Education happens anywhere, not only in schools. Educational experiences outside the classroom are golden and also abundant, if you take the time to notice.
The Institute for Girls' Development is one example of how girls can learn outside schools. While it may not address "academic" subjects, it does address a key ingredient, emotional intelligence, which research has shown is needed for not only school but also for future career success. Most schools tend to underemphasize the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL). The Institute offers programs that bring in SEL component to girls education. While the program may not be in a school setting, it still can have a positive effect on your child when she learns to integrate skills from the program back into the school arena. Essentially, a parent is bringing a girl's education one step closer to being more holistic in nature. This may be a necessity for families looking for a progressive education but unable to send a child to a progressive school.
The Institute for Girl's Development is dedicated to empowering girls through:
• Self-discovery
• Hardiness Skills
• Growth fostering relationships
• Embodiment
If you have a daughter and are looking for a nurturing, safe environment that empowers girls to understand real beauty, true friendships, healthy bodies and minds, and in the process discover themselves through different creative activities, look no further.
This video gives parents a peek into the activities of the Institute's summer program: Mind, Body & Spirit Adventure. Here, girls from 3rd grade through high school learn about communication skills, outlets of creativity, self-confidence, positive thinking, healthy nutrition, goal setting, teamwork and living green. They also play games, dance, do yoga and make new friends.
But if summer is too far in the future, then consider their spring program. If you would like to experience an empowering workshop for girls, beginning March 3rd, they are holding sessions on friendships called Be REAL. Be REAL is a parent-daughter workshop that helps middle school girls navigate the "mean girl" waters by offering information on how to build positive relationships and what to do in times of conflicts.
When? Wednesday nights: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., March 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2010
Where? Vroman's Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (Meeting Room)
How? Register here
For more information on the "Mind, Body and Spirit Adventure" summer program, click here.
Comments
hi MS. GRACE – i just read your comment in the What is a Progressive article in teacher tina's blog . :)
I have a 5yr old daughter who has been going to a progressive preschool for the past 3 years already, and i believe it has worked wonders for her. :) So i want her to go to a progressive school until she can – up to high school :)
I am just curious, how much is progressive schools in the states? like in your area. My mom wants to relocate in the states in a few years time with my younger sisters who are still in grade school. :) My dad is based in the west coast too:)
So i’m thinking also if i would send my daughter to school there, how much is the approximate cost? does that include the books/supplies, etc? She’s gonna be in 1st grade in 2 years :)
Hope to hear from you!
Pia
Hi Ms. Pia! There are several options for you depending on how progressive you want the school to be. In the greater Los Angeles area, specifically in the Ventura County area, I found three charter schools that have a progressive mission. They are part of the public school system and are free to families who live within the school's boundaries. In Los Angeles, I have so far found one charter/magnet school. Then you get the private progressive schools and since they are independent schools the price tag is pretty hefty!! For elementary, depending on the area, tuition may range between $9000 to $18,000 a year depending on the grade. Middle school can go up from $15,000 to $30,000!!! for one year (I am estimating). Generally in the LA area, schools are more expensive in the higher income areas of Santa Monica and Pasadena. There are more prog elementary schools than high schools. I can only think of two high schools in the LA area. Let me know if you have more questions. Grace
Hi. Ms. Pia! Add two more charter schools in the LA area that are progressive. Both are in Pasadena: Aveson Charter School (K-12th(soon)) and Odyssey Charter School (K-8th). Sorry, I left them out by accident.
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