Testimonials
What do parents have to say?
Susan and Nicholas Triplett, parents of Owen (8):
“We chose Cedarwood for our son because we wanted a learning environment that nurtured the whole child in a natural, non-contrived environment. We wanted a place where our son’s individuality and creativity would be respected and cherished by a close-knit community of children and adults who work, play and learn together. The outdoor classroom at Cedarwood is truly unique, and it offers our son the freedom and engagement that children need to grow. Finally, we wanted our son to have fun and love learning all the new and exciting things the world has to offer. Our son is free to explore his own interests at Cedarwood. Irina strikes an admirable balance between the individuality of each child and the values of a learning community. At Cedarwood, learning is an exciting element of life experience and industrious activity, rather than an externally applied set of facts divorced from individuals and their community. Our son has learned so much at Cedarwood about what he enjoys and what gives others (children and adults) joy. There is always something to fascinate: How do toads float? What does mint and parsley tea taste like? What does the inside of that rock look like? I would highly recommend this program for all who value and respect the individuality and human dignity of children. Cedarwood is the most unique and exciting educational environment I have experienced in over 15 years of experience in the field of education. Kids love going to Cedarwood and they happen to learn a lot there too!”
Lisa and Chandler Kurkov-Tyrell, parents of Lucy (8):
“We chose Cedarwood’s Forest Day program for our daughter, Lucy, because we liked that it was an outdoor program, and we hoped Lucy would gain some friends and have a chance to socialize. We love that Lucy has had a chance to explore the trails at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve in such detail. She and her classmates notice and point out elements of nature that they might not have noticed on their own. She has seen the cycles of the seasons firsthand and has been able to observe how the woods change throughout the year. Lucy has gained self-confidence in her physical abilities as a result of her weekly hikes. In addition, she has formed close relationships with her Forest Day friends and teacher. She comes home each week, excited to tell us about her experiences and discoveries in the woods. Michael, Lucy’s teacher, has been the perfect guide for Lucy on her first experience away from our family. She seems to strike an ideal balance of support/instruction, while still allowing the children the freedom to explore on their own. I love how imagination and the use of natural objects as tools of play are fostered. We’ll definitely enroll Lucy in the Forest Day program again next fall––it’s one of her favorite activities each week.”
Alyona and Tom Harp, parents of Maxim Harp (4),
“When my son turned one and a half we started looking for a preschool for him. We were looking for a place with an early development program for children that focused on the individual potential of each child. A friend told me about Cedarwood. We went to the open house and it seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. First of all, I liked that it was bilingual (Russian/English). In our household we speak Russian, English and German languages. My son can speak two languages at school and he is understood. As far as I know, Cedarwood is the only place like this in Charlotte, North Carolina that focuses on both the world languages and the diversity in cultural environment. The second attribute I like about Cedarwood is that the classes are held mostly outside. What can be healthier for a child than to be able to play and learn half of the day outside in a wooded natural classroom?! At Cedarwood the children as young as 2 participate in planting gardens and taking care of them. They watch vegetables and flowers grow, observe animals, and learn about the world not just from books but from having direct interactions with nature. The teachers are flexible enough to allow children to grow to be open, independent, and creative people. This school is open to all religions, so children from all races and religion are welcomed there. Cedarwood is a great place for children to develop and learn in an environment that stresses intelligent natural learning in an outdoor environment focusing on children’s interests and specific abilities. My son has been going to this school for a year now, he can’t wait till Monday when it is time to go to school. The fact that my child is not just willing to go there but is excited and interested in going says a lot to me about the excellence in learning that Cedarwood provides!”