Miquon is an independent, co-educational school with a 90+ year commitment to Progressive education. We enroll approximately 150 students, ages 3 through 12, in eight mixed-age groups of 18-22 children. Each group has two co-teachers who are dedicated to innovative, student-centered teaching practices. Every group, including nursery, participates in Spanish, science, music, art, library, and physical education classes. Time spent outdoors on our 10+ acre wooded campus is an integral part of every child’s Miquon experience.
A strong sense of community is deeply important at Miquon. Each child is paired with one in another grade to help build community and mentoring across the classes. We value racial, ethnic, economic, religious, gender, and social diversity and work hard to ensure that every child feels known for their authentic self.
PAIS Accreditated
Miquon offers a Progressive educational program that intentionally provides children with a balance of structure and flexibility. Structure is provided through clearly articulated goals, age-appropriate expectations, and close observation of individual needs. Flexibility is necessary for children to develop independence, self-motivation, and a passion for learning, and is provided by giving children the space to experiment, make choices, and take risks.
We value independent thinking, varied individual and collaborative approaches to learning, proven assessment methods, and creative, child-focused approaches to curriculum development. Teachers are the heart of Miquon and are why our graduates say they felt truly known as a learner and individual. Play is central to our teaching philosophy because of its strong correlation with physical, emotional, and social well-being. Children are guided as much by one another as by the thoughtful, reflective, intellectual team of staff who intentionally shape their days.
We have defined and prioritized ten specific Progressive philosophies that hold meaning for us. We find these tenets to have enduring value and frequently use them to reflect upon our professional practice, goals for students, and hopes for the future:
1. Children learn by doing.
2. Helping children learn to think is as important as teaching any specific subject matter.
3. Learning occurs in ways unique to each child.
4. Children’s curiosity and initiative are integral to their education.
5. Independence is a vital part of every child’s development.
6. Working with others enhances children’s growth in every domain.
7. Every person is a thinker, creator, and contributor.
8. The natural world is a place to learn.
9. Childhood should be fun, and children should find joy in learning.
10. Children can be upstanders and agents of change.
The Miquon School treasures and celebrates childhood. We give our students time to play and grow. Our program and our environment encourage wonder, inquiry, independence, and discovery. We seek to create confident, life-long learners who will move out into the wider world with strong academic and social skills, intense personal interests, a love for the arts, and a commitment to building inclusive and peaceful communities. We are dedicated to learning together in the rich tradition of Progressive education that is our founders’ legacy.
150-155
Progressive education, independent, coeducational, kindergarten, pre-k, nursery, preschool, social and emotional learning, community, social justice, diversity, dei, elementary, restorative practices, outdoors