2016-2017 Blackboard Award Honoree: Steve Nelson From The Calhoun School

Editor’s note: To read profiles of all 2016-2017 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE! Plus: Scroll down for video from the Awards.

The Calhoun School
Principal: Steve Nelson
Pre-K-12
433 West End Avenue
Award: Outstanding School Leader

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

We are quite explicitly and intentional progressive and we are considered among America’s leading progressive schools, including a significant international following.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

Our commitment to diversity and social justice has been recognized broadly, including our documentary film, “I’m Not Racist . . . Am I?” Our innovative Green Roof and self-created food program have been featured on NPR, PBS, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and others. Our unique scheduling and curriculum in US was subject of a feature article in the New York Times. Our biggest challenges include maintaining our progressive mission in an increasingly difficult national education environment and managing a diverse enrollment in Manhattan’s very expensive economic context.

What’s new?

The documentary mentioned above was selected for use by the State Department, by the State of Colorado and more than 300 schools and colleges.

What do you love about your school?

I love the joy and humanity that we radiate every day. I love having real relationships with hundreds of children, young and old. I love our parent community, which shares our commitment to engaging, joyful education. I enjoy an eclectic, brilliant and kind group of colleagues. My challenges are also my joys. The work is hard and deeply satisfying.

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Sylvan Learning Center

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Church of The Epiphany Day School (CEDS)

<div> The Church of the Epiphany Day School is a Preschool&nbsp;community of children, families, and educators who are committed to learning and growing in a space where children can be children; where they can explore and delight in their play, and where they can take risks and pursue their creative and intellectual curiosities with freedom and encouragement. It is a joyful and loving community on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that believes in experiential learning and differentiated instruction. The teachers challenge children to master skills they are ready for with perseverance and a dedication&nbsp;to problem-solving.&nbsp; </div> <div> &nbsp;As a values-based school, CEDS emphasizes the importance of compassion, respect, and equity in all creative, academic, and social-emotional endeavors. They serve people of all faiths, backgrounds, and belief systems. CEDS seeks&nbsp;to develop the&nbsp;natural instinct&nbsp;towards mutual respect and kindness in every child.&nbsp; </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;CEDS utilizes a Play-Based, Emergent Curriculum approach to teaching young children. Through this child-centered curriculum, CEDS students develop an active approach to learning that is joyful, enthusiastic, and confidence building. Their cognitive, emotional, and physical development grow as the experienced faculty builds curriculum guided by the children&rsquo;s interests, keeping school fun and inspiring. By intentionally facilitating the growth of their character and moral integrity, CEDS students use their knowledge, compassion, and intellect to promote health, happiness, peace, and justice for all citizens.&nbsp; </div>

Little Thinkers Montessori

During the school year, LTM&nbsp; preschool curriculum is individualized, multi-aged, and thoughtfully guided to match each student&rsquo;s needs.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children learn through the academic and experiential process, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, and influenced by the culturally diverse atmosphere of Brooklyn.&nbsp; The primary goal of LTM&rsquo;s Montessori program is to use the &ldquo;whole-child&rdquo; approach to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life. LTM also offers an after school program for students in preK through 5th grade.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please contact the school to learn more about the programs offered. Offering a Summer Program with full or half day sessions running for 7 weeks.&nbsp; Activities include, Gardening, Science, Art, Yoga, Music, Dance and outside play with extended care available.