Jon StojanThe Little Schools are thrilled to announce their 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of supporting young children in learning through play. Established with a vision of providing a unique preschool experience, the school has grown from a single classroom to a beloved network of small schools known for their amazing teachers, sweet environments, and love for children.
The Little School opened its doors with a solid plan for providing an environment where children and the adults who care for them will be treated with love and respect every moment of every day. From day one, The Little School’s way has been quite unique. A small neighborhood school, it was filled to capacity in its first year, a testament to its strong foundation and philosophy. It was founded on the principles of openness and engagement, setting a high bar for both educators and students. The Little School’s uniqueness was not fully seen in the beginning. Holly Gold, the founder, recalls, “At times, the approach was perceived by some as loosey-goosey or unstructured, when in fact it takes a highly structured plan to create an environment where a two-year-old can move around freely and engage in a variety of activities by choice. The children think they are moving throughout the school independently, but in truth, there is an invisible structure that holds them every step of the way.”
The Little Schools are a central part of the early years for hundreds of children and their families, holding some of the most special memories of this most important time in their lives. Rockridge Little School grew from one class of 40 young children to 20 years of life experiences, friendships, challenges, and successes. The anniversary marks a key developmental milestone, with that initial group of children now just entering adulthood.
First, there was one school, now, there are three. Some people feared that with expansion, The Little Schools would compromise their connection to everything that made them special. However, in reality, having more of a good thing has allowed them to thrive in spite of the recent challenges in the childcare field.
Over the years, hundreds of children and families have passed through these walls. Despite the major hit to the childcare field, The Little Schools have survived the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger and more resilient.
Today, The Little Schools are recognized not only locally but also on a national level for their innovative approach to early childhood education. The philosophy is centered on providing a large, open space for children to freely move both indoors and outdoors with the illusion of independence. With this structure, students feel a connection to the larger school community. The school’s commitment to maintaining a supportive and creative environment has led to remarkable success stories. “The Little Schools have become a second home for so many families,” says Ben Szudy, a teacher of 10 years. “The freedom and respect we offer creates a unique space where both teachers and students thrive.”
The celebration of this milestone is as much about honoring the past as it is about looking forward. Former students, parents, and teachers are coming together to celebrate the school’s achievements and share their personal stories. A parent from the first class, Skip Fogarty, grateful that his daughter was a part of this Little School, states, “From day one, Jane started loving her school days, always eager to get there in the morning to discover new and fun activities. She became an outstanding student throughout her journey at all levels of her education. Today, she is a graduate of UC Davis as an honors student with a major in history and a minor in education. And next year, she will be teaching at a private elementary school in Davis as she explores graduate school options. We attribute much of Jane’s zeal for learning and creativity to her beginnings at RLS.”
“Of course, the goal of a Little School education is not about college or graduate school. Many students thrive academically and many thrive in other paths. The key is thriving,” states Holly.
Building on the groundbreaking work of past educators, it was a monumental accomplishment that Berkeley Little School was able to preserve one of the most historic schools in the Bay Area, the Gay Austin School. Son of Gay Austin, Michael J. Austin adds, “Seeing the school flourish after my mother’s pioneering work in early childhood education is deeply fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, The Little Schools are learning and growing all the time. “We are committed to sharing our philosophy far and wide. Childhood is to be cherished; children learn through play,” shares Holly. Plans are underway to expand their programs (two new toddler programs were added in the last year) and strengthen community connections, ensuring that the schools remain true to their original mission.
As The Little Schools celebrate this significant milestone, they reflect on its rich history and look forward to continuing their mission of being the ‘best little school in the neighborhood’ for many years to come. The school invites the community to join in the celebration and share in the joy of its 20th anniversary.