Is Plumfield Academy a Christian School?  Yes. As a Charlotte Mason school, Plumfield Academy provides a Christian alternative to traditional Christian schools, public education, and private independent schools.  Our philosophy of education is rooted in the words and deeds of Christ, who is for us Eternal Wisdom and the Teacher of all teachers.  He says, “Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”  He is our example of what it means to live a free, loving, and authentic human life.  His gentle Holy Spirit is the source of Plumfield’s gracious atmosphere. See: Philosophy of Education

How will my child be taught?  Your child will be put into direct contact with great thinkers through well written books. Our teachers will read to and with your child from classic children’s literature, Great Books, and works written by experts in their field.  Through these “living books,” your child will interact with historians, biographers, philosophers, novelists, explorers, scientists, poets, and artists.  See: Great Books/Book List  In addition to a stimulating “living books” curriculum, your child will be taught by specialists in art, music, drama, writing, Spanish, nature study and handicrafts.  See: Faculty

Why do you use classic children’s literature and Great Books?  For most of the elementary years, a child’s intellectual capacity will far exceed his or her skill level. A child must be read to by a caring adult from our best books if his/her mind is to be fed. Children who only read books on their reading level will be intellectually impoverished. At Plumfield, your child will be exposed to high quality language and ideas by being read to by his/her teachers. At the same time, he or she will practice the essential skills of silent and oral reading, spelling, writing and typing on a daily basis.  In this way, your child’s intellect will be fed while the basic skills are mastered.

How will my child be tested?  Your child will be tested by telling what he or she knows through written or oral narrations. Each period of reading or observation will be followed by a time of telling.  At the end of a unit or term, your child will write (or dictate) essay exams covering what has been learned in all areas of study.  Narrating in all subjects will train your child in two essential life skills: observation and communication. See: Mason Methodology

How will my child learn to write?  As a developing writer, your child will be provided with a rich array of stories to work on.  He or she will reconstruct fables, myths, Bible stories and exciting historical narratives. Your child’s creative writing will flow from this rich exposure to characters, themes, and language.  See: How We Teach Writing

What opportunities will my child have for “hands-on” learning?  Your child will work with wood, clay, stones, tiles, yarn, and fabrics to make lovely and useful handcrafts. He or she will utilize materials and manipulatives for hands on science and math.  In nature study, your child will explore the world of insects, animals, trees, rocks, streams, and rivers.

What does a day at Plumfield look like?  The day begins at 8:30 and ends at 2:30.  Students meet in small classes (8/1 student/teacher ratio) to study traditional subjects. Opportunities for individualized work and creative learning are woven into the day.  See: A Day at Plumfield

What is the role of the teacher?  The teacher provides access to great authors, artistic materials, and nature, and refrains from hindering your child’s work with long and unnecessary explanations.  In Charlotte Mason’s approach, the teacher assumes the role of philosopher and guide.  See: The Gentle Art of Education

What habits will my child learn?  We will support your child in developing the essential habits of attention, excellence, curiosity, humility, accountability and order. When these are in place, so is everything else.  See: Essential Academic Habits

Will my child be ready for interactions in the real world?  Because we emphasize the development of relational habits, your child will grow in self knowledge and confidence and will leave Plumfield with a unique set of interpersonal skills. We will provide your child with strategies for expressing his/her feelings and point of view, and for listening to the feelings and points of view of others. By living in a learning and playing community, your child will experience the effects of right and wrong behavior, and learn the wisdom of mercy and forgiveness. If a conflict arises, he or she will be helped to work through the relational issue.  Dealing directly with relational distress will leave your child free to focus on his/her academic work.  See: Relational Habits

How will my child be motivated to learn?  Your child will be guided to work for the pleasure of learning and the reward of producing a product he/she can be proud of.  See: Brain Study on Rewards and Motivation

What is your policy on homework?  We do not assign traditional homework for students in grades 1-7.  The evening hours are used to address academic needs specific to each student.   See: Homework Policy

What about negative peer pressure?  Our students testify to the absence of peer pressure which leaves them free to focus on their academic work  See: What Students Say

What is your policy on recess?  Plumfield believes in old fashion (child driven) play time.  Our students play outdoors as children played in the 1950’s. They play freeze tag, hide and go seek, capture the flag, jump rope, and soccer; they initiate games of imagination which can go on for days.  Our students wear comfortable clothing which allows them to sled, build forts, and run up and down the hills. They are very active in all seasons.  We understand that recess is a need for a child, not a luxury.  To that end, our students are given one hour of personal time each day.

What are some of the things you do to build community?  We celebrate each child’s birthday with cake and candles. At Literary Luncheons, we eat homemade pizza and discuss the literature book we just completed.  During Writer’s Tea, students share blueberry pie and read their literature papers to each other. St. Patrick’s Day means corn beef and cabbage, homemade breads, and Irish dancing.  To celebrate the Seder Meal, students learn Hebrew songs, decorate the tables, and prepare all the elements of the meal. Every Friday afternoon, the primary grades bake different kinds of cookies.  These are the simple traditions that make life sweet for children and leave them with delightful memories. 

How is school experienced by Plumfield students?  Our students are happy to come to school each day. They actively engage in their academic work and  claim the time passes quickly. Our students do not end the school day dragged out and depleted, but energized.  See: What Parents Say

What if my child has already been harmed by academic or social pressures?  It’s not too late.  Our philosophy of education restores equilibrium. Children who begin attending Plumfield feeling oppressed and out of sorts generally regain their happiness and sense of balance in a short period of time.

What is the environment like?  Our environment is intimate, healthy, and invigorating.  Our twenty four students meet in a large farm house built in 1875.  Small tables set near windows are available for individual work.  Our classes, which meet around large tables, enjoy an 8/1 student/teacher ratio. Our students have their own kitchenette with access to a refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. We use safe, non- toxic Shaklee cleaning products.  Windows are frequently opened to change the air. Our children are free to spend an hour every day in the great outdoors.