Teaching Children to Love Learning Through Hands-On Experience

After talking with several teenagers from the Francis Howell Public School district in St Charles, Missouri, I am disappointed by the number of students who are not interested in furthering their education after high school. When talking about their teachers, core subjects, and schoolwork, they seemed genuinely uninterested and eager to complete their senior year of school so they can "get out". In contrast, students from an independent school in Webster Groves, Missouri told a different story.

A former alumni ("Becca," Class of 2004, now at Duke University) said "The Wilderness Experience and Field Ecology encouraged my burgeoning awareness of the natural world. Now, seven years later, I'm studying to be an environmental science major. This choice was more than a little bit inspired by extraordinary outdoor experiences at The College School, and the principles of environmental stewardship that I learned." One other graduate ("Sarah," Class of 2001,PhD Student at University of Oregon) commented on her experience as well saying, "The College School is unlike any other place I have been since graduating in 2001. It is comforting, and warm yet progressive and forward-thinking."

The College School in Webster Groves, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis, is a preschool through eighth grade learning establishment that boasts "experiential education" instead of the traditional, sit at your desk, classroom setting offered by Missouri public schools. At The College School, you will find children on any given day, roaming around their classrooms, working on projects or taking a field trip to the city to experience real life in an environment that creates passion about learning.

Unlike traditional classrooms at most public schools where teachers are the main focus of the hour, The College School places their emphasis on the interaction and inquisitive nature of the students. They teach first-graders how to cook and second-graders how to grow a garden. They encourage discussions and learn about their experiences through hands on projects and interactive conversations. The core of their curriculum includes theme based learning, mastery of academic skills, adventure education (i.e. field trips), reflective learning, and sustainability (Social skills relative to Self as it relates to the World).

Their graduates predominantly move on to private or parochial high schools and eventually to top-notch colleges.

According to Faith Markus, the Director of Development, "The cost is competitive with all other St Louis independent Schools". She states they are still taking open enrollment for students at this time. Because she does not work in the admissions department, she declined to elaborate on the enrollment process or cost of admission. She did mention that an evaluation and application is required for admission and that you can contact the Admissions Department by visiting them in person at The College School, 1 Newport Place, Webster Groves, MO 63119. For questions you can call them in advance at 314-962-9355 or visit thecollegeschool.org/.

While I could not afford to send my children to an independent school full time, year after year, I did have the luxury of allowing my daughter to participate in one of The College School's Summer Camp programs. She really enjoyed the experience and learned to step outside of her shell as an individual. I only wish the public schools offered this type of learning environment for everyone. Our children deserve it.