There is TIME

You know, somewhere between getting kids ready for kindergarten and prepping them for college, we have somehow started to accept that childhood is wrapped up way too early-sometimes as young as five. With the pressure of standardized tests and the constant battle for basic academic rights to learn and explore (in traditional school), we end up miles away from what chilldhood should actually be about.

Peter Pan has alwats been one of my favorite characters. He feels like a sort of talisman for me as I created Rise. It's almost like a rebelious stand against anything that tries to rush children to adulthood and steal away that childhood magic. Here at Rise, we hold tight to that magic and prioritize it above all else. Anything that doesn't fit into the realm of childhood wonder is put on hold because honestly, there is plenty of time to grow up later.

We have been fed this idea that childhood needs to fade or vanish in order for more important things like college prep and career readiness and just growing up. But the truth is, we can definitely challenge that mindset. Painting is just as important as reading; playing dressup holds just as much value as mastering number sense. Figuring out who you are as a learner and embracing that unique self is just as crucial as any academic milestone. Our true selves hine through in imagination, play, and curiosity because that is where the magic lives-in our childhood.

At Rise we don't see learning and childhood as two separate paths; instead we see that they are little collaborators intertwined in this beautiful dance. We treat that connection as sacred and protected, Here, you have all the time in the world to enjoy your childhood, and everything else? It can wait. #riseschoolisdifferent #yourchildhoodcametoteachyou #thereistime