A Sweet Little Community School

Please welcome our guest blogger, Heidi, a parent at Via Vita.  She shares her thoughts on our little school, or as she calls it, a "sweet little community school".  We are overjoyed to have such wonderful families such as hers join our school. We hope you'll take a moment to read what she has to say.  We're extremely grateful to have so much support. 

Right now, Via Vita is a bit of a well kept secret.

Once word gets out, there will be a waiting list to this sweet little school community that is Via Vita.

Once you step inside, take a tour, chat a bit with Adele and Meghan, the school’s owners/teachers, it’s hard not to be won over by their passion. 

I don't know about you, but I want my kids to have something interesting to report at the supper table each night.  I want them to love learning and enjoy how they spend their 6 plus hours a day away from our home.  And, I want to send them somewhere that I know that they are learning everything that they need to prepare them for their future.  I also want to send them somewhere that the teacher’s know and really care for them.  Sound about right?

Well, I’ve found it.  The best new little school in town.  

The best thing about Via Vita is that kids are having fun while learning.  Even as an adult, I have learned that when something ignites my interest, I am much more likely to be engaged and remember it in the future.  The teachers at Via Vita exude a passion for their jobs that is palpable.  They are experienced in teaching methods that allow the student to bring their own interests to topics that are part of the curriculum.  Now before you go thinking that this all sounds kind of wishy washy….just wait.  They also teach all of the nuts and bolts that students need like Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts.  The best part is that they do it in such a way that students are both learning and having fun.  
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You won’t find repetitive worksheets at this school.  

One of the approaches that is woven into the schools design “Theme Based Learning” utilizes a particular topic, for instance, a social studies topic on the environment.  The students may be asked to work on a project that involves research, writing, presentation skills and even Math.  A theme based project my daughter worked on entitled “junk as art” required her to create something useful out of garbage.  She decided on a bracelet made from pop top lids.  She was required to research all of the items that would be used in making the bracelet and write a report outlining how long each item would take to break down in the landfill.  She also had to describe the project in writing, and all the steps entailed in making it.  In addition, she provided visual aids (photos) for her classmates to observe.  She later presented the project to her class on powerpoint.  This project and others like it teach many skills, but my daughter learned so much and gleaned so much enjoyment and pride for her finished product.  This is just one example of how them based learning works. 

Via Vita students will be moving their bodies approximately 2 hours daily.  This high level of physical activity alone is something that very few private schools are able to offer, and something I am personally looking forward to. I believe kids are more likely to get out of bed in the mornings energized and looking forward to their day when they know they have gym and plenty of outdoor time every single day.  In addition to the usual sports kids are exposed to, the students at Via Vita have the opportunity to try out new experiences and engage in the outdoors as often as possible.  Classroom learning is often taken outside when it fits.  Their interests come in to play, as well, including experiences that are driven by the students’ ideas and suggestions, like yoga, martial arts, drama, dance etc.  

Did I even mention yet that the average class size will be 10 students?  Yup, you heard that right -TEN.   I know of no other school that offers such a strong academic environment with so much physical activity, outdoor time, and hands-on learning. 

This little private school is our well kept secret. For now, at least. Us, other Via Vita parents - we know what we’ve found.  A gem, really.  We are proud to be apart of this little school community.  For my kids and for our family, we’re looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.