Out-performing within perfectly controlled environments is not our aim
As founder of Springwell, I deeply contemplate — on a daily basis — what students (and humans) need in order to thrive, not just in the future, but right now, in this very moment.
In my early youth, I was an excellent student, an identity that led me to Harvard Law. I learned to out-perform within controlled environments. This is some of what I learned in my schooling:
to listen to authority
to behave
to be quiet
to figure out what grownups, society, or anyone else besides myself expected of me
to deliver on those expectations
to memorize facts perfectly
to be the highest performer on any kind of test or assessment
to achieve
to get A’s
to be the very, very best — or else……
Today, I wonder what the pay off is for all of that early hard work and conditioning. This included gifted classes in public school, rigorous academic programs and multiple sets of homework as a 10 year old, and only attending the most elite schools starting in the 7th grade.
What I gained, along with my workaholism was, unfortunately, a deep sense that …
…if I did not achieve expected outcomes, I wasn’t worthy of life itself.
At Springwell, our compass is always pointed toward a true north. We don’t push achievement for achievement’s sake. We practice self-forgiveness, creativity, communication, compassion, and we know it's okay to make mistakes.
Our program is constantly seeking the answer to the following questions:
What does a child need to live and learn authentically within a community?
How can we cultivate humans that feel authentic and well, and thrive whilst being human? We asked our students what Springwell means to them. Here is what they came up with in a recent discussion:
kids and teachers make rules together
learning is hard, but sometimes work is fun
tiny, everyone knows their way around
the best school
freedom
kind staff
teachers don’t yell, or tell you where to go
learning is difficult, and not difficult at the same time
torture, but not so bad
not too many kids
private
calm and quiet
no grades
people don’t hurt each other on purpose
If you are seeking an authentic learning environment for your child, we encourage you to learn more about our K-8 school program. Limited spots are available for mid-year transfers; applications are also open for 2024-25.
