Our goal is to nurture each student’s innate curiosity and to help them gain a sense of purpose and a lifelong desire to grow.

List of 1 members.

  • Philip Kassen 

    Director
    212-477-5316, ext. 213
    Oberlin College - B.A.
    Teachers College, Columbia University - M.A.
When I began at LREI as a part-time science teacher in the mid-80s, I had no plan to be here as long as I have. In fact, I didn’t think I would be a teacher for more than a year or so. I figured I’d stay on as long as it took to decide what I really wanted to do with my life.

I did.

What kept me here? What keeps so many of us here? It’s the energy, the excitement, the optimism. From day one, I was impressed with the number and quality of questions asked by my students and my colleagues. (In fact, the first question that I was asked in my professional career, by a sixth grader in my class, led to the creation of our life skills program, Adolescent Issues, which I teach to this day.) Throughout their 14 years here, students are asked, “How can we use what we’ve learned to make a difference in the world?” “How can we support each other and work together to do this?” I continue to be inspired by our commitment to dialogue — and it’s not dialogue that starts here and ends here. Rather, it’s dialogue that starts here, then takes shape slowly, thoughtfully, with the hope that it will spark change in the world someday.

Being an LREI student is a demanding endeavor. Learning deeply, putting knowledge to use, demonstrating true understanding — these are all challenging tasks. Our students and faculty address these challenges with energy, wisdom and humor. They know that the real work, the real measure of success and growth, is not solely the passing of a test or the writing of an excellent paper (though these are required), but in taking all that you have learned and applying it in service to others. Deeper learning, larger purpose.

I invite you to click around and experience the richness and depth of our program and community. We hope you like what you see and choose to come for a visit. Just don’t be surprised if you never leave.

Warmly,
    • Phil Kassen, Director

Little Red School House
and Elisabeth Irwin High School

LREI. Powered By Questions.

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  • Since 1921