I wanted to share some anecdotes about my stepson Jyles' experiences with The Circle School, because to me they embody the beauty of this program. In the evening, after his first visit to TCS in September, he said to me, "You know Marianne, at first I thought that it seemed like kindergarten there. After a while, I started to feel that it wasn't kindergarten at all, but that it was like college. Finally, now I've realized that it really isn't either of those things. What it is there is life."

Several weeks into the school year, we took him out of public school and enrolled him in TCS. His displeasure with public school had been rising continuously - his experience there being one of boredom and frustration. The take-home impact was a ten-year-old boy who did well on his report card, but who each morning begged, cajoled and feigned sickness in an attempt to stay home. He put no extra effort into anything that could be associated with school and schoolwork. A trip to the library was viewed with trepidation and he wouldn't dream of reading anything to himself except " Calvin & Hobbes ". Somehow he always seemed to be protecting himself, as if someone were going to trick him into doing something he didn't want to be doing.

His first day at TCS, I left at 1 pm, did my afternoon work away from home to return home at 4 pm. All the children were home from public school, but there was no Jyles. I waited awhile, still no Jyles. A while longer, no Jyles. Finally around 5:05 pm, I called the school and Sue answered. She responded with a joyous giggle that Jyles had just left for home (we are within walking distance). This pattern of attendance is the rule now, not the exception, for Jyles. He happily charges off to school each morning around 8:30 and returns home around 5:30. He is really upset if I have to take him out early for a dental appointment, begging to be taken back afterwards. Many a rainy afternoon, I've stopped by school around 4 pm to save him from getting soaked by walking home - but the ride is always declined in lieu of his extra hour at school.

For us, as his parents, just having him love and desire school so much was enough of a goal for the whole year. We just trusted that when you want to be somewhere, when you make your own commitment, something good will happen. But all the good we could never have projected. He has become expansive, humorous, vulnerable, strong and giving - these things just seem to blossom out of him as his guardedness slips away.

Then one afternoon this winter he came home from school, found me in the kitchen and asked me to take him to the library. His demeanor was enthusiastic and expectant. You could have bowled me over. That is one of the last things I ever would have expected from Jyles. Apparently he was inspired by a new science club initiated by Lucas, and he was on a mission to learn about aquatic ecosystems in preparation for spring field trips to Pinchot Park. After returning home from the library that evening, I didn't see much of him until I went up to bed and found him cuddled up under my covers reading - Jyles was choosing to read, on his own!

Printed with Jyles' permission.

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