Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

There is more to the New School story

Your recent story “New School scores high” only tells part of the story about this amazing learning community. All three of my children attend this school as first-, third- and seventh-graders. As a regular volunteer I have observed what makes this charter school different.

The children thrive in an environment that is free from pressure to perform, with no traditional letter grades and minimal homework. Tests are limited to weekly spelling tests and the annual STAR test. Children are internally motivated by a joyful adventurous love of learning that is modeled by our outstanding staff. Wednesdays are “Lab Days,” minimum days that are dedicated to electives that include arts and sports.

At the heart of this school is CEO Sue Miller Hurst. She does not have the “ordinary” background one expects of a school principal. Beyond teaching and administration, she has also worked as advisor to Fortune 500 companies and for the Center for Organizational Learning at MIT as architect of large systems change. She was a pioneer in brain/mind research and its applications to learning environments and also pioneered the first federally funded research project exploring right/left brain capacities and the importance of innovative, brain-compatible strategies. So why is she dedicating her life to this small Fallbrook charter school? Because she is dedicated to seeing change in American education.

Like Mrs. Hurst, our teachers are brilliant, dedicated, creative and passionate. They believe in the limitless potential of each child. They help children and parents to understand their unique learning styles and intelligences and apply leading-edge-mind-compatible learning strategies to individuals. Teachers partner with parents in the education process and meet with us every six weeks to update each student’s individualized learning program and set new goals.

The New School is now classified a “Distinguished School” in California and the nation. It is probably the best kept secret in Fallbrook. It is a public school, tuition-free, right here in our own backyard. Just thought your readers might like to know the story behind the story to the highest test scores in North County!

Lana Janey

 

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