"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 and comes home energetic, happy and full
of information about the day's events.
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. From Plato to profit-and-loss spreadsheets, Mark knows
everything they do is work worth doing. The bar is set high for quality work, but it is accomplished with such a sense of
nurturing 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. 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. So much energy that used to be channeled towards social
survival can now be directed toward healthy interactions and learning.
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. We hope
many more people will one day 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."
Chris and Dee Dee Scaffidi
"My son comes home talking about what he learned in school! This has
never happened before."
Rachel Bourdages.
"I have seen
such a change in my son over the past year. He is more content and
confident in his academics."
Jim Collins
"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."
Peggy Singleton
"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
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 being with
everyone…)"
Yes, Plumfield Academy is truly an answer to prayer!"
Laura Duran
