TLT is tucked in off the gorgeous Stephens Lake Park. We have been involved with TLT for over 4…read moreyears and have 1 graduate of the French Program and we will conclude our preschool years at TLT this May with our son graduating:( I have been very involved with the school while my children attended and have gotten to know the staff very well. I can't say enough about the school. All the teachers are dedicated to their classrooms and to the school, usually you see high turnover in preschools, majority of our head teachers have been with us for 5+ years. Having native speaking teachers in all classrooms is so very special - we love the curriculum and the educational opportunities that they provide to children is amazing! Everyday at pick up my son is so excited to tell me about his day..the letter he learned, the circle time activity, the craft that was done or even sing me the song they are learning! It always puts a smile on my face!! If you are thinking about TLT, schedule a visit and sit in on a classroom and observe- it truly is amazing!

I sent both of my children to The Language Tree. They were in the French program. We loved Mrs…read more Stephanie, Mrs. Virginie and Mrs. Souzy! They were amazing with our children. And they gave the gift of a second language to both of them. TLT prepared them for Kindergarten and for the world!

City Garden School is a 501c 3 non-profit Waldorf-inspired school for grades 1-5, located in…read moredowntown Columbia, Missouri. My child has attended 1st-3rd grades there and will enter 4th in the fall. I have heard the popular catchphrase recently: "Educate the *Whole Child*" but I have never seen it so fully, thoughtfully, carefully accomplished as in this school. Education here is about finding the intersections of multiple aspects of being a person, such as: learning mathematics through art, rhythm, grouping physical objects after hearing a story, and team exercises; circle time for body awareness, recitation, and singing; learning basic music-reading and recorder-playing for breath, pitch, and control. By third grade, interesting elements are included in the curriculum--measurement, fibers, farming, and house-building. In each of these, the children learn the historical application, the evolving facets and techniques, and the fundamentals of how they themselves could create useful shelters, food, and clothing. Assessments at City Garden are not grades, but rather the child's place along a spectrum of skill: Emerging Skill, Developing Skill, Achieved Skill, or Strength. This way, parents and children both can observe what the teacher's focus is and will be with each student, in each topic. Creative play is well-valued at City Garden, and going outdoors to run and play is considered a needful release of tension, as well as an "out-breath" in the natural rhythm of human habits. This structure creates a balance of focused, detail-oriented Main Lesson time of study, with raucous childhood's energetic free-play. Each Friday is Outdoor Friday, where children spend the day hiking Columbia's local parks and natural areas, creating a mental map of great play-areas, native creature-sightings, and seasonal joys. Both German and Spanish language classes are taught, each twice a week, so the children receive cultural awareness and early exposure to other languages. Instead of Physical Education, City Garden offers a Cooperative Games class, which does work to foster many of the skills p.e. would attend: balance, rhythm, spatial orientation, etc, but with a greater focus on teamwork and less structure that supports individual "winners and losers." There is also the element of Handwork in the classrooms--a time twice a week were students practice creating an item with a skill, beginning with knitting, progressing on to crochet, then embroidery, wet-felting wool, wax-molding, etc. This supports a great deal of mind-hand-eye- coordination, requiring the child to follow instructions, incorporate a repetitive action and unique design elements, and exercise a critical eye towards successful and unsuccessful production. Finally, the teachers of City Garden School have fostered meaningful working relationships with local institutions such as the Columbia Art League, for their children's classes, and the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, where children go on Outdoor Fridays once a month to learn about and support CCUA's mission of education and providing fresh, sustainable, local food. Through all these wonderful experiences, I have witnessed my child truly bloom into his own abilities, awareness, joys, and critical thought in manners that I did not even realize I wanted for him before this school's influence. City Garden School supports childhood in a way that makes me wish I could go back to being a six-year-old and live through grade school all over again, with this approach. At least I can give this to my children, and participate in the community, the festivals, the friendships, skill-building, and explorations with them!!

From the owner: Welcome to City Garden School, where education is a transformative journey! Our holistic approach…read morenurtures mind, body, and spirit, fostering well-rounded individuals. Nature-Centric: The forest is a living classroom, connecting children with nature and instilling a sense of environmental responsibility. Artistic Expression: Music, art, and drama are woven into learning, nurturing creativity, confidence, and innovation. Caring Community: Join a close-knit community that values each child's uniqueness, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Global Citizens: Our diverse curriculum promotes open-mindedness and empathy, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world. Individual Focus: Small class sizes enable personalized attention, allowing every student to shine and succeed. Life Skills: Practical lessons like handwork and gardening empower students with hands-on, valuable skills. ...an education that cultivates curiosity, values, and a lifelong love of learning.

Switching my kids from public school to New Bloomfield Community Christian School has been the best…read moredecision I have made for them yet! My kids went from faking sick to complaining when they are sick that they have to miss school. The teacher's here at school are absolutely amazing and have thier students best interest at heart. They want them to succeed and will find a way to get them there.

From the owner: The New Bloomfield Community Christian School provides a safe, nurturing, healthy learning…read moreenvironment for students to develop and mature in a positive Christ-centered atmosphere, which promotes Christian family values and an authentic patriotic educational foundation, which will prepare students to enter society.