DETROIT (WXYZ) — There is so much to be proud of in the city of Detroit. One place, in particular, has been educating and supporting students, families and communities for 17 years. Many of you may not have heard of this school.
Our Andrea Isom spoke with some people who are passionate about what it is doing to make a difference in the lives of children in a different way.
Welcome to relationship. Welcome to community. Welcome to vitality. Welcome to Charlotte Mason Community School.
This place is special. It sits inside a church near 7 Mile and Livernois on Detroit's Westside. It’s small. But it is mighty.
“Yes, small but mighty, that’s a perfect tag for them,” says Board Member Karen Vesprini.
And so is 'unique and awesomely rare.'
“They care about the material that they interact with because they’ve been given a love for learning,” says Charlotte Mason teacher and parent Simone Cato.
Charlotte Mason only has 75 students total. But it is an extremely diverse community in terms of race, socioeconomics, class, and faith backgrounds.
“They’re interested not just in a letter grade but in really grasping, knowledge for its own sake,” says Principal Ann Pattie.
There are kids that can thrive in any school setting. However, there are some kids who need something different.
“It’s amazing how they give children a chance to think and to tear things apart and work with their hands and out in the fields and just explore their surroundings. So, it’s not just academics, its the whole person that’s being dealt with,” says Cato.
Some describe Charlotte Mason as a home school away from home feel, in the way each child is nurtured from a holistic approach.
“Families make the choice that is best for their kids, but I want them to know that we’re here” says Pattie.
To learn more about Charlotte Mason Community School, please visit their website https://www.charlottemasoncs.org/ [charlottemasoncs.org]
