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Teddy McArdle Free School gives back to community
(by Tina Pappas - September 22, 2008)
LITTLE FALLS - This particular school teaches that giving back to the community is as important as learning your "A-B-Cs."
The Teddy McArdle Free School is a non-profit, independent, alternative school located at 139 Main St.
"We are based on democratic and free educational philosophies," said Elizabeth McCarthy, director. "We opened our doors in the fall of 2007, with 13 enrolled students ages 5-12 and we plan to expand the school to include high school ages. Tuition for full time students is on a sliding scale so that families of all income levels can afford the school."
The idea behind democratic free schools began in 1921 when the Summerhill School in Leiston, England, first opened its doors. Presently, there are 200 free schools worldwide.
"The central ideology is that children are naturally curious and innate learners and when they are free to make their own choices in a nurturing and supportive environment, they’ll develop all the traits and knowledge needed for a happy and satisfying life."
Alex Khost was the founder of the school and he remains on the board of directors, according to McCarthy. The name Teddy McArdle came from one of Khost’s favorite short story characters by J.D. Salinger. The school boasts no mandatory curriculum, classes, testing, or homework in the school and no age segregation. All communal rules are determined through weekly democratic meetings where each individual, whether child or adult, gets one vote. A judicial committee comprised of both teachers and students works as a disciplinary arm when necessary.
"It’s a non-coercive approach to education that allows every student to confidently develop at their own pace, which creates a learner-centered environment truly tailored to each child’s needs," she added. "We are also not dictated by a board of education system but we do have a board of directors that help us with publicity, fundraising and making sure that they protect our interests for all the legal aspects of being a non-for-profit corporation. I strongly believe in the school’s doctrine that when you give children the freedom to make their own choices, you empower them to take on responsibility at an early age. It’s good to make those mistakes earlier in life rather than later."
McCarthy, who was reared in the New York City public education system, is the daughter of former New York City public school teachers. She holds a degree in sociology from Hunter College.
"I loved the schools I was in while I was growing up but as I became an adult, I realized how restrictive the educational system really was," she recalled.
Classes at the school are run by students and staff alike with an array of subject matters. They range from mythology to web design, engineering to drama and fine arts. Emphasis is placed on developing a community where students can develop their interpersonal skills through negotiation of their freedom with that of others in the school.
"Reaching out to the community is a regular part of our activities," explained McCarthy. "With both planned and spontaneous excursions, internships, offsite classes and activities, and ongoing visitors to the school from professionals in varying fields of expertise. Our themes lately have been of an environmental nature."
Some of the community outreach activities the school held recently was the removal of litter at the township’s Morris Canal walkway and taking part in "adopt-a-park," where students and staff hiked though Watchung’s trail to identify invasive plant species. They also plan to take part in the backpack program sponsored by the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, which helps to fill needy children’s backpacks with food items for the weekend."
The school will also participate in collecting food for local food pantries and bringing the food directly to people who are hungry, she added. They will be donating clothing items to women’s shelters and collecting rags to drop off to various animal shelters. They also plan to also be a part of Caldwell’s Go Green Festival, which is an environmental exposition.
"Here at the school, children are respected for their diversity, encouraged to be creative individuals and given the space and attention to become confident and able learners," she said. "It is a place to successfully learn how to learn and especially, helping and appreciating their community."
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