Back on the farm for differentiated learning

Cheesemaking processes, farm animal care, and the vast forest behind Shelburne Farms, make for a robust educational setting for the almost 65 students who will attend the Renaissance Elementary School on the grounds there this fall.

Head of Heartworks, Renaissance and Endeavour Schools, Lisa Zengilowski, said there are six main classroom teachers at Renaissance, and about 12 students to a classroom. The first day of classes is Aug. 31.

The school, founded in 1994, is named for the Renaissance era, a time of enlightenment and discovery marked by a revival of the arts and sciences. Renaissance era scholars pursued well-rounded educational opportunities. Traditional academics like math, science, social studies, and language arts were balanced with community service, literature, foreign language, art, drama, and music.

Renaissance Elementary School was founded as a Kindergarten through 6th grade school, but due to its popularity, a new school emerged last year, Endeavor Middle School, to serve the growing local fervor for a more diverse educational experience. Endeavor serves 20 students in grades six through eight this year.

Also affiliated is Heartworks, a preschool operating out of four location in Chittenden County. Heartworks, Renaissance and Endeavour Schools offer independent educational experiences for children ages six weeks through the eighth grade.

Differentiated education, much of it hands-on, is integrated with work that needs to be done on the farm. “It could be at the pond, trees, plants, animals, cheesemaking, or dairy farming,” Zengilowski said. “We can integrate farm life with real hands-on activities through our academic curriculum with beauty, wonder, nurturing and care. It’s active learning.”

Students at the Renaissance take over the chicken farming operation at Shelburne Farms from mid-October to mid-May, and grey and white farm bunny, Earl, comes inside for the winter to rotate between each classroom.

There will be new enhanced language arts curriculum this fall at Renaissance. And students are now in individual grades rather than mixed-grade classes. But what remains the same is an expectation of writing in cursive, and looking words up in dictionaries, rather than on Google. “A lost art practiced here on a daily basis,” Zengilowski said.

Zengilowski said her mission is to set her students up to be great world citizens, to be compassionate, to understand languages and cultures from an early age.

The private school costs around $12,000 to attend. Some financial aid is available. “That’s competitive with other private schools in the area,” said Sarah Soule, Director of Admissions.

Also new this fall are Cara Simone and Sarah Soule who have recently joined the administrative team. Simone is the new Director of Academic Programs and Operations and Soule is serving as the Director of Admissions, Alumni, and Parent Relations.

Zengilowski said, “I’m delighted that Sarah and Cara are part of the Heartworks, Renaissance and Endeavour organization. Their deep experience in and commitment to independent schools is a tremendous asset.”

Simone served as the Academic Dean, Dean of Faculty, graduation coordinator, and chaired the Language Arts Department at the Vermont Commons School.

Soule oversaw all aspects of enrollment management and college counseling at Vermont Commons. She also worked at Champlain College for 20 years as a senior member of the admissions staff.

“I was attracted to the position at Renaissance and Endeavour due to the dedication of the teachers and the quality of the educational offerings” Soule said. “The school is thriving and the setting is extraordinary. I’ve worked in education for over 30 years and recognize the importance of smaller classes and a well-rounded curriculum, just like the one that is offered at Heartworks, Renaissance and Endeavour.”

Simone echoed Soule’s sentiments. “The balance of quality academics, music, arts, sustainability and a strong sense of community makes this a place where students in grades K-8 prosper.”

Contact Lynn Monty at 985-3091 or Lynn@WindRidgePublishing.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VermontSongbird.