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The following was written by Kara Y., a Chestnut Grove parent.
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“Hello Reed! Hello Claire!! The director greets us warmly at the door. She touches each of my children on the shoulder as they skip by, anxious to get to their classrooms. “Have a great day!” she calls after them.
We descend the steps into the belly of the church where the school lives. There is nothing particularly glamorous about the space, but the magic of this place is not contained in its physical surroundings. It’s found in the teacher’s generous hugs and kisses and the frequent “I love yous” whispered earnestly into the ears of precious two-year-olds. It’s found in the blank paper placed before fidgety 3-year-olds before they dig into paint and create with their hands. It’s found in the belly laughs echoing from the walls of a 4-year-old classroom as they listen to a funny story being read aloud.
“What are you today?” they ask my son. Rock star, sheriff, super hero, chef or just plain Reed? He’s come to school as all of those things. He is accepted and encouraged. He can be himself and this is the ultimate freedom. His wild imagination is fed and nurtured. His confidence soars. He feels loved. He loves in return—the innocent, trusting, “forever” kind of love that only a child can give.
The people, the philosophy and the intangible sense of joy make this little school our sanctuary in a world of children pressured academically before they can tie their own shoes. To my family, it is a gift. We are truly grateful.
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