The Odyssey / Letting Go #1

My son is starting grade seven at a new school tomorrow. I'm excited for him because he begins a new chapter in his life, filled with new responsibilities, new friends, and new achievements.

As parents we are faced with making choices we hope will stand our children in good stead, and I am confident we have made the right choice with Montessori Adolescents Program. In the school information letter this is how they describe students in the program. "Young Adolescents are also young adults. They have to be treated accordingly, most importantly, they have to be given a great deal of autonomy. We must put the young adolescents themselves at the center of the curriculum and have an education based upon their interest, concerns, and experiences in cosmic education."

A new phase in his life with possibilities and adventure, which begins with a nine day odyssey trip. The trip kicks off the school year and provides the opportunity for developing independence and bonding among the students and with their teacher. Often this will be the first time students are away from their parents for this length of time, which is the case with our son. The longest he has been away is three nights for a a school ski trip.

Oh, to have this opportunity and be in grade seven again... but nine days without the young man around hmmmm... I think it will be harder on me than on him.

P.S.
He said, "We would not have known how sucky my last school was until we experienced how awesome my new school is."