In 1994, our family opened a small private school. We began developing our concept for Heter Haven Academy when our oldest child was reaching school age. He was a very active, precocious, and intelligent child with a flare for the dramatics. He was certainly not the sit down and quietly do a workbook type of student. As I began to explore schooling options in our area, nothing seemed to be a good fit for him.

Being a public school teacher for many years, I had a strong personal educational philosophy. I also had a lot of experience with children who just did not fit into the public school mold. These children often began to dislike school as early as first and second grade. I certainly did not want that for my delightfully creative and active child. In addition, several of my tea