Why I Love Seven Generations Charter School!

As Alex's school year draws to a close, I'm reflective on how it went. What might have been different if we had sent him to a public school vs the
charter school?

We decided to see if Alex would get into the charter school over a year ago when kindergarten was looming on the horizon. It was random lottery, so we knew that it was a toss-up - he'd either get in, and we'd decide whether or not to send him there, or he wouldn't.

East Penn school district is a GOOD school district. It's the REASON we stayed within the Alburtis/Macungie/Emmaus area when we moved. It's why we stayed here. It's a good district. But Seven Gen is different.

What's different about Seven Gen?

1.)  It's a charter school. No, charter schools don't "take money away from public school." Charter schools are largely funded by the "per student" rate that public schools also receive, except this per student rate gets transferred to the charter school instead of the district. It is the same as attending a cyber school. Charter schools are usually "innovative" in their approach to teaching and learning and are still accountable to local, state and federal governments. Charters must get approved by the district in which it resides (in this case, East Penn) and must function within guidelines of the Charter School Law (state of PA).

2.) It has a different approach to learning - Seven Gen uses an approach known as "EIC" - "using the Environment as an Integrated Context for learning." Seven Gen kids are often found outside and are focused on a hands-on learning environment.

3.) Seven Gen integrates a variety activities into the kids everyday learning; they are very much focused on the arts, and music, they go on hikes, practice organic gardening, fine arts, drama, and they start Spanish in kindergarten (with a goal for the kids to be "fluent" by seventh grade). Alex participated in the Lego Club after school this year.

Those are the three major differences between Seven Gen and public school. They also have the luxury of having smaller class sizes (Alex's kindergarten class only had 15 kids). They are hands on and they teach from a constructivist approach.

Those are the "mechanical" reasons why Seven Gen is different than public school.

Below are the reasons why I LOVE SEVEN GEN and the reasons why I am glad I sent my son there.

Please, don't mistake any of the reasons as having the endings of "...and this wouldn't happen at public school." That's certainly not the case. As I mentioned, East Penn is a great district and I have no doubt that many of these things can, or have, or do, happen within their walls. To be honest, I wouldn't really know, because I am not there. These are just things that have happened at Seven Gen, that have confirmed our choice to send Alex there, and that are endlessly affirming.

1.) They have "all-school morning meeting" every Wednesday and they walk in and sing an African greeting song (video below)
2.) They truly celebrate diversity
3.) I saw a mom bring a chicken (a live one) for Show and Share - but not only did she bring a chicken, but she rode her bike to school WITH the chicken - so it was her bike, a trailer (for her kid to ride home in) attached to the bike, and a chicken in a carrier attached to the back of that - love it!
4.) They have an "observation garden" for outdoor observations and learning
5.) They take hikes
6.) They bring rain and snow gear and they play in the snow and the rain
7.) They aren't afraid to get dirty
8.) They grow organic gardens
9.) They ENCOURAGE and truly desire and want parent volunteers
10.) They had "pet show and share day"
11.) They encourage healthy snacks and fruit and veggies for birthdays
12.) Alex's teacher has TRULY created an empathetic community of learners who truly care about each other
13.) Activities are meaningful, hands-on, and authentic
14.) Students run fundraisers (of their own mind and creation), including "Kisses for Koalas", run by a fourth grader to raise money for koala bears
15.) They integrate community experiences and take meaningful field trips
16.) Parents and students are encouraged to use their own unique talents to the school - if you can do it, they'll use it!
17.) There's a sense of community that permeates the walls - you can truly feel it as soon as you walk in.

Today, Seven Gen had a "Volunteer Appreciation Assembly" during their normal weekly All-School Meeting.

I would like to share some videos.

Here is a snippet of the African greeting song sang every week:

A snippet of the kids singing "Lean on Me":

Here is a unique one - a bunch of kids did a small skit or sang songs for the "Volunteer Appreciation Assembly" but these kids did an awesome dance - they were very talented - AND, they showcased the diversity of the school:

Yup - as I sit back and reflect on this year, I am happy and grateful. I'm happy that Alex got in this year - I am happy that this was his kindergarten experience - I am thankful that we have such a great resource in our little community - and I am thankful for the passion and dedication that all the teachers give to the mission and vision of Seven Gen.