Article by: Maura Bannon
As the summer draws to a close and back-to-school shopping is top priority, many parents are crossing their fingers that this year won't bring the kind of drama and struggles their child had to cope with last school year.
And then other parents are resting easy because they have found a school where their child excels and is accepted, accomplishing things they never thought possible.
Sound like the kind of school you would want your child to attend? Read on.
Founded in 1998, the Adirondack School of Northeastern New York is a private education facility dedicated to providing extra individual attention to its students. It is located in the intimate country setting on the banks of the Hudson River at 5158 Route 113, Greenwich, NY.
The school educates grades 6 through 12 and keeps its class sizes small. Although each class can provide for 50 students, they allow only 8 students in each class so that teachers can focus on each student's needs.
But do these smaller class sizes really make a difference in the students' grades? Thomas Alexander, School Administrator, thinks so. He said that most students are drawn to the Adirondack School because in some way, most of the students were not excelling in their former public school. But all that changes when they make the switch...
"We had one student who was bullied at her last school because she was the nerd--she came here and was on the prom committee. She did things here that she wouldn't have done in public school," Alexander said.
Alexander stressed that The Adirondack School provides a safe, caring and supportive environment for all students.
Another boy was failing at his last school because he didn't get the extra help that he needed. At The Adirondack School, he turned his life around--not only did he graduate at the top of his class, but he lost 200 lbs in the process.
"He changed emotionally and physically because he was happy here," Alexander said.
The Adirondack School has a unique way of teaching. They focus on teaching to the students, not to the program. They do follow the New York State curriculum, but their classrooms are designed to enrich and inspire students in terms of both intellect and imagination--providing them with the life skills essential for success in the complex environment of the modern world.
To illustrate the kind of hands-on experience and education the Adirondack school provides, just consider their 2-week forensic science study each October, where the students get to go out in the field with a New York State Trooper and learn how to gather evidence for crime scenes!
"They are actually going out and doing it; it's a real hands-on experience--not just sitting in a classroom watching a projection screen," Alexander said.
Volunteering is a major part of the school's curriculum. Thirty hours of community service are required each year at the school, which contributes to the all-around learning experience. Daily chores teach the students responsibility as well. Whether it's sweeping the porch, tidying up the bathroom or helping put supplies away, fifteen minutes of chores at the end of each school day are also a must.
"It teaches them responsibility, team work and gives them a sense of community," Alexander said. "They really get into it."
The Adirondack School of Northeastern New York truly is a facility dedicated to the students. The school is committed to offering students a stimulating and integrated curriculum, which blends critical thinking, artistic expression and practical achievement. Students thrive because they are in an intimate environment where learning is top priority--they aren't brushed aside and left to fend for themselves.
"We don't stop teaching them until we know they understand--teaching them is one thing, but knowing that they learned what you taught is another," Alexander said.
If the Adirondack School of Northeastern New York sounds like the kind of learning environment your child could benefit from, you can contact them at 518-695-5294. A world of possibilities awaits!
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