This is a classic question. We usually hear this question from parents who are opting for a progressive preschool and are planning to bring their child to a “big” school for elementary.
There’s a rumor going around that children from progressive schools do not thrive in traditional schools.
Let me reiterate that this INDEED is a rumor and not a fact. First off, I’ve had students who passed Big School Entrance Tests and I’ve had students who didn’t. Unfortunately, it’s easier to blame the preschool when the latter happens.
When a child is not thriving in a traditional school, it’s very easy to blame the progressive preschool where the child came from. The list is endless: there were no worksheets, the children were too “free”, the classes were not divided into subjects, the teacher was too “nice” (as opposed to being more strict)… BUT PARENTS, weren’t these the same things you looked for in a preschool?! It’s just not developmentally appropriate to instill the opposite of all of these in a preschool class.
I observed the class of my daughter who graduated from a progressive elementary school. Background story: she was originally from UP-CDC when she was 5. UP-CDC is the epitome of progressive learning. Then she went to a private girl school (traditional) along the Katipunan Area where I also graduated. She got great grades and was even in the honor roll every year. But something in her eyes and demeanor told me that she wasn’t happy being in school. She felt anxious every Sunday with the idea that she had to go back to school the following day. Taking the advise of a good friend, I went to check out The Learning Tree which was just 5 minutes from my house. My daughter will be an incoming 4th grader. My husband was hesitant (as all husbands are when you say the name of a school that’s not “known”) but I perservered (as all wives do). My daughter then transferred to TLT for grade 4. The change was evident.
She looked forward to school. Enjoyed the company of her classmates (they were only 25 in class). She was eager to learn new things and her self-esteem reached higher heights.
Then came graduating year, Grade 6. We opted to look for a private high school since we thought our daughter needed this kind of education to prepare for college in four years. We enrolled her in a private girl school in the Pasig Area. She wasn’t happy at all. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good school. My daughter just didn’t thrive. I then decided to homeschool her until she graduated. I’m happy to report that she will be studying in the Ateneo de Manila University this June 
It’s easy to say that she did not thrive in the private girl school in Pasig BECAUSE she came from a progressive school like The Learning Tree. I DISAGREE. She did not thrive in that school because she did not fit in that school. A lot of my daughter’s classmates from TLT went to big traditional schools and they thrived in them. I decided to homeschool her because she wanted to take up other things like guitar and Japanese. She was able to be more proficient in both with the time that homeschool provided for other life skills. So the decision to transfer her from a traditional school to being homeschooled, was a decision that was made entirely on how I know my daughter.
I’ve had students who came from us, a progressive school, who are thriving in big traditional schools. I also have students who came from big traditional schools and who are now thriving in our school. It is not the fault of the school they came from, most of the time. It just wasn’t a good fit.
The goal of progressive education is to educate in the present. I cringe when I see schools market themselves with taglines like “If you study here, your child will be sure to enter Big Traditional School A!” like it was the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is to give developmental, interactive and experiential education. It is through this that the child will be fully prepared to face any and all experiences he will face in the future.
6 responses so far ↓
teacher leng // March 18, 2009 at 2:39 pm |
i have graduates too in my center that excel in traditional schools…they did have some adjustments especially in the structured activities like writing and reading…and of course “behaving” in class (coz most of our students are free to move around but it’s the opposite in the traditional) but after the short adjustment phase they are more inclined to work seriously on tasks and get rewarded at the end of the school year with honors…
one thing that i think parents ought to remember is that education is a partnership between school and home…we can’t do it alone…we need your support once your child gets home… follow up is crucial…but of course always make it fun!
marge // March 26, 2009 at 12:34 am |
Hi Teacher Tina!
I am very curious about homeschooling. Did you use the Living Heritage Academy (under School of Tomorrow) curriculum? I’ve heard from other parents that this homeschool provider is not yet accredited with Deped. If you used another homeschool curriculum, please please do let me know. I don’t want to encounter any difficulties with regards to report cards or other requirements…
I see that your daughter will be studying in Ateneo. Congratulations! This means that there was no problem homeschooling her in high school.
Thank you so much!
teachertinazamora // March 26, 2009 at 2:11 am |
Yes I use the Living Heritage Academy materials. It’s under School of Tomorrow here in the Philippines (LHA is an international group). They are accredited with DepEd. I made sure of this when we used it and so far, all the universities we’ve applied to have accepted my daughter’s records
marge // March 26, 2009 at 3:23 am |
Wow! This is great! Am thinking of homeschooling my son. Although he is doing well in a Chinese traditional school, he would like more time to pursue his interests. We thought of enrolling him in a progressive school but I don’t know of any near our area (near SM MOA). Would be great if you can refer one to me.
If there’s none, then I guess my best bet would be homeschooling
Hope it’s all right with you if I ask more questions about homeschooling. It’s not widely accepted yet here in the Philippines.
Thanks again so much! You make me feel that I’m not alone in searching for a better education for my children.
Ria // May 30, 2009 at 6:03 pm |
Hi Teacher Tina!
Thanks for a great article! I too have been asked that question many times. I take pride is saying my kids also do well in the big school
I have to admit though, that much as I dislike it, I have to make some “preparations” for the kids who are moving up during the last two months of classes.
By the way, many of my friends are teachers in your school
I’d love to add your link to my reading list in my site. Hope you can drop by and check it out 
teachertinazamora // May 31, 2009 at 11:42 am |
Hi Teacher Ria! Thanks for visiting our site
Yes, I admit, we do have to make accommodations for our children to be prepared for big school. However, this is not our ultimate goal and I’m sure neither is it yours. You have a great site! Keep it up! And of course, it would be an honor to be part of your reading list. See you soon!