The Berteig School

I have been homeschooling my children for the past two years. I have done a lot of research about different educational theories, philosophies, and practices. I have experimented extensively on my own children. I have learned a lot. The most important lessons being: love is the most important teaching tool, and children are capable of so much more than we think. I have decided to share my knowledge and experience with others. I firmly believe in homeschooling but realize that some parents are not able to choose this option.

The Berteig School is a private day school in which I hope to share my knowledge and experience as a homeschooler. The Berteig School strives to maximize the developmental capacities of children. The Berteig School recognizes that a moral and upright character are more important than academic achievement. The Berteig School does not follow the same curriculum as public or other private schools. The Berteig School progresses according to Levels not Grades. These Levels are determined by understanding, not age. The student progresses through each Level for each subject independently according to his/her capacity. For example, a student may excel in math and be studying Level 4 Math while, at the same time, having difficulty understanding science and be studying Level 2 Science. A childs difficulty with one subject will not hinder his/her development in other subject areas, and genius in one subject area will not be hindered by his/her normal development in other subject areas.

I have started to establish the Berteig School through a Baha'i-inspired Montessori Daycare for children age two to five years old. This school will slowly transform into a PreK-12 private day school. The Berteig School will maintain small student-teacher ratios and will continually evolve as more knowledge and experience in the field of education are acquired.

Heart, Hand and Mind - A Baha'i-Inspired Montessori Daycare

Heart, Hand and Mind - Level 1 Curriculum

The Berteig School will adopt the four building blocks recommended by The Council for Global Education as a new educational model to promote peace and well-being amongst all of humanity. These four building blocks are: universal values, global understanding, excellence in all things, and service to humanity.

Values Education: Human beings are endowed with spiritual capacities. We must actively develop these virtues within ourselves. A child's spiritual development is more important than their academic development. Virtues that will be developed include: truthfulness, love, peacefulness, kindness, sharing, generosity, friendliness, patience, and obedience.

Global Understanding: We are now a global society. Children need to experience the worlds diversity to foster love, respect and understanding. Children must learn to face the challenges of communicating across different languages and cultures.

Excellence: Academic excellence is a consequence of a values focused education. A child who accepts excellence as a life guiding principle will be better able to develop their full potential.

Service: Children must be inspired to contribute to the betterment of the world. Their spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development is not just for their own benefit, but is aimed at serving the world of humanity. Knowledge and skills acquired need to be immediately exercised in the realm of action. Children need to experience the intrinsic value of helping others.