Bloomington area schools (Aurora, Harmony: 2009, magnet school, moving to)

[slpaige]

We will be moving to Bloomington in the near future. I have a child in 4th grade and a child in 8th grade. Many of the schools in Bloomington seem to be very good schools as far as test scores go. However, I do not feel test scores tell the whole story. My children currently attend a magnet school specializing in technology and a charter school that has an "Open" philosophy that is somewhat akin to a Montessori school but not quite the same thing. Are there any schools in Bloomington that are similar to these? Does anyone have any first hand opinions about the different styles of teaching available in the Bloomington schools? Are there some schools that are more structured and competition based? Are there some that base their teaching styles on the intrinsic value of learning as opposed to competition? Any information or input would be welcomed.

[rrah]

Quick answer to your first questions regarding an "open" philosophy and the intrinsic value of learning---No--not at those grade levels. With the "No Child Left Behind Act" all of the schools seem to be more structured. I don't know that I would say they are intentionally competition based, but those scores are important to teachers and principals.

Having said that, there are some possibilities in the private schools and at various levels in the public schools. Harmony school (K-12) is definitely more Montessori like and emphasizes the value of learning. There is also a private Montessori school. I don't know the upper grade limit of their classes. The 3 religious based schools definitely emphasize structure.

Our son (also going into grade 8) is in the GT program at middle school. From what I pick up, the students in his class that attended the elementary GT program, are very concerned with their grades and test scores, etc. Learning is a competition for many of them. He and a few of the other students that did not attend the elementary GT program seem to be a bit more flexible and open minded. At least when they have open ended projects, they seem to be able to handle it a bit better and more creatively. The GT program in the middle school I'm familiar with seems to allow some "structured creativity."

At the high school level there is Aurora HS. This is the school for students at risk of dropping out or that can't seem to make it in the usual HS environment. Very small school!

On the horizon is the New Tech HS. It's supposed to open in 2008-2009. From what I have read there will be a more "project based" curriculum and philosophy.