History & Philosophy
The Children's School of Boise is an independent, non-profit school founded in 1980. Our educational programs emphasize that affective (emotional) development is equally important as cognitive (thinking) development. Both function simultaneously to determine what is learned. Since the early 1900's this approach, known as Developmental Interaction, has evolved through research and analysis at Bank Street College of Education in New York City. It is a coherent integration of developmental psychology, cognitive theory and educational theory and practice.
The mission of The Children's School of Boise, Inc., is to enhance human development by supporting children, during their childhood years, as they experience themselves as capable learners. The school will provide a developmentally and educationally sound program for children through age 8. In its actions, the school will serve as a community advocate for the whole and healthy development of children and families, and as a progressive educational model.
The beginning years of human development, birth to age eight, are the critical years of learning. That core sense of self - one's value and capability - is laid down early. Teachers help children see their world as an intriguing and safe place to explore.
We work to help children keep their spontaneity, curiosity and joy of learning, by emphasizing four areas of growth:
- Competence
- Individuality
- Social/Interpersonal Relationships
- Creativity/Integration
We help children:
- feel excited about learning and doing
- make choices, take initiative and become increasingly self-directed and self-responsible
- know limits in a firm but supportive and non-punitive environment
- feel sensitive to others and enjoy working together in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition
- enjoy the natural, outdoor world and learn to value living things
- develop thinking skills: reasoning, inquiring, perceiving relationships, hypothesizing, generalizing, acquiring and ordering information
- experience art, science, math, music, movement, language and social skills
- develop meaningful writing and reading experience and skills
In 1989, The Children's School earned accreditation by National Association for the Education of Young Children, becoming the first school in Boise to achieve this recognition. More...