Current News
Posted: Apr. 7th, 2008
Guest Speaker Matt Hern
Thursday, April 24th at 7pm (Map | Directions)
The educator and writer Matt Hern
will be speaking at the Teddy McArdle Free School on his book,
Watch Yourself, Why Safer Isn't Always Better.
As one of the educators whose thoughts helped inspire our school's outlook on education and child-rearing, we're absolutely delighted to have Matt as our guest speaker and
very much encourage everyone young and old to come and partake in the event (free admission).
Matt lives and works in East Vancouver with his partner and daughters where he directs the Purple Thistle Centre and co-founded the Car-Free Commercial Drive Festival and Car-Free Vancouver Day. His writing has been published on all six continents, translated into nine languages and he continues to lecture widely. He holds a PhD in Urban Studies and teaches at SFU and UBC.
Posted: Apr. 7th, 2008
Thrift Shop
Every Friday
9:30am - 2:30pm
139 Main St., Little Falls, NJ
Come to our student-run thrift shop! We have books, clothes, jewelry, tools, toys, gadgets, and more. And everything is priced at whatever you deem it worthy of-- what a bargain!
All proceeds support our school. Material donations welcome.
Posted: Feb. 11th, 2008
Open Houses for the 2008-2009 School Year
We're gearing up to begin enrolling students for the 2008-2009 school year and will be holding multiple open houses for interested families. Adults and children are welcome to attend.
The open house dates are:
Thurs, Feb. 21, 6-8pm
Thurs, Mar. 20, 6-8pm
Thurs, May 15, 6-8pm
Thurs, June 5, 6-8pm
Directions to the school can be found on our About Us page. If you have questions about enrollment or would like to visit the school during the day, please contact us.
Posted: Feb. 7th, 2008
Our Animation Class
We've been learning to use Scratch, an animation program to create interactive animations. Here's our first example-- click on either character to see what happens!
Learn more about this project
Posted: Feb. 5th, 2008
A Look Back
Here's a quick look back at our visit to Green Meadows Farm in Hazlet, NJ this past fall.
Posted: Dec. 13th, 2007
Persian Solistice Celebration (Shab-e Yalda)
Wednesday, December 19th from 3pm - 4pm at the Teddy McArdle Free School, 139 Main St., Little Falls, NJ, back entrance of the United Methodist Church.
The Persian Solstice tradition is to stay up all night eating and drinking and signing songs. Our hour long version of it will incorporate both planned and spontaneous talent show performances by the Teddy McArdle Free School Community. We'll also be selling food, drinks, and crafts as a way to raise a little money for our school.
Posted: Dec. 13th, 2007
In the News Again!
The Teddy McArdle Free School was featured on the front page of the local section of the Dec. 6th Herald News (Link | PDF) and then on Dec. 9th with a photo (PDF).
Posted: Nov. 15th, 2007
In the Paper and on Film
Last week's visit to the Teddy McArdle Free School from educator and writer Chris Mergoliano was on the front page of the Our Town section of the Herald News.
We also have 13 videos of the school on Youtube now, some rough cuts for the documentary being made on the school and some student made films from our after school film class.
A video of Jalen (7 years old) teaching the first student run class at Teddy McArdle Free School:
A student made video from the TMcAFS after school film class:
Posted: Oct. 29th, 2007
Author and Educator Chris Mercogliano Speaking
On Monday, November 5th from 2pm - 3:30pm, the Teddy McArdle Free School will have the honor of having educator and author Chris Mercogliano speak at our school. All are welcome to attend this free event. Chris is finishing up a 7 week nation-wide speaking tour for his new book, "In Defense of Childhood: Protecting Kids' Inner Wildness," and will be discussing current issues threatening childhood and ways this crucial time period in people's lives can be protected.
Chris Mercogliano was a teacher and co-director at Albany Free School for 35 years. He is the author of three previously published books on education: "Making it Up as We Go Along: The story of the Albany Free School," "Teaching the Restless: One School's Remarkable No-Ritalin Approach to Helping Children Learn and Succeed," and "How to Grow a School: Starting and Sustaining Schools That Work."
The event will be at:
Teddy McArdle Free School
139 Main St.
Little Falls, NJ 07424
(parking and entrance in the rear of the United Methodist Church)
Map
If you plan on attending, please RSVP by contacting us here.
Posted: Oct. 24th, 2007
Recent Activities
View all of our school photos online!
Posted: Sept. 30th, 2007
Soccer and Film Making After School Classes
We're running two after school classes this fall. For more information or to enroll, please contact us. Space is limited and classes start very soon, and so, reserve your spot now!
After School Soccer
Instructor: Dennis Charles
When: Mondays, 3:30pm - 4:45pm, starting October 15
Where: TMcAFS parking lot, 139 Main St., Little Falls, NJ 07424
Cost: $100 for 6 one hour and fifteen minute sessions
Description:
USSF and FIFA advanced soccer coach Dennis Charles brings 20 years coaching experience to TMcAFS. Ideal for all players from beginner to expert, learning in a fun, relaxed environment for all interested in the worlds greatest sport. All budding Beckhams and mini Mias are welcome!
After School Film Making
Instructor: Amanda Wilder
When: Tuesdays, 3:30pm - 5:30pm, starting October 9th
Where: TMcAFS School Grounds, 139 Main St., Little Falls, NJ 07424
Cost: $100 for 4 two hour sessions
** This class is limited to the first 8 enrolled students! **
Description:
In this intensive course, students will conceive of and produce their own short film. The course will go through pre-production, drafting a loose script, using the camera, learning about different shots and styles, filming footage, and the basics of editing techniques. The final student made film will be posted on the internet.
Amanda Wilder has been filming the Teddy McArdle Free School as part of a documentary on progressive education and is a film graduate of Marlboro College.
Posted: Sept. 25th, 2007
Fundraiser: Garage Sale
October 5, 2007
9am - 5pm
139 Main St.
Little Falls, NJ 07424
Please help support our school-- come to our fall garage sale! You might walk away with a great deal, and all proceeds go to a worthy cause, our school! We have books and tools and clothes and furniture and much much more!
Directions
Posted: Sept 14th, 2007
A Successful First Week!
The Teddy McArdle Free School opened this week, with 12 students, 2 teachers, and 6 volunteers. We've already created our first two rules at our initial democratic meeting,
had one conflict resolution meeting, went to the library, held a quick science class, made various paintings, crowns, and traffic signs in the art room, played lots of
computer games, and lots of football and soccer, started to learn the saxaphone and the clarinet, made chalk drawings, and loads of other things! When Friday came, one
student asked me if we could have school on Saturday and Sunday, and so, I think that means we had a great first week!
Posted: June 22nd, 2007
Full and Part Time Enrollment
We're set to open this coming fall offering various types of enrollment from full time enrollment to one off classes:
Full Time Enrollment - for students 5-14 years old. Tuition is on a
sliding scale, where each family pays based on their financial ability
(with tuition averaging at around $8,000 - $10,000 per year).
Part Time Enrollment - also for 5-14 year old students. You can opt
anywhere from 1 day a week to 4 days a week at a fixed rate of
$2,000/day for the year. Coming for partial days (e.g. mornings all
week long) is also a possibility. This might be the perfect
partnership for home and unschooling families. Space is limited for
part time students, and so, if you're interested, contact us
immediately!
After School Classes - we'll have more information on this once the
school year has started, but we're intending on holding democratically
run after school classes on varied subjects. So far we've been
considering courses from professional web design to mastering soccer!
During School Classes - also geared for home and unschooling
families, we're intending on opening up some of our regular school
hour classes and activities. If this sounds enticing, let us know so
we can add you to the mailing list!
We're moving into a beautiful seven room school space, with an
auditorium, a stage, a huge kitchen, a playground, and two parks
within walking distance in Little Falls, NJ, conveniently located near
routes 46 and 23.
If you're considering enrollment, please feel free to contact us to reserve your spot.
Posted: May 23rd, 2007
Enrollment 1st Deadline Approaching
The monthly installment payment program application paperwork (done through FACTS Tuition Management) must be in no later than June 18th for any family opting for the 10 month payment option. This means that interested families need to submit the grant and aid assessment paperwork before even that date (we encourage families to have that information in no later than June 1st). Families who miss this date but who still wish to pay in monthly installments will have to do so in 9 monthly installments or less (depending upon the submission date).
If you're considering enrolling at the Teddy McArdle Free School for next fall, you should Contact us immediately.
Posted: May 23rd, 2007
School Visit May 29th
We will be making a trip to the Upattinas School in Glenmoore, PA (about a half hour west of Philadelphia) on Tuesday May 29th. This is a wonderful opportunity for families and educators to see a democratic free school in action-- the last trip we will be making this school year. Space is limited, and so, Contact us to reserve your spot. Adults and children are welcome to attend. Car pool options may be available.
Posted: May 23rd, 2007
The next school planning meetings will be held:
Saturday, June 2nd from 10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, June 16th from 10:30am - 12:30pm
At the Caldwell Public Library (268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions). These meetings are open to the general public. All interested parents, children, volunteers, and educators are encouraged to attend.
Posted: May 23rd, 2007
Open House on Tuesday June 12th from 7pm - 9pm.
We will be holding one more open house before the summer break on Tuesday evening, June 12th from 7pm - 9pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the school space and to meet the school founders. Please Contact us if you intend on coming. The open house will be held in the school space at 139 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424 (In the Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church.)
Map | Directions
Posted: May 5th, 2007
Art Auction Fundraiser May 18th We are holding our first fundraiser, an art auction, to help support the opening of the school:
Art Auction Fundraiser
Friday May 18th, 2007, 7pm - 9pm
139 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424
(In the Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church.)
The auction will highlight work from over 25 professional and children artists from across the United States, Canada, and abroad. All proceeds go to the worthy cause of supporting the opening of our school. Admission to the art auction is only a $1 suggested donation!
Please feel free to download and distribute copies of our art auction flyer.
Map | Directions
Posted: May 5th, 2007
Our site is official! On Thursday evening, a couple members from the Teddy McArdle Free School as well as board members from the United Methodist Church brought our proposal to open a school in their space to the Little Falls town planning board. The proposal was passed unanimously, allowing us to move ahead with our school plans. This was a huge success for us! Many thanks go to the United Methodist Church, who have been extremely supportive in this process.
Posted: April 27, 2007
New Site Design! We've finally updated the website with a new design. Many thanks to Carla Khost for creating the design for us!
Posted: April 4, 2007
Please download and print out our open house flyer MS Word Format | PDF Format and hang it in public places (e.g. libraries, super markets, community centers, etc.) and give copies to your friends and relatives!
Posted: Mar. 26, 2007
Open House Enrollment Day
April 14th, 2007, 11:30am - 2:30pm
139 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424
Map |
Directions
The Teddy McArdle Free School will be holding its first open house enrollment day at the 139 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424, in the school space of the United Methodist Church, the tentative location for the school for the 2007 - 2008 school year. Parents, children, and other interested individuals are welcome to attend. The open house will include a casual tour of the school space in the church; time to meet and greet with the school founders, board members, and other potentially interested families; and a chance to enroll in the school for the 2007 - 2008 school year.
We'll be handing out a packet of enrollment documents. The school enrollment for this coming year will be capped at 35 students, and so, it is important to enroll your children as soon as possible, as we'll be working on a first come, first served basis and will then start a waiting list once we've reached capacity. We'll be enrolling children ages 5 though 14 (ultimately reaching up to 18 year olds in future years).
Posted: Mar. 14, 2007
The next school planning meetings will be held:
Saturday, March 31st from 10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, April 28th from 10:30am - 12:30pm
At the Caldwell Public Library (268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions). These meetings are open to the general public. All interested parents, children, volunteers, and educators are encouraged to attend.
Posted: Feb. 5, 2007
The next school planning meetings will be held:
Saturday, February 17th from 10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, March 3rd from 10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, March 17th from 10:30am - 12:30pm
At the Caldwell Public Library (268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions). These meetings are open to the general public. All interested parents, children, volunteers, and educators are encouraged to attend.
Posted: Feb. 5, 2007
The Teddy McArdle Free School was written up in the January 31st issue of the Montclair Times and the January 31st issue of Caldwell's weekly paper, The Progress.
Posted: Jan. 25, 2007
We've added a wiki to our school website. This will help enable us to keep track of the school's progress and will help with the collaboration of tasks. Our wiki can be found here. Please feel free to add to or edit any of the tasks presently listed there and to add yourself to a task or to create a new task.
Posted: Jan. 12, 2007
Please go to A Source of Love, a holistic healing and information community website, where the Teddy McArdle School has just be posted as Feature of the Month. Many thanks to Lisa Curtis for posting the article.
Posted: Jan. 10, 2007
Conversations About Democratic Free Schools, with Jerry Mintz and Alan Berger
Feb. 3rd 10:30am - 12:30pm, Montclair State University, University Hall, Room UN 1070 Map
Come join us for a lively conversation about the philosophy and the advantages of free schools in general, and the development of two new free schools set to open this year in Sussex and Essex Counties.
Free admission, no reservation required.
Co-sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children and the Emerson Lily Free School
Jerry Mintz has been a leading voice in the alternative school movement for over 30 years. He is the author of several books and founder of several alternative schools and organizations. Jerry was the first executive director of the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools, founded the Alternative Education Resource Organization which he continues to direct, and is the Managing Editor of its networking magazine, The Education Revolution.
Alan Berger is the Director, the Founder, and a teacher at the Brooklyn Free School in Park Slope, New York. Now with 42 students and a waiting list with 40 families on it, the Brooklyn Free School is the first democratic education school to be operating in New York City in 30 years. Alan was an assistant principal for a large NYC high school and worked in business for more than fifteen years before that.
Parking is free on Valley Road and Upper Mountain Avenue, which intersect Normal Avenue. Paid parking is available at the "Red Hawk Deck" or in metered parking spaces indicated on Montclair State University's campus map.
The IAPC will certify 1-3 hours of Professional Development Credit for New Jersey Teachers who attend.
Posted: Dec. 25, 2006
The next school planning meetings will be held:
Saturday, January 6th from 10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, January 20th from 10:30am - 12:30pm
At the Caldwell Public Library (268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions). These meetings are open to the general public. All interested parents, children, volunteers, and educators are encouraged to attend.
Posted: Dec. 21, 2006
The meeting minutes from the Dec. 2nd and Dec. 16 planning meeting are now available on the website:
Dec. 2nd MS Word Format | Plain Text Format
Dec. 16th MS Word Format | Plain Text Format
The agendas for Dec. 2nd and Dec. 16th have also been posted:
Dec. 2nd MS Word Format | Plain Text Format
Dec. 16th MS Word Format | Plain Text Format
Posted: Dec. 8, 2006
The next school planning meeting will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 11am - 1pm at the Caldwell Public Library (268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions). All interested parents, children, volunteers, and educators are encouraged to attend. This will be our last school update before the holidays and the new year.
I will be posting up the Dec. 2nd agenda and meeting minutes to the website shortly, please check back soon.
Posted: Nov. 29, 2006
Support us in a free and easy way: Download a copy of the TMcAFS flier, print it out, and hang it in your neighborhood! PDF Format | MS Word Format
Posted: Nov. 15, 2006
The next school planning meeting will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 11am - 1pm at the Caldwell Public Library (268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions). This meeting is open to the general public. All interested parents, children, volunteers, and educators are encouraged to attend. We will be following up from the November 11th meeting.
Posted: Nov. 15, 2006
The meeting minutes from the Nov. 11th planning meeting are now available on the website: MS Word Format | Plain Text Format as well as the agenda: MS Word Format | Plain Text Format Many thanks to my father, Henry P. Khost for taking the meeting minutes!
Posted: Nov. 10, 2006
We made the pages of the Star Ledger today, announcing that we'll be having our planning meetings at the Caldwell Public Library. Scroll to the bottom of the page, starting with, "Forum for parents on alternative school CALDWELL."
Posted: Nov. 5, 2006
Come and join our first school planning meeting, open to the general public.
At this first meeting, we will be discussing both the philosophy behind this type of educational alternative so that you can see if it is right for you or your child as well as the nuts and bolts of what needs to be done to get this school off the ground. Parents, children, educators, and volunteers of all ages are invited to come along and get involved.
When: Saturday, November 11th from 11am to 1pm
Where: The Caldwell Public Library Conference Room, 268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ Map | Directions
Posted: Oct. 24, 2006
The school website is finally up and running! Of course, it needs a lot more content and design help, but for now, I thought it more important simply to get the site up with some news and a way to start building a community to support the school. Please use the contact form to get on the mailing list for now and start posting any feedback or opinions in the forum.
The most important task for now is to find a group of dedicated people interested in forming a start up committee for the school. If you're interested in shaping the direction of the school and can volunteer even a little bit of spare time, please let me know! Otherwise, I will be updating this site regularly with a list of tasks that need to be accomplished to get the school going. And so, hang tight, and we'll let you know more details as we progress. I look forward to hearing from you!
