Sustainability in Austin: Austin EcoSchool

Unlike most schools that are test driven, the Austin EcoSchool relies on a system of respect to individuality, imagination, critical thinking and problem solving.  In an age when schools aim to strip students of individuality and creativity, clinging to a system of extreme structure which has faded over the years in the business world, this school certainly gives one food for thought.

Students between the ages of 2 and 13 are placed into small classrooms where a low-student-teacher ratio allows for individualized learning plans. Students are not segregated by grade but instead taught using their differences as integrated learning. Many assignments are hands on and project based which provides a more personal and interactive experience. With such varied backgrounds, teachers are able to employ peaceful conflict resolution techniques and keep students focused and on task. Projects the students work on revolve around helping the planet which provides students with an education that not only teaches self-respect and respect of others, but respect to the environment as well.

Only 22 students are currently enrolled, but next year the enrollment moves up to 32. At $5,000 a year the tuition cost has the possibility to be out of some students reach, but the cost also has benefits to those who might not be able to afford traditional private school education.

While I have concerns about the practicality of this form of education, the school certainly opened my eyes to potential gaps in conventional education models. In particular, the respect shown to the children was truly inspiring.

In part, I feel that the students might be void of the tools and conflicts necessary to be successful at the collegiate level. Then again, games like Village which allows the children to create their own real world of trial and error might actually better prepare them for real world success. It would be interesting to follow students in this model and the conventional model to see the successes and pitfalls of each. Regardless, teaching kids to understand themselves and to be aware of the world outside of them is something that all education models should include.