The Seeds

Why Start A School?

There are many reasons for starting this school, including: choice, attachment/peaceful/unconditional parenting, honoring the individual, connecting with nature and igniting the passion for learning. One of the most driving inspirations?…A void of choices: too expensive, too far, not respectful, not open. We were moved to action because we didn’t have an education option that provided an affordable, respectful, learning environment where creativity could blossom from within each of its students surrounded by a supportive community.

Our school began in the Summer of 2010 at our very first community meeting held in a founding family’s backyard. We listed, on a white board, all the things we wanted in a school. The list still holds true today. So, we set out to make the list a reality armed with willing and passionate parents. We started with 4 students and one teacher in our first year. In our second year, we added 6 students and another teacher. We are now 25 students, 3 full-time teachers and 2 part-time teachers encircled by a community of over 40 parents, extended family and caregivers. We will continue to grow with our oldest class to serve the needs of the community. Our intention is to grow TKG into a school that serves students ages 2/3 through 13/14 years old.

We are inspired by many whose expertise and research have helped us craft our Curriculum & Environment. Special thanks to the Roseville Community School for opening their school and sharing their experience with us.

TKG MILESTONES

2010:  TKG established and 501c3 formed
2011: TKG opens for 5-7 year olds with 4 students; @ Alta Vista Park
2011: Secure partnership with current location
2013: Add 7-9 year old class
2014: FACE Time Program added
2015: Added 9-11 year old class
2015: Surpass 20 students
2015: Formalize Passion Projects within curriculum
2016: Implemented formal Tuition Moderation Initiative
2016: Start offering Summer Camps
2016: Surpass 30 students
2017: Reinitiate Homeschool program and begin Parent & Me program
2017: Optimize cohort structure and extend program to 4 year olds

The following experts have influenced the development of TKG:

Education and Learning Theory
Jean Piaget PhD-Constructivist Theory (www.piaget.org)
Howard Gardner PhD Multiple Intelligences (www.howardgardner.com)
Alfie Kohn – Progressive Education/Punishments and Rewards, Cooperative Learning (www.alfiekohn.org)
Sir Ken Robinson – Creativity in school, divergent thinking (www.sirkenrobinson.com/skr/)
Dr. Lella Gandini – Reggio-Emilia (http://www.reggioalliance.org/)

Psycho-Social/Emotional Development
Eric Erikson PhD – stages of psychosocial development
Bev Bos – Early Childhood Education (www.rosevillecommunityschool.org)

Communication and Relationship Building
Ruth Beaglehole – Unconditional parenting/CNVEP (www.theechocenter.org)
Patty Wipfler – Hand in Hand Parenting (http://www.handinhandparenting.org/)
Aletha Solter PhD – Aware Parenting (www.awareparenting.com)
Faber & Mazlish – Peaceful Parent/Child Relations (www.fabermazlish.com)

 Brain Development and Neuroscience

Dr. Greenstein – An internationally recognized author, researcher, whole systems thought leader and innovation strategist, GGI Founder & Chief Brainiac, Dr. G. has dedicated her life long energies to advancing the art & neuroscience of creative problem-solving. (http://www.greensteininstitute.com/site/)
Dan Siegel PhD – Understanding the “internal world of the mind” (www.drdansiegel.com)
Adele Diamond PhD Improving School Outcomes by Addressing the Whole Child and by Addressing Skills and Attitudes, Not Just Content (www.devcogneuro.com/AdeleDiamond.html)

Mindfulness (Self-Awareness)
Martin Luther King Jr. – non-violence
Don Miguel Ruiz – The Four Agreements
Habits of Mind – Raising Caring, Capable Kids

Connection to Nature & Right to Play
Richard Louv – “Connections between family, nature and community.” www.richardlouv.com
Larry Cohen, PhD – joining children in their world of play, focusing on connection and confidence, giggling and roughhousing, and following your child’s lead. http://www.playfulparenting.com/
International Play Association – “The child shall have full opportunity for play and recreation which should be directed to the same purposes as education; society and the public authorities shall endeavor to promote the enjoyment of this right” http://www.ipausa.org/

TKG is a member of AERO (Alternative Education Resource Organization), NAEYC and Natural Start Alliance

Shop our Book Store for these books and more teaching, parenting and relationship resources.

Our strength is in our dedication to our children and our community and a firm belief that schools are for the benefit of its students and the surrounding community. We will define success by the quality of the student & community experience. By staying firmly focused on our values we will create an environment where learning and children will always be at the center of our plans and decision making.

“It all comes back to the importance of action for learning and the fundamental interrelatedness of the different parts of the human being (the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical parts) and of all human beings to one another. Academic achievement, social–emotional competence, and physical and mental health are fundamentally and multiply interrelated. The best and most efficient way to foster any one of those (such as academic achievement) is to foster all of them.” (Diamond, Adele (2010) ‘The Evidence Base for Improving School Outcomes by Addressing the Whole Child and by Addressing Skills and Attitudes, Not Just Content’, Early Education & Development, 21: 5, 780 — 793)

Watch some of our learning adventures on our YOUTUBE Channel.

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