A note from our CEO, Brooke King
The start of a school year always brings its own kind of energy: a mix of excitement, fresh ideas, nervous jitters, and hope for what lies ahead. Even after 20 years at the Intergenerational Schools—and 25 years since the first Intergenerational School opened its doors—it still feels magical.
This fall, as we welcomed new and returning students, families, and staff into our buildings, I couldn’t help but reflect on what makes this moment in the school year so special. It’s not just the crisp notebooks or newly decorated classrooms. It’s the feeling of beginning something together as a community.
The seasons of school
Each season of the school year brings its own energy, from the promise and potential of the very first day to the celebration and bittersweet transitions that mark the end. Back to school is a season of optimism: new names to learn, new routines to establish, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This year, my youngest daughter began her second year of Refining Stage (5th and 6th grades). Even though, among my three kids, I’ve seen them off to 25 collective first days of school at Near West, it still never gets old. I love watching her confidently find her place in this community, and saw so many other students doing the same, stepping into new classrooms, forming new friendships, and reuniting with teachers and peers.
Another parent whose child is new to our school in the same stage as my daughter, sent a message to the staff saying that her son is so happy and for the first time is getting up eagerly and can’t wait to go to his new school.
These moments stick with us. Because when a child feels like they belong, they can be themselves, grow with confidence, and thrive. That’s the power of community.
Belonging doesn’t happen by accident
Across our two campuses, from the first day of school to the year-end celebrations, you’ll find laughter and collaboration, curiosity and care. Behind the joy and spontaneity are deeply thoughtful strategies for building community that make it all possible. We use the Responsive Classroom framework to create safe, predictable routines and inclusive classrooms where every student knows they matter. Our multi-age, mastery-based model encourages students to help one another grow. Older and returning students help to welcome newcomers and share what it means to be part of our classrooms and community.
Belonging is not a happy accident. It’s the result of a lot of training and intentional, often invisible work done by our staff—guided by the core principles defined by our unique school model—to make sure every child is seen, supported, and free to be themselves.
25 years of learning together
This year, we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary. This milestone is made up of thousands of meaningful moments shared between students, teachers, families, Learning Partners, volunteers, and community members. We’ll be commemorating this legacy throughout the year by sharing memories that show our mission in action: moments of transformation, connection, challenge, and growth.
And we want to hear yours.
Share your moment
What’s one moment from your time with the Intergenerational Schools that’s stayed with you? Big or small, silly or serious—those are the moments that shape who we are.
Share your story at igschools.org/25years and be part of our 25th anniversary celebration. Each submission will enter you into a raffle for special giveaways throughout the year.
Whether you’re brand new or have been part of this community since it began, thank you for the moments you create every day.
Here’s to a year of connection, curiosity, and community.