The School That Taught Me to Love Learning
I was fortunate as a child that my parents went looking for alternative options for my education when there weren't that many out there. What they found was a revolutionary public school in Lakewood, CO called Jefferson County Open School. Founded in the 1970s, the Open School nurtures each student as the whole person they are. I left there with a growth mindset as a life-long learner, a deep belief that I could (and should) change the world, and with a strong work ethic. I knew that the type of education that leaves you loving school is possible because I experienced it, so when I was introduced to the Acton model, it was a clear fit.
Now, as a Co-Founder of Ascent, and an Ascent parent, I often return to my roots to find inspiration.
Here is a handout (yes, paper) that my parents kept over the past few decades- it was given to them when I started at The Open School in 2nd grade. It's on my fridge and offers my husband and I important reminders that ground us as we navigate the beautiful and unpredictable journey of parenting our children.
