This Family Friday, we are delighted to share the Temple family’s story of how they found A One Room Schoolhouse and the incredible impact it has had on their son, Colton. Their journey is one of discovering the right educational environment and watching their son flourish both academically and personally.
Finding A One Room Schoolhouse
Our journey to A One-Room Schoolhouse began out of necessity and hope. My son, Colton, was preparing to enter his sixth-grade year, but the experience of COVID during his fifth-grade year left us searching for a better educational path. Both my husband and I worked full-time throughout the pandemic and couldn’t provide the day-to-day help Colton needed with his online classes. One day, while driving through a friend’s neighborhood, I noticed a sign in a yard that read “A One Room Schoolhouse.” I asked my friend if she knew anything about it, but she didn’t. Intrigued, we decided to look into it further. After meeting with Mrs. Peterson to discuss our options, we both felt that this was the blessing we had been searching for during such a challenging time. It was exactly what we needed, and we signed Colton up that very day.
Before discovering A One-Room Schoolhouse, we faced several challenges with Colton’s education, particularly with his reading. Concerned about his difficulties, I had him evaluated for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through the public school system. Unfortunately, he didn’t qualify, and we had to seek outside tutoring. Things were progressing well until COVID hit, forcing the tutoring facility to pause its services. When Mrs. Peterson evaluated Colton for placement at A One Room Schoolhouse, he was reading at a second-grade level, even though he was about to enter the sixth grade. Mrs. Peterson reassured us that she could help him catch up to his grade level, which was precisely what we needed to hear. As a parent, you are always willing to try anything to support your child’s success, especially when they are struggling.
Colton’s first year at A One-Room Schoolhouse was quite different from public school and took some time for him to adjust. However, he quickly started to see the benefits. He received more one-on-one attention and the guidance he needed to succeed. Mrs. Peterson understood exactly what he needed to improve his learning, reading, and organizational skills. By the end of the year, Colton expressed a desire to return to public school to be with his friends since COVID restrictions had been lifted.
Colton started his seventh-grade year at a traditional public school. However, after just two weeks, he asked if he could return to A One-Room Schoolhouse. He missed the environment and didn’t feel comfortable being back in public school. The next week, he re-enrolled at A One Room Schoolhouse and continued right where he had left off. Since that day, he has never looked back. Colton maintains friendships with his peers at the high school and participates in multiple sports, school dances, and other activities. He truly has the best of both worlds.
The Impact of A One Room Schoolhouse on Colton’s Learning
A One-Room Schoolhouse has been a true blessing for our family. Since starting there, Colton’s reading has improved significantly, and he is now at grade level. He has become more organized and is able to complete assignments with greater independence and responsibility. The personalized guidance and patience from Mrs. Peterson have made all the difference in his education.
One unique aspect of A One-Room Schoolhouse is that it serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This multi-age environment allows Colton to engage with children of all ages, helping him develop leadership and mentoring skills as he interacts with younger students. During recess, all the children play together, learning from each other and building a strong sense of community. Colton often comes home with funny stories about the younger kids he encounters throughout his day.
A One-Room Schoolhouse offers learning opportunities that go beyond traditional academics. Colton has learned outdoor survival skills, which he often practices at home. He has also gained valuable knowledge about personal finances and how to manage money responsibly to avoid debt. This year, he will learn how to take care of a vehicle and gain hands-on experience in construction. These are skills he might never have learned if he had stayed in a traditional public school setting.
A Perfect Fit for Our Family
Since returning to A One-Room Schoolhouse in seventh grade, Colton has found his place and cannot imagine going back to public school. This environment has provided him with the perfect balance of education and social engagement through sports and other extracurricular activities. I often think about where he might be today if he had continued in public school. I am confident that without the individualized support and the nurturing atmosphere at A One-Room Schoolhouse, he would still be struggling.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Our family is incredibly grateful for A One-Room Schoolhouse and the personalized approach they have taken with Colton’s education. He is thriving academically, socially, and personally, thanks to the unique environment and dedicated staff like Mrs. Peterson. We look forward to seeing how he continues to grow and develop in such a positive and supportive community.
The Temple family’s story is a testament to the difference that the right educational environment can make in a child’s life. A One-Room Schoolhouse has given Colton the tools he needs to succeed and flourish, and it continues to be a blessing to their family.
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