Just for Them
I grew up a military brat moving every two years from continent to continent. By the age of eleven my mother had sailed around the world; twice. We were a family comfortable with travel. I grew up reading and re-reading copies of National Geographic Magazine. In my childhood journal were lists of all the far off places I wanted to … Read More
Alternatives for Managing School Related Anxiety
The rise of suicides among Loudoun County teens has resulted in vigilance among local school professionals and parents. Both Loudoun County Public Schools and private organizations, like the Ryan Bartel Foundation and A Place to Be, have been actively engaged in raising awareness about teen depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. According to the CDC, suicide remains the second leading cause … Read More