10/07/08
Pärnu Little Freeschool is a school shaped from the examples of Danish Freeschools. The basic idea of the school is the co-operation between the parents and the teachers. The school-development’s main idea is : the teachers and the parents of the children is one forward bringing strength, that forms the school. The base of freeschools is a development and constant re-newing of the school.
Pärnu Little Freeschool’s educational and main traditions rely on Johannes Käis, N.F.S.Grundwig’s and C.Kold’s thoughts of school and community.
The holder of school is the Pärnu Little Freeschool Association, where belongs at least one school going child’s parent and others who are interested. The Association was started by the starting-group October 20, 1996.
Pärnu Little Freeschool started its first year, September 1st in 1997 room of the Pärnu Tammsaare Kindergarten with just 1st grade.
In 1998/1999, we took a new 1st grade. The school grew to a 2 grade school so in lack of room we were forced to move to Ringi st. 12, where we had two classrooms and a room for workshop and arts and crafts. Starting from September 1st, from 1999 to the summer of 2007, the school was located in the address, Väike-Posti st. 8a , in an old kindergarten building.
In the Autumn of 2007 , finished the first flight of the freeschool -14 kids, many of who started the school since 1st grade.
2007/2008 learning-year , the school is in action in new rooms – Noorte väljak 2, Pärnu. Including to the school there is a 6-7 year olds pre-school.
In 2008 the school finished the 9th grade the second flight with 9 kids.
The school´s principal in 1997-2000, 2002-2008 June was Katrin Uutsalu. The Pärnu Little Freeschool’s new principal is Riho Alliksoo
01/31/08
What distinguishes the Pärnu Little Freeschool from regular public schools?
Freeschool is experience, love and a sense of security. Classes with a small number of children ensures the individuality of students. Every child must take responsibility for his or her actions.
Caring – from the polls of school parents and teachers it has turned out, that our effort to care about every person who rubs elbows with freeschool has been successful.
In the development of the individual child we consult with the parents and work together towards the aims that we have agreed on. Developmental conversations between a child, parents and a teacher is a 9-year-old tradition in our school.
Broadening of opportunities – children can challenge themselves in different areas and with a small class opportunities open up to everyone, not only the most talented ones.
But what is similar to regular public schools?
The state curriculum…
Who is the Freeschool meant for?
For all children whose parents have time and interest to participate in their child´s education.
Which are the most common myths about Freeschool, and are they true?
The Freeschool´s motto is – Freeschool is experience, love and sense of security. Keeping children away from real life and their free will is an upbringing I would not call love of
children. But every child deserves studying a full range of experiences in a safe environment.
How did you get into the Freeschool?
I studied in a city school, which was small enough for everybody to know each other. There were no so- called unpersonalised student problems. Each person was responsible for his/her own actions. At the same time the classes were big and not everyone could get on the „stage”.
Later, as a teacher, I experienced that in big classes I couldn´t do my job at as high quality as I would have wished to – I could not communicate with all the children, I did not know their domestic backgrounds. You have to cooperate with the home to teach and bring children up well.
For a while I worked in a little country school also, where I got lots of ideas for creating a freeschool. A little school with its area of safe development is a perfect place for a child to grow and work. It was at the country school where I immediately noticed social problems. Sometimes a child is pushed by parents to let the school teach them and bring them to adulthood.
What would you like to say to future and existing parents?
Find time for yourselves. A person who is happy about him/herself can understand him/herself and people around them and take them as they are – with their bright and dark sides, without blaming them.
Find time to have a rest. In the over-worked world today it is very important to find quality time of rest between periods of work. A well-rested person can do his/her job better. A relaxed person is also a better companion to his/her confreres.