Each morning as I greet our children, I am inspired by their excitement and by the legacy of our founder Elisabeth Irwin, who helped pioneer progressive education back in 1921. In contrast to traditional educators of her time, Irwin believed in active learning and creative projects. She believed in the power of children’s natural intelligence and curiosity, and thought they should learn by doing things themselves to construct meaning. She believed that education and critical thinking led to good citizenship and that central to citizenship is social action for social justice. Irwin’s pioneering educational vision has led directly to the school we have today at LREI — a place where early childhood students arrive in the morning bounding into the building, eager to continue their investigating, drawing, painting and researching.

LREI is a tight-knit community where children are known well. It is a place where their curiosity and enthusiasm is encouraged and supported. Guided by expert, dedicated teachers, students learn to collaborate, create, think critically, know themselves as learners, develop confidence, and express themselves as they actively study reading, writing, mathematics, science and the arts. Younger students look up to older students and develop relationships through the school buddy program. Small groups can be seen collaborating on building a robot or measuring how far 100 feet truly is (longer than you think!). Another group of students might be found building an intricate and artistic model of life in New York long ago, when the Lenape lived here and oysters filled the Hudson, or sitting in a close circle discussing the meaning of a poem. Classes frequently go on trips both near (the American Museum of Natural History, the MoMA, the High Line) and far (third and fourth graders stay at a farm in upstate New York for a week). Students paint, draw, build with wood and sculpt with clay.

When I think of all the projects and learning each school day has in store, it’s no wonder to me that the children arrive bubbling and eager each morning. Come and experience it for yourself. We hope to see you in the neighborhood!

Sincerely,