What Parents Say About Plumfield

   "Each morning we drive our five children 30 minutes to take Mark to 4th grade - sounds crazy when there is a great public school around the corner from our home. But the drive is not even a consideration when weighed against all the benefits this year at Plumfield has brought into the life of our 10 year old and truly to our entire family. We immediately saw the difference that Plumfield's unique atmosphere had on our boy. Like many children, Mark used to drag home at the end of a day at school with little to report. From day one, Mark has been eager for school each day, he has taken accountability for being prepared, and he comes home energetic, happy and full of information about the day's events. Now the entire family gets to enjoy him and the benefit of seeing him grow in an environment where he feels accepted and at home.
    Mark has really blossomed in the multi-age setting. Interacting with the older children has inspired him to push his limits academically and socially. Though he came into 4th grade struggling with writing, he found himself with plenty to say after interacting with such rich texts and information. The curriculum is filled with material that really matters to life and Mark has responded to that. He knows what happens every day is relevant to his life and his understanding of the world around him. From Plato to profit-and-loss spreadsheets, Mark knows everything they do is work worth doing. And consequently, Mark doesn't mind that the "Plumfield Standard" is really quite excellent. The bar is set high for quality work, but it is accomplished with such a sense of nurturing and non-competitiveness that Mark has begun to see just what great work he is capable of producing.
   Finally, the social atmosphere at Plumfield makes all the difference in the amount of learning that gets done. Because the environment of Plumfield is very much like a healthy family, the teachers are committed to each child's character development as intently as their academic development. Even normal conflicts with peers have been handled in a "better-than-normal" way. Mark has learned so much about himself this year and how valuable a place he and each person holds in this community. So much energy that used to be channeled towards social survival can now be directed toward healthy interactions and learning. An atmosphere of respect is absolutely woven into the fabric of Plumfield. We can't say enough about how this environment has impacted our son and, in turn, our entire family. We will always consider it a privilege and blessing to have found such a beautiful school. One day we hope many more schools will understand Charlotte Mason's philosophy of excellent, gentle, life-giving, worthwhile education. Our society desperately needs Ms. Mason's insights applied, one family at a time."


   "My son comes home talking about what he learned in school! This has never happened before."


   "I have seen such a change in my son over the past year. He is more content and confident in his academics."


   "My daughter would do well anywhere, but the opportunities at Plumfield are unique. She loves the kind of books that are read, the time to study what is of interest to her, and the atmosphere where there is a true love for learning."


   "As a successful school-teacher (grades 4-12 in public and private schools), I am acutely aware of the strengths, as well as the shortcomings, of conventional educational settings.
   As a mother, I have experienced frustration and sorrow, longing to see my children grow and learn in an environment that fosters community, mutual respect and appreciation among people of all ages; that provides the tools and direction they need for self-motivated research; that upholds a high moral and religious teaching; that knows, loves, and believes in my children, providing opportunities for them to continue to excel in their gifts, and patiently helping them in the subject matter that is difficult for them.
   Plumfield Academy is an answer to my earnest prayers! My husband and I have watched our son blossom more than we dared wish for, in this his first year at Plumfield. He is truly a different person (or should I say, "He is truly himself again!"); free from the peer pressures that keep children from being able to focus on what is truly important (being yourself, the best person you can be; the adventure of learning; growing as a community.) It is a joy when I arrive to pick him up at the end of the day, to hear him say, "Can't you wait a while longer, Mom? I really want to continue writing this story (or drawing…or reading…or researching on the computer…or just sitting and relaxing with everyone…)"
   Yes, Plumfield Academy is truly an answer to prayer!"