Why Families Choose The Little School
For over 65 years, families have chosen The Little School for its unique blend of progressive educational approach, a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the natural world. But what exactly makes The Little School so special?
It’s a school where the natural wooded campus, individualized attention and a multinational community come together to nurture each child’s strengths and interests. At The Little School, education goes beyond just academic skill building by weaving curiosity, exploration and creativity into every aspect of the learning experience.
This approach resonates with families seeking not just a school, but a vibrant, inclusive community where their children can thrive. After all, a school that sparks curiosity and engagement also lays the foundation for children to develop the skills and mindset to be a self motivated life long learner.
The Little School’s Guiding Principles
Founded in 1959 by Dr. Eleanor Siegl, The Little School was born from a belief in the power of child-centered learning. Guided by the school’s mission, “To cultivate authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility,” The Little School continues to inspire meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
The mission comes to life through a deeply student-centered approach that sparks curiosity and builds intellectual and social skills. Instead of adhering to a rigid curriculum, teachers guide students to explore their interests and engage deeply with meaningful hands-on projects.
For instance, teachers create learning experiences like building a rainwater catchment system or running a simulated farmer’s market to develop student interests through meaningful exploration of how the world works. Regan Wensnahan, Director of Enrollment Management at The Little School, shared one example where an early learning class was fascinated with airplanes. In response, the teacher quickly turned this group interest into a creative class project.
“They set up a play space with headphones for a pilot, trays for flight attendants and chairs for passengers,” she says. “Then they invited another classroom to play airplane, taking turns with all the roles.”
This approach not only cultivates intellectual growth but also ensures children feel happy and valued in their learning environment.
The Little School Difference: A Holistic Approach to Learning
Choosing the right school is an important decision, and parents and caregivers need to consider many factors. As Wensnahan points out, parents typically focus on three key areas: the school's educational philosophy, their child's individual needs, and the available options in their area. The Little School excels in all three.
An Educational Philosophy That Inspires
At The Little School, curiosity-driven learning lies at the heart of the curriculum. This approach fosters intellectual growth through the practice of wonder, discovery and critical thinking. This approach means events like rainy days can become opportunities for exploration where students are encouraged to connect their science learning with environmental stewardship and hands-on projects. This can mean collecting and measuring rainwater using the catchment system or even observing how gutters on the school building divert water to create waterfalls.
These authentic learning experiences are meant to ignite joy and imagination, making school a place where children are confident, happy and engaged learners.
Meeting Individual Needs
The Little School is committed to addressing the unique needs of every child. With just over 220 students in preschool through fifth grade, the teachers offer project-based curriculum to students in an engaging community of friends. Small class sizes and a collaborative learning approach nurture each student’s social-emotional growth, helping them build essential social skills and self-confidence. This personalized approach ensures that children feel seen, valued and happy in their daily experiences.
A Unique Option for Families
Nestled in the woods, The Little School’s 12.5-acre campus is a natural playground for learning. Landmarks like the Nose Tree and Mother Tree invite students to explore green spaces, build forts and participate in learning in outdoor classrooms. This connection to nature enriches learning, grounds students in the rhythms of the natural world and fosters a sense of environmental stewardship. When children are free to explore and play in such a setting, their happiness becomes a natural outcome of the joy and wonder they experience each day.
A School Community That Grows Together
The Little School experience extends beyond students, creating a vibrant community for the entire family. Wensnahan describes it as a “truly transformative journey for families,” where parents and caregivers are invited to learn and grow alongside their children.
For example, ongoing programming like Math Night allows families to experience the innovative ways their children are learning, while the weekly Friday Sing program brings everyone together in song, fostering bonds and strengthening the sense of community. These traditions are particularly important in creating a community because several studies have found that music is a powerful tool in strengthening bonds and creating lasting connections among students, faculty, and families.
In addition, events like the Global Cultures Celebration reflect The Little School’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, giving families opportunities to share traditions and connect meaningfully. These shared experiences contribute to a strong, supportive environment where children and their families can feel connected.
A Transformative Experience
The impact of The Little School on families is profound. One parent shared how her child, previously exhausted and disengaged in a traditional school setting, found renewed energy and joy after joining The Little School. And this transformation is just one of many stories of families who have benefited from The Little School’s supportive and inspiring environment.
If you’re looking for a school that celebrates your child’s individuality, fosters a lifelong love of learning, and cultivates a strong sense of community, The Little School could be the perfect fit for your family. Becoming part of The Little School means joining a vibrant community that will enrich your family’s experience for years to come. Here, learning is joyful, engaging and deeply meaningful—an environment where your child can truly thrive.
