Trust the Process Part 2: A Parent’s Perspective

Education shapes a child’s future, and at the SYV Family School, that foundation is built on a holistic approach that fosters a lifelong joy of learning. With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and a curriculum designed to nurture the whole child, SYV Family School creates an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

The impact of this unique education is evident not only during their early school years but also throughout their educational journey and into adulthood. Here, parents of Family School graduates share how their experiences have shaped their children’s success.

Learning Through Play and Connection

Alum parent Roxane Markee reflects on how the Family School’s hands-on and nature-based learning approach gave her children a solid foundation in core subjects while allowing them to enjoy being kids. “Family School allowed my kids to be kids: to enjoy life, to experience science and biology and mathematics through playing in the natural environment, which taught them the solid foundation of those subjects,” she shares.

Roxane highlights how education extends beyond academics, fostering essential life skills. As graduates of Family School, my kids are particularly good at speech writing, public speaking, interacting with adults, and knowing that their voice counts. I have also seen this across the board with their Family School friends.”

This focus on interpersonal skills and community-building has had a lasting impact. “I would also attribute their ability to ask for help, their ongoing joy of reading, and their ability to do things on their own and work as a team to their early Family School education,” Roxane continues. “Small class sizes and how the teachers engage also taught my children to care for their peers. They learned to respect and get along with all the kids, whether or not they liked them. They learned to care for each other and work together every day to solve conflicts and celebrate accomplishments together.”

Enrichment That Builds Confidence and Lifelong Skills

For Anne Lawrence, an alum parent with four alum children, the diverse extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities at SYV Family School played a crucial role in her children’s development. “The extracurricular activities such as gardening, drama, music, art class, and PE were very important aspects of learning during the formative years,” she shares. “They were enthusiastic students and loved it all.”

Anne also emphasizes the transformative power of outdoor education. “The outdoor education experiences were exceptional learning opportunities and huge confidence builders in their young lives. My son loved his Outdoor Ed trips! I don’t believe any other school could have provided the same learning environment for our kids to feel safe leaving their homes and families for a week-long trip,” she recalls.

Anne's trust and confidence in the educators extended to her children, who have achieved remarkable success. “Dominick went to USF. He is a musician continuing his education and living in Santa Barbara. Lexi is a University of Michigan graduate and is currently in graduate school at Rutgers School of Health Professions, becoming a physician’s assistant. Brandon played D1 college baseball, graduated from the University of Michigan, and works full-time in Orange County. Sophia is a sophomore at Northeastern University in Boston,” Anne proudly shares.

A Holistic Foundation for Lifelong Success

Roxane and Anne's stories highlight the powerful impact of a SYV Family School education. By focusing on the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—the school equips students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether students learn through play in nature, build confidence through public speaking and outdoor adventures, or foster community and teamwork, SYV Family School creates an environment where they flourish.

The success stories of alumni demonstrate the long-lasting benefits of this approach. From thriving in higher education to pursuing fulfilling careers, Family School graduates carry the lessons they learned with them. As Roxane puts it, “Family School taught my children to see themselves as capable, to value teamwork, and to embrace learning with joy. Those lessons have stayed with them in everything they do.”

At SYV Family School, the journey is about more than just academics. It’s about cultivating curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. The process may begin in preschool, but its impact lasts a lifetime. As these testimonials show, trusting the process of a Family School education leads to remarkable outcomes for students and their families alike.