Who We Are
	Message from the Director Phil Kassen

Welcome to www.lrei.org—the website for LREI, Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School.  LREI is a preK-12th grade independent school in Greenwich Village, NYC.  Our progressive program challenges students at all grade levels to develop academically, intellectually and socially.  Whether it is learning specific subject area skills or putting those skills to use in a long-term integrated project, students demonstrate what they have learned in real and relevant ways. Children are asked to think deeply, to investigate from a variety of perspectives, to collaborate with peers and to communicate  

An essential component of an LREI education is developing an understanding of, and an appreciation and respect for, the diversity of the world around us. We believe that equal to learning about those human attributes that are shared by the peoples of the world is understanding and embracing those characteristics of peoples and cultures that set us apart.  We believe that apart does not mean at odds with.  In fact, the way to make sure that we are not at odds is through open, honest, potentially difficult but always enriching conversation. 

A third component of progressive education at LREI is combining the academic skills and knowledge that one is developing with an appreciation and respect for, and responsibility to, the world.  This combination leads to the need for involvement in conversations and actions that allow us to have a positive impact on the world around us. Students at LREI are actively involved in service learning, discussions of current events, and curricular studies that not only further academic goals but also create opportunities to think critically about social justice and the many communities of which we are all a part. 

Our goal in designing this site was to provide our current families with helpful, practical information.  In addition, we want to provide prospective families with a window into what it means to be an LREI student. As you visit the pages on this site, you will see information about our admissions process, the three divisions of the school, our Afterschool program and about our athletic programs.  You will find information about our alumni, special events and the Parent’s Association. In the section entitled, “About Us” you will find information and ideas about our mission as a school and the progressive legacy that inspires us every day.  Take some time to visit various areas of www.lrei.org.  We are confident that you will be intrigued and excited about what you find here and we look forward to sharing it with you in person.

Phil Kassen, Director