A Wish and a Prayer

This article relates the story of Joy Warner, founder and director of Children's Community School (CCS) in Huntersville, North Carolina. Distressed to learn that her five-year-old would have to change classes in public school, and unhappy with the uninspired teaching she witnessed in private schools, Warner decided to open her own school. A major milestone was reached when CCS achieved charter status for the 2004-2005 school year. As an alternative option to public education, CCS centers on the total development of each child. In addition to the fundamentals, students learn sewing, singing, dancing, yoga, and tai chi. Children are cultivated to be bright, sensitive, community-minded individuals, and teachers celebrate what is unique about each student.