My daughter in the 2's class, and we absolutely love the Family School. I have several friends with…read moreolder kids who attended, and they say the Family School saved their lives. Why we love TFS:
- Respect: The teachers care for, respect, and get to know the kids. Everyone is a friend. Discipline is framed around setting reasonable expectations and addressing unmet needs, not shaming, judging, or punishing.
- Diversity: The kids and families are diverse in every way: racially, economically, family makeup, religion, etc. About half the families pay tuition, and half are on scholarship.
- Democracy: As an example, the 2's class hosted a bake sale. In circle time they voted on what to do with the proceeds, and the class decided to make a music wall. They decided together how to decorate it (multi-color stripes) and sketched out the blueprint together. They donned smocks and gloves, and everyone helped paint the music wall. As a reminder, these are 2-year-olds.
- Community: TFS hosts several family events each year, including a Stone Soup Luncheon before Thanksgiving, Friendship Festival around Valentine's Day, and Farm Day in the spring. We get to hang out with the other parents, learn the songs our kids are singing in class, and engage with the teachers beyond the usual harried dropoff and pickup.
Deciding on a preschool is all about finding the right fit for your family. The Family School might not be the right fit for you if you want updates throughout the day on your phone. They send home a daily sheet with meals, diaper changes, and notes about what your child did that day. Your class might get a weekly email with photos and updates, but they don't have an app or texts like some other schools. The schedule can be a challenge for working families: the earliest dropoff is 7:30, and the latest pickup is 5:15. They're also closed for two weeks in the summer and several holidays, which can also be a challenge depending on your job. Each family is expected to volunteer 24 hours per school year (e.g. wash blankets, help out around the property, attend parenting classes, assist with the auction).
Overall, I am so glad my daughter attends the Family School. When I'm at work I can focus on my job, knowing she is cared for and engaging in fun, developmentally appropriate activities. She comes home singing delightful songs in English and Spanish, and her teachers and friends are positive influences in her life. We are so grateful to be part of this community.