“A normal person compares themself to others. A leader compares themself to who they were yesterday.” Owen, age 9
There are no students at The Village School. Our young people are learners, explorers, artists, mathematicians, scientists, adventurers, and leaders, among many other things, but none of them are students. This change in vernacular is intentional as it represents one of our core beliefs about young people. They are not empty vessels waiting to be filled or mounds of clay waiting to be shaped and molded into a predetermined form. They are active participants, co-creators, wise and capable beyond the limits and cages the world has constructed for them. Once you come to see what a flourishing child looks like, the word “student” simply will not do. The word student can not possibly come close to describing a young person who is a leader of their own learning.
For the more pragmatic among us, calling a child a leader can feel a little disingenuous, or indulgent even. As if we’re using the term as a special compliment or accolade, in order to boost their self-esteem or sensitive ego. But keep in mind, we’re not calling young people kings and queens, we’re calling them leaders. And we’re not doing so to feed their young egos- in fact, quite the opposite.
