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Here are just a few words from parents about our school...

 

 

They love school...

 

The Workshop is a beautiful school that feels welcoming and comfortable from the moment you enter. The teachers adore the children and the children respond accordingly -- they love school, they learn to be kind and considerate to each other and they eagerly respond to the wide array of subjects presented. I was continually in awe of just how much was packed into just three short hours! From artists to composers, from learning to read and write to playing chess, from art projects and music class to computational math, the breadth and depth of what the children learned was remarkable. My daughter was always thoroughly disappointed when it wasn't a school day. When she had to move on to first grade, she talked about the Workshop many mornings -- sad that she couldn't continue going there because "no other school could ever compare."  -Kerry Pound

Came home and read me a book...

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The Workshop is a true gem of preschools.  I'll never forget the day when my second year preschooler came home and read me a book.  I cannot say enough about the exceptional staff at the Workshop. They have created a warm and nurturing environment with a curriculum tailor-made for your little one to excel in multiple areas- preschool at it's best! My son has made amazing progress since starting at the Workshop. He is able to read, write, do basic math, name all of the continents, speak some Spanish, and even cook (all while smiling). Many thanks to the dedicated and highly qualified staff!  -Debra Herman

Discussing Picasso, Mozart...

 

Children's Workshop is unique among preschools. Our children come home from school discussing Picasso and Mozart, explaining all of the different types of trees that grow in Marblehead, and quizzing us on the order of the planets. After one year at Children's Workshop, they have learned all of their letter sounds and are beginning to read. After two years, they begin writing and illustrating beautiful journal entries. The math program is equally impressive, giving the children an intuitive understanding of basic mathematical concepts using fun manipulatives. On top of all of this, the teachers are warm and loving, and they instill in the children a strong sense of caring and good moral values. We are extremely lucky to live in a community in which this type of preschool is available. We are so grateful for everything that Children's Workshop has done for our children. -Jennifer and Jonathan Lederman

Set on a path of voracious lifelong learning...

 

Sydney's Workshop experience was everything Michael and I had hoped it would be and more. Never again will we find a place that so closely reflects our goals, values, ideals and enthusiasms. The beauty and the tragedy! Every morning drop off was filled with anticipation and excitement for Sydney; every pick up a treasure trove of new learning for her to share with us. The world is a bigger, more interesting place for Sydney today than when she first walked in the door of 53 Robert Road. For her, a museum is a gathering of old friends. Classical music is an invitation to dance. A walk through the woods is a game of hide and seek with Mother Nature. And then there are the books...her beloved books. Sure, growth is inevitable when you are four and five and six. But the magical quality of Sydney's growth is not. It is directly attributable to the creative planning and loving execution of five extraordinary educators. But more than that - and here is the kicker! - we are quite certain that you have set her firmly on a path of voracious lifelong learning. How amazing! How wonderful! The gratitude we feel is immeasurable. Uncharacteristically, words elude us. So we will offer two simple ones: Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. -Jenny and Michael Armini 

Behind the scenes, parents like me called her "the kid whisperer"...

 

Both of my children, now in fourth and sixth grade, respectively, attended The Children's Workshop ("The Workshop") for their pre-school and Kindergarten or "Transitional" year. Without hesitation I can say that The Workshop was, by far, the best school they've attended by a mile. To this day, my children ask to spend their days off from school visiting their teachers and meeting new students of The Workshop. As recently as last year they both went back to "teach" a lesson. Many people assume that the pre-school years are less important than the later, more academic, years of schooling, and are therefore less inclined to make an investment while their children are so young. It turns out that while all years of schooling are very important for different reasons, the early ones are particularly critical, in my opinion. With my own kids, the "pie was baked" by the time they reached first grade, and having the early introduction to certain subjects and teaching philosophies proved invaluable, and set the stage for their curiosity about learning. My kids were taught to read early, and were exposed to famous artists, foreign language, and other higher-level subjects. But I am convinced that those things--while terrific--are not the primary reason for loving the school. I believe that the overall philosophy of the school, which seems to marry a Montessori thinking with one of discipline and respect, is the key. The methodology the school uses gives students a sense of belonging right away, but also instills lessons such as the importance of being polite, friendly, curious, and situationally aware. These are lessons I wish all kids could learn before starting their elementary years. The small setting of The Workshop gives it a child-centered, homelike feel, but the environment is definitely one in which serious learning can take place. To this day, my boys mention specific lessons they learned at The Workshop. In closing, I have to tip my hat to Kate Birtwell, who runs The Workshop and is the school's lifeblood. Behind the scenes, parents like me called her "the kid whisperer." She masterfully runs a beautiful, clean, creative school, while also teaching kids in a gentle but firm manner. Put simply: My kids loved her. There are not many places where--in only a few hours a day--children can have fun, play, socialize, learn, eat and come home knowing a lot more than when they left in the morning. I wholeheartedly recommend The Children's Workshop. -Lena Robinson

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