I remember the community atmosphere, the group meetings, the spelling pictures, the educational board games, the drumming lessons and timed math quizzes. Most of all, I remember the rap that a friend and wrote about the 1984 presidential election. Run Jesse Run!

As 7 and 8 year olds, we were taught the importance of taking responsibility for not only our actions, but also for our education. At Meadows-Livingstone, children are not subject to the traditional confines of their given grade. This takes the boredom out of school and allows children to pursue their personal academic interests, thus creating a foundation of success that can be built upon in all of their future endeavors. I am proud to say that my fellow graduates and I have developed into self-motivated lifelong learners with an ingrained respect for both the world in which we live and more importantly, for ourselves.

I have a BS in Finance and with a minor in English from Georgetown University. I do not currently anticipate returning to school, however, I do envision myself teaching at some point in my life. I would volunteer at the M-L school. I would also not only enroll my child at the M-L school, but also recommend it to others.

I attended Meadows-Livingstone Elementary School from 1985-1990.   I remember my first day at Meadows-Livingstone Elementary School.  I walked through the front door into a large living room and saw children of varying ages doing all types of interesting things.  Some read, some played with toys, some were being taught, but all were focused on an activity that truly interested them.

Though I had previously been in an “alternative” school, Meadows-Livingstone struck me as immediately distinct.  Students seemed more like an extended family.  We grew and developed under the supervision of our elders.  Meadows-Livingstone truly allowed the “village” to raise the children.

At Meadows-Livingstone I learned to value knowledge, community, heritage/history, diverse activities and experiences, and a sense of self.  Though I had some difficulties after elementary school, it was because no other institution upheld the standard previously set.  I have yet to find the same blend of mental, cultural, social, and physical challenges in an educational setting, even at Morehouse College.

I will graduate with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Sociology from Morehouse this December.  I plan to seek a Master’s Degree in Social Psychology, but I will always thirst for new knowledge and experiences.  I also feel that assisting in the development of children and adolescents will always play a role in my life, and I hope that I can someday give back to the current students of Meadows-Livingstone.

Peace!

I attended the Meadows-Livingstone School from 1987 to 1991. Unlike many teachers, Gail made the learning experience fun and relevant. She taught me to be a responsible and independent student. These years laid the foundation for my future educational accomplishments.

In 2002, I earned a BA in Applied Mathematics from UC Berkeley. Recently, I was blessed to get accepted into the UCSF School of Medicine. I plan to attend in the fall!

For the past several years I have returned to the Meadows-Livingstone community as a Math teacher. One of the beautiful things I have realized from spending time in the school as an adult, is how much Gail instills pride and builds the self esteem of the children. It is the solid academics and the life skills that Gail and the other teachers provide that make Meadows-Livingstone such a unique and excellent school.