"The B.E.N. has an extremely well thought-out strategy of how to teach children everything they need to feel good about themselves and the world, to succeed in this world and, most importantly, to believe one can actively participate in creating the world. I feel the teachers are able to capture each individual child's desire to learn and they support and develop it to maximum. Many times I noticed that a situation or a little conflict became an opportunity to learn something new. In my ideal society, all schools would be like that."
Hana Novakova, mother of a student at the B.E.N. School-House
"Of the many things we love about the B.E.N. the following stand out:
- Often we receive phone calls in the middle of the day about what great new thing our daughter is doing; what fears she may have overcome, how she is participating in surprising ways.
- At the BEN, the teachers realize it is the differences between us that make life interesting; these differences are embraced and the kids are allowed to enjoy learning at their own pace.
- We also love that much of the program is rooted in life skills and experiential learning like taking responsibility for bringing one’s dishes to the counter, learning how to make a sandwich, playing board games and beginning to learn how to win and lose with grace.
Erin O’Hara & Austin Hitchcock, parents of a JK student at the B.E.N. School-House
"My children go to the B.E.N. because they are treated as individuals and not as another 'input' in a large factory that produces a predictable 'output'. They are self-directed and self starting and have an enthusiasm for learning that spills over into their behaviour at home. They also are given attention and help to work out the social relationships with other kids in the school in ways that encourage independance and respect. I am always confident that they are exceedingly well-cared for and that they will develop their potential in multiple ways."
James Patterson, father of 8 & 5 year old students at the B.E.N. School-House
"Every time I drop my daughters off at school, they run to the window to watch me walk away. There is nothing sad in their faces. There is no hesitation, or plea. They excitedly look over their shoulders at something inside, then glance back with big smiles and waving hands. And each time I walk away, I am grateful for the B.E.N. and feel thoroughly at ease; knowing they are safe and cared for.
Admittedly, I also walk away knowing they are receiving something I can't give them at home. The philosophy and approach to learning and living that they receive, is one which inspires me and teaches me as well. The way that the teachers at the B.E.N., with Ilaria gracefully at the helm, can look through a child's eyes and understand how they think and what they experience - changes my own perception and informs how I act with them - and even permeates (thankfully) our home environment.
My daughters receive academic and physical education through a variety of mediums (dance, theatre, baking, art, group work, etc.) in a way which stimulates not only their intellectual bodies, but their emotional and creative bodies as well."
Admittedly, I also walk away knowing they are receiving something I can't give them at home. The philosophy and approach to learning and living that they receive, is one which inspires me and teaches me as well. The way that the teachers at the B.E.N., with Ilaria gracefully at the helm, can look through a child's eyes and understand how they think and what they experience - changes my own perception and informs how I act with them - and even permeates (thankfully) our home environment.
My daughters receive academic and physical education through a variety of mediums (dance, theatre, baking, art, group work, etc.) in a way which stimulates not only their intellectual bodies, but their emotional and creative bodies as well."
Gina Vaccaro, mother of 2 students at the B.E.N. School-House
"We are so lucky to be part of the B.E.N. community. Our two daughters have learned way more then just basic academic skills. They have learned that, though small, they are important people with a voice that should be heard. They have also learned to listen to other voices. They are being taught that they are a part of a larger network of individuals, that they have responsibilities to themselves and their environment and those people we share the planet with. They are learning good citizenship and engagement and most of all that acquiring these skills can be fun!
The teachers are remarkable, bringing with them specific skills in the arts or other passions that they utilize in the classroom setting. You merely need to spend five minutes in the room to see how passionate they are and how the students respond to them.
Our daughters can't wait to go to school everyday and this gift of loving to learn is the best thing we could ever want for children. As a family we feel supported as well. We are given such amazing support and attention in the way of evening phone calls answering any questions we may have or ad hoc conversations relaying specific things our daughters have achieved in a day. The BEN is a special place. We are grateful."
The teachers are remarkable, bringing with them specific skills in the arts or other passions that they utilize in the classroom setting. You merely need to spend five minutes in the room to see how passionate they are and how the students respond to them.
Our daughters can't wait to go to school everyday and this gift of loving to learn is the best thing we could ever want for children. As a family we feel supported as well. We are given such amazing support and attention in the way of evening phone calls answering any questions we may have or ad hoc conversations relaying specific things our daughters have achieved in a day. The BEN is a special place. We are grateful."
Erica Kyopto, mother of 2 students at the B.E.N. School-House
"For me, the most important aspect, or at least that which has stuck with me over the years that Nina and Asher have been at the B.E.N., is the foundation I feel that the school has given the children. So, what do I mean by foundation? I believe that the school philosophy, the way the teachers interact with the children, give the children a sense of self-confidence a strong belief in their position in the world which everyone needs to be happy and content in life. Like a bedrock upon which other layers may exert pressure, but the bedrock will always hold and stabilize the other layers. I think my daughter's success in public school is due directly to her experience at the B.E.N. It is great that the school shares the philosophy with the parents through the occasional discussion series.
Of course, the small scale of the school is a major factor in giving the kids this foundation; a good learning environment--and I mean literally the environment of the school house--is essential for good learning. It offers an open, welcoming environment that breaks down barriers (particularly those of power) between teachers and students that can occur in the standard public school classroom environment."
Of course, the small scale of the school is a major factor in giving the kids this foundation; a good learning environment--and I mean literally the environment of the school house--is essential for good learning. It offers an open, welcoming environment that breaks down barriers (particularly those of power) between teachers and students that can occur in the standard public school classroom environment."
Steven Logan, father of 2 students at the B.E.N. School-House
"Having my children at the Ben has been has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I can't tell you enough how good it feels to drop off my children and have the peace of mind that they are in a loving, supportive and educational environment. The joy I get from picking up my children and them telling me how their day has gone with big smiles on their faces. This just to say the least.
The hard work the teachers at the B.E.N. put into all the children. The Care and Patience they exercise on a daily basis ensures that the all the children are heard and not just a few. I have found that at the B.E.N. each child has a voice and each child finds their way in using it because each child is made to feel special and part of a family at the B.E.N. To see how the children encourage each other at different activities - this to me is real life. In my own experience, when my older daughter at B.E.N. would have a hard time using her words, there was a ceremony that the teacher had that included all her classmates. In this ceremony each of the children in her class said they would help my daughter use her words. That they did because over time she would not resort to pushing other children any more but would use her words to express herself. Instead of being scolded or punished she was shown proper behavior and felt assisted by her class mates as well.
Then there are the Parent Teacher interviews. They are my favourite. To actually sit down with my childs teachers and hear about the goings on of their daily life at school and insight into my child away from home just makes a real difference in my relationship with my child. The teachers really put a lot of thought into the interview where you get a great sense of what they are doing and how they are doing. Then there is the teacher/parent interaction throughout the year. It is a constant dialogue between teachers and parents that makes all the difference.
All in all I find that the B.E.N. is like a home away from home. Thank you everyone at the B.E.N. staff and a special thanks goes to Ilaria and Iskander for all the hard work and dedication they have put into the B.E.N. and our children. To ensure the quality of life for the children there is nothing but the best."
The hard work the teachers at the B.E.N. put into all the children. The Care and Patience they exercise on a daily basis ensures that the all the children are heard and not just a few. I have found that at the B.E.N. each child has a voice and each child finds their way in using it because each child is made to feel special and part of a family at the B.E.N. To see how the children encourage each other at different activities - this to me is real life. In my own experience, when my older daughter at B.E.N. would have a hard time using her words, there was a ceremony that the teacher had that included all her classmates. In this ceremony each of the children in her class said they would help my daughter use her words. That they did because over time she would not resort to pushing other children any more but would use her words to express herself. Instead of being scolded or punished she was shown proper behavior and felt assisted by her class mates as well.
Then there are the Parent Teacher interviews. They are my favourite. To actually sit down with my childs teachers and hear about the goings on of their daily life at school and insight into my child away from home just makes a real difference in my relationship with my child. The teachers really put a lot of thought into the interview where you get a great sense of what they are doing and how they are doing. Then there is the teacher/parent interaction throughout the year. It is a constant dialogue between teachers and parents that makes all the difference.
All in all I find that the B.E.N. is like a home away from home. Thank you everyone at the B.E.N. staff and a special thanks goes to Ilaria and Iskander for all the hard work and dedication they have put into the B.E.N. and our children. To ensure the quality of life for the children there is nothing but the best."
David Vaccaro, father of 2 students at the B.E.N. School-House
"My son was a student at the B.E.N. for five years. During that time he had many wonderful learning experiences and made some long lasting friendships. When I asked him about what stood out about the B.E.N. for him, he not surprisingly said "my friends" first, but then went on to say, "Ilaria (the principal) always made sure to only hire very nice teachers." To my surprise he also said, "I really like that the teachers always know what you are up to, so you can't get away with it when you do something you aren't supposed to." I asked him to elaborate and he went on to say, "The teachers are always there for you when you need their help."
Daria, mother of a student at the B.E.N. School-House
"My child has been attending the B.E.N. since she was three years old and she is now 8. She absolutely loves it and that works for me! The B.E.N. School-House is like family. It's a great place for learning and growing.
Here's the thing I work in the design field and when I look around the B.E.N. School-house my design aesthetic says we've got to get these floors re-done, it's time to paint yet again, ....But, you knew there was a but coming. When I look around at the place when it's filled with the joys, trials, mischief, laughter, squeals, and tears of children the place shines! I've noticed that the children don't mind so much what the place looks like....what they know and feel is that it is a safe place where they are respected, where they have a voice and are heard and you know what; that respect takes root in them and they extend it to one another and that my dear reader is one of the reasons why our family continues to support this endeavour."
Here's the thing I work in the design field and when I look around the B.E.N. School-house my design aesthetic says we've got to get these floors re-done, it's time to paint yet again, ....But, you knew there was a but coming. When I look around at the place when it's filled with the joys, trials, mischief, laughter, squeals, and tears of children the place shines! I've noticed that the children don't mind so much what the place looks like....what they know and feel is that it is a safe place where they are respected, where they have a voice and are heard and you know what; that respect takes root in them and they extend it to one another and that my dear reader is one of the reasons why our family continues to support this endeavour."
Alison, mother of a student at the B.E.N. School-House
"We
send Bruno to the B.E.N. because we can be secure he's in a great environment
with friendly and supportive teachers. The B.E.N. teachers share a
vision about education. When we hear about how Bruno does, we feel how
the teachers know him and value him as an individual. The teachers are
patient and kind, and care for each student individually.
Our child doesn't bring home papers marked with red X's - the focus of the school is on nurturing children's natural passion for learning. It is not mark-driven - instead, we can marvel at examples of how the kids act pro-actively, think for themselves and work together - all the while getting through the milestones in math and language.
Bruno says he's happy to be at the B.E.N., and that he likes feeling like he is a part of something.
The B.E.N. community is also full of fascinating families from all walks of life and from different backgrounds. They do have one thing in common - and that's a passion for the B.E.N. and the schooling environment for their kids. Some parents also share their own expertise for special projects the classes undertake.
We love the way the B.E.N. teachers work with the kids to develop agreements about behaviours and class rules. The kids learn about speaking up respectfully to help to create their environment and community - they take on chores, and work with different ages both younger and older than themselves. Sometimes, they are the ones who guide the younger ones, sometimes they are mentored by those older than them.
Sometimes, in the city, it can be hard to get that kind of consistent exposure to rich learning opportunities in a community setting like this.
Due to the small classes and the community feel - any bullying or exclusionary happenings are noticed and brought up to be resolved deftly and with respect to all the kids involved. It makes me really happy to know Bruno goes to the B.E.N and all the individual attention he receives there.
The B.E.N is a great facility - there is a large play area in the back, and the kids are always screaming in delight when we come pick them up. There's a park nearby that the classes visit for picnics. We can run Bruno's piano lessons through the B.E.N. which is super convenient. The students enjoy rich extra-curricular activities such as symphony and museum visits, excursions to large nature centres, among other destinations."
Our child doesn't bring home papers marked with red X's - the focus of the school is on nurturing children's natural passion for learning. It is not mark-driven - instead, we can marvel at examples of how the kids act pro-actively, think for themselves and work together - all the while getting through the milestones in math and language.
Bruno says he's happy to be at the B.E.N., and that he likes feeling like he is a part of something.
The B.E.N. community is also full of fascinating families from all walks of life and from different backgrounds. They do have one thing in common - and that's a passion for the B.E.N. and the schooling environment for their kids. Some parents also share their own expertise for special projects the classes undertake.
We love the way the B.E.N. teachers work with the kids to develop agreements about behaviours and class rules. The kids learn about speaking up respectfully to help to create their environment and community - they take on chores, and work with different ages both younger and older than themselves. Sometimes, they are the ones who guide the younger ones, sometimes they are mentored by those older than them.
Sometimes, in the city, it can be hard to get that kind of consistent exposure to rich learning opportunities in a community setting like this.
Due to the small classes and the community feel - any bullying or exclusionary happenings are noticed and brought up to be resolved deftly and with respect to all the kids involved. It makes me really happy to know Bruno goes to the B.E.N and all the individual attention he receives there.
The B.E.N is a great facility - there is a large play area in the back, and the kids are always screaming in delight when we come pick them up. There's a park nearby that the classes visit for picnics. We can run Bruno's piano lessons through the B.E.N. which is super convenient. The students enjoy rich extra-curricular activities such as symphony and museum visits, excursions to large nature centres, among other destinations."
