Independent schools are often seen in one of two categories: Either they are academically rigorous, or they are nurturing. Parents decide to send their children either to a school that will help them reach their academic potential or to a school that will develop them as a people. What we are doing here at the Chinese American International School (CAIS) is bringing these two views together. We want to continue the school's tradition of being highly engaging while also leading the way regarding social and emotional learning, so our students are ready for the challenges that await them well beyond their time at CAIS.
To help our children become successful, we often need to do what seems the opposite of what we think is true. Psychologist Madeline Levine writes "Counterintuitive as it seems, the very things we're doing to secure our children's futures can end up compromising them. Pushing and over-scheduling prevent them from becoming competent adults capable of the resilience, perseverance, motivation and grit that business leaders say they'll need to compete in tomorrow's workforce. Just as importantly, it interferes with the ability to cultivate healthy relationships and to feel that life is meaningful."
I believe that independent schools are responsible for giving children the tools that they need to help their lives blossom and unfold. It is important to challenge children and assist them to meet those challenges, but not push so hard that we risk squelching their love of learning.