2012 Summer Registration Form

 

Exciting news from our

Executive Director

 

Colleagues, Partners, Students and Families!

 

Thirty years ago ETC was founded by a group of educators who saw a profound need for an alternative approach to the traditional model of education; an approach that gave teachers—in collaboration with students, parents and counselors—the freedom to develop uniquely tailored lesson plans and instructional strategies to ensure each child could thrive.

    Twenty years ago ETC had become so effective that many students chose to attend full time. So we increased our commitment to the students and families we served by securing approval as a fully accredited private school.

    Today, we are proud to be the preeminent alternative to the traditional model of education found in most public and private school systems. We are equally proud that our approach to teaching and learning is working wonderfully across a diverse collection of part- and full-time students and an afterhours tutoring program.

    This year, on the 20th anniversary of becoming a school, we have decided to increase our commitment to our students and families again, this time on a truly grand scale.

    Inspired by the Robert Frost poem, The Road Less Traveled, that so beautifully reflects our beliefs about the importance of everyone’s unique journey, I am pleased to announce that ETC Preparatory Academy is becoming Yellow Wood Academy—a place where students, families and educators can thrive! A place where each student can discover the path that is right for him or her, and have all the resources needed to pursue that path—whether here for tutoring, part-time enrollment or as full-time students.

    Along with the decision to adopt a name that better reflects our philosophy and beliefs, we have embarked upon a comprehensive strategic plan. It is a plan that feels like the fulfillment of a dream I’ve had for more than 40 years as an educator and leader—a plan that, for the first time, acknowledges not only the life changing, but life saving work we do here every day.

    Our strategic plan demands that we reach more students in need; that we improve our technology and infrastructure; that we invest even more to ensure that our students and teachers have the resources and time they need to be their best; and, ultimately, that we even build a physical school that will forever be a testimonial to exploring what it means to thrive.

    But just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to build and sustain a school—a community of committed parents and relatives, local businesses, foundations, partner schools and many more. That’s why, over the coming months, we will be reaching out to you to ask for your help—whether that comes in the form of advice, time, participation or through a tax-deductible donation. When we do, please do or give whatever you can. We literally cannot do this important work without you.

 

With respect and appreciation!

Ruth Hayes-Short