As the Head of an Independent School, I am sometimes asked, “Are independent Schools worth the money? “Wouldn’t kids who want to thrive make the most of any school they are in? You know, they will bloom where they are planted!”
For the most part, I would like to believe the saying, “Bloom where you’re planted,” as it suggests that one can flourish and thrive in any environment or situation, regardless of the circumstances. However, I’m sure if you ask any gardener, they would beg to differ, saying that any plant or flower could bloom wherever you plant it.
Generations before us walked up to the local school and simply enrolled their child, assuming they would bloom where they were planted. However, over the years, we have learned that so much more goes into a complete education.
Of course, this ideal of “bloom where you’re planted” holds some merit, but it is important to recognize that there are limitations and factors that can influence a person’s ability to “bloom” in certain situations, especially when it comes to a school setting.
We have all heard the educational jargon: a child needs to have resilience, adaptability, determination, and a growth mindset. These are all valuable qualities and skills that can help an individual make the best of their circumstances and thrive in life.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that some environments can be negative, unsupportive, or simply not the right fit for a child at their specific stage in life. Placing a child in a situation that does not support their growth can significantly hinder their ability to thrive. That resilience, adaptability, determination, and a growth mindset can turn into resistance, rigidness, indecision, and narrowed-minded thinking. In such cases, removing a child from situations that are not suitable and seeking a more conducive environment may be necessary for their personal growth and well-being.
Ultimately, the ability to “bloom where you’re planted” depends on a complex combination of factors that impacts a child personally. We are all uniquely different, taking in the variables of a child’s personal qualities, environmental factors, and circumstances would any school allow them to flourish? While it is certainly possible for individuals to thrive in less-than-ideal situations, it is crucial to recognize when it is time to seek out more supportive and nurturing environments. For me, this is where small Independent Schools come into play.
While resilience and adaptability can certainly help a child succeed in a variety of school situations, it’s not always accurate to say that a child can survive and thrive in any school situation simply by putting their mind to it.
Each child has a unique learning style, and some schools may not provide the necessary support or accommodations for children with different learning needs. They might need to be challenged and explore their passions beyond the standard classroom environment, or they might need individualized support on a particular topic or skill. This support can happen in a small, independent school.
Children need a supportive environment where they feel safe, accepted, and valued to thrive. In a school where everyone knows their name and supports their passions and their desire to learn, this is where they thrive.
Small independent schools take pride in the quality of the curriculum, teachers, and resources. This can all greatly impact a child’s academic success. Without this quality, even the most motivated students may struggle to achieve their potential.
As an educator for over 30 years, I want every child to learn, grow, and thrive, and most importantly, it is vital to find the right place for them to “bloom where you plant them.”
Eileen F. Corigliano, EdD
Head of School
Staten Island Academy
