From the Director
Thank you for your interest in Adams International School (AIS). The search for the best possible environment for a child's education can be a parent's greatest challenge. As a mother of twelve children, believe me, I understand that challenge. While exploring the possibilities for their children, parents sometimes find it difficult to articulate the exact qualities that would make a school an ideal fit for their child. Some can best describe what they hope to find as the opposite of what they experienced in their own education, or the opposite of what their child has already experienced at another institution. The essence of what they are seeking, however, can often be found in this simple statement: “We cannot make a genius. We can only give to each individual the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.”
Maria Montessori wrote these words over a century ago. Her philosophy, which is rooted in education's duty to honor, challenge and inspire each unique child, is at the heart of why I founded Adams International School. I envisioned a place where academic rigor was a natural outgrowth of a child's genuine joy and enthusiasm; where respect for the environment was lived, not just taught; and where world cultures could be experienced through art, study, and play. AIS is all that I imagined and more. Here children and their families enter into a dynamic learning community, a safe haven for exploration, discovery and expression where students have access to world-class learning materials and facilities in an idyllic, farm-like setting. I welcome the opportunity to discuss our school's philosophy and practice with you and to determine if AIS might be the place where your child's education can flourish.
In the meantime, let me offer you a few brief glimpses of the AIS campus. Just outside our classroom door, the vegetable garden is lovingly tended by two children, one explaining the specifics of decay and regrowth to the other, both utterly focused on the wonder of what is in front of them. In a sunlit corner of the classroom, a child is thoughtfully considering her mathematics work, immersed in a project of surprising difficulty and sophistication, working for the sheer pleasure of the endeavor. And crossing the footbridge, a group of four children alternate between skipping and running -- the oldest occasionally slowing his pace to let the younger ones catch up -- their voices ringing with delight as they approach the door of the school's library.
At AIS, we know that moments like these sow the seeds of lifelong learning. I invite you to visit us, to spend time observing our day, and to see education as it grows naturally, moment by moment.
Most sincerely,
Tamra Adams, Director