Uncommon Core Values

It is time to dispel the myth that education in our country is inferior to that of many nations across the globe. As owners and operators of  Ivy League, a premier private school, day camp  and day care center which services children from cradle through adolescence, we are in a unique position to fully understand the academic, emotional, physical and moral developmental of children and to accept our responsibility to help them grow in all of these interdependent areas. None of us enjoy seeing our children struggle academically. We want them to come home excited about learning and eager to share their daily experiences in class. Unfortunately, today   this wonderful scenario is happening less often in most schools districts. The disproportionate emphasis on math and informational literacy, the plethora of prescribed curriculum modules required by Common Core, the emphasis on testing and the correlative pressure of these constructs, have put undue pressure on parents and teachers and continues to disengage students.

Visit any college campus in the United States and you will encounter students from all over the world who come to this country seeking learning opportunities which do not require them to engage in rote memorization of one “correct” answer or to regurgitate them on tests.

While constant drill in math or literacy such as demanded by the emphasis on Common Core   tests is likely to increase scores, the negative fall-out has been considerable. For educators the Common Core Curriculum has resulted in a nightmare. With their jobs at stake, public school teachers face undo pressure to impart this new scripted curriculum leaving little room for teaching other crucial subjects.  In a system which values “bubbling” in answers to arcane reading comprehension passages or judging students by how they score on a test given on a random day in April, teachers are likely to face burn out as quickly as their students.

By narrowing the curriculum, crowding out the hallmarks of a truly educated person - arts, music, drama, the humanities, world languages, by sidelining physical education, recess - all things which cultivate love of learning, and define a child’s uniqueness --we may well create a generation of anxious young adults limited in their thinking, and ill-suited to participate either in the rigors of college or the workplace or life.

How should we prepare our children for their uncertain future in a 21st Century competitive, Global Economy? According to experts, educational preparedness must extend beyond the core.  Colleges value students who demonstrate proficiency at more than just doing well on tests.   Employers seek individuals who are well rounded, who can collaborate, and who bring relevant knowledge to bear on solving ill-defined problems.  They seek people of good character capable of leading and of thinking globally.

Countries all over the world admire America’s entrepreneurial spirit. Experiences which foster these qualities have always been an integral part of a quality school environment but continue to remain a glaring omission from that which the state deems worthy of teaching or testing.

Going forward, Ivy League will continue our practice of evaluating each student’s progress every day through observation, discussion, application of new knowledge and ability to function as a productive member of our school community and citizens of the world.  We are dedicated to helping our children develop strong character, to enjoy learning, to think independently, study hard, and to have fun. Our classes are small and student centered. Our teachers know our students well. They are familiar with how each student learns best, where their talents lie, and what they are most interested in. Our curriculum is based on what is known about how children learn and develop.  Instruction is not static. It is continually enhanced, altered and modified to meet the individual needs of each student. In short, every child is an “only child”.

As for the Common Core, we will continue to assess its curriculum and clarify, enrich or extend its practices as long as they do not impede a teacher’s love of teaching or a child’s love of learning.

Margaret and Noah Cooper

Owners/ Directors

Ivy League School and Day Camp