Newsletter for What Makes Redwood Day School Different?
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Today's guest writer is Diane Johnson, Director of Admission & Financial Aid at RDS
April 25, 2008
It has never failed—every time I speak at an admission event, I am asked the question, “What makes RDS different?” Each time, predictably, I tell prospective parents that it is their work to figure this out. As I was busy planning my own family’s spring break trip, an analogy that addresses this question sprang to my mind. I’d like to share it with you. The comparison explains, for me, what it is that makes the education that we construct at RDS different from other schools.
As a car trip looms and we plan to get from where we are to where we want to end up, we all have choices. How can we get to our desired destination? We have those same choices as we plan for and choose our children’s educational journeys. Our children are at one point and we want to send them forward to kindergarten, middle school, high school, college, or a fulfilling career. There are several ways to complete each portion of this “trip,” which coincide, in my mind, with three models of education on the market.
You could select a school that operates like a Google map. Before you even get in the car, you decide on your exact start and end points and print out the map that pops onto your computer screen. These listed directions do not account for the unexpected nor do they include emergency road service. The street names and highways are clearly stated and, if all goes to plan, these directions will get you to your destination. What happens if you take a wrong turn somewhere along the way? What happens if your car breaks down? You are not left with a lot of tools in the event of either of these problems and may find yourself trying not to panic by the side of the road.
Another option would be to use a GPS navigation device, complete with roadside assistance. The GPS in your car will offer the driver several routes, and will redirect you along the way if you get lost. If you get stuck or run into problems, you can call for help. With this system you will probably never be lost, unless one of the many interdependent parts in your car and GPS system malfunctions. The only other problem you could encounter is that you don’t like your destination once you get there. Without prior research on your trip, you may end up with a less than satisfying vacation.
The model that I believe is similar to Redwood Day School’s philosophy is one that includes pre-trip research about the region you are visiting, a road map, compass, and a AAA card. These tools engage you differently in the planning of your trip. At RDS, we will prepare you to read the signs, to be comfortable navigating through detours, and to have fun along the way. We teach you how to change your own tire and how to anticipate what you might need to take on your trip. And then, when you get lost or your car breaks down beyond your own repair skills, you will know how to ask for help. We hope that you will like where you end up but, if your campground is inundated with mosquitoes or your hotel reservation got lost, you will have read about the area and will be able to find another option that feels right for you!
Each of these plans or choices will get you from here to there, but it is so important that you get to choose the trip that you are most comfortable planning and that you will enjoy along the way.
Best,
Diane
