Founder's Statement
Virginia Chance
Founder of Chance School
1908 - 2001

Each child is accepted, respected and valued as a unique individual. The wonder and complexity of the uniqueness of the individual and the relevance of self-esteem, behavior and moral integrity is woven into the ages and stages of growth and development. Each child has his or her own individual natural, changing developmental sequences and moral development. Self-esteem is vital to developing positive habits and attitudes about learning and living together and is developed by caring, nurturing adults as it emerges in an active and creative environment. Moral values penetrate all activities. Teachers guide children to accept limits, to be responsible for their actions, to make moral decisions as their conscience develops while they are guided by an inner voice and are aware they can make a difference.

Childhood is a continuing process, not a product, and the framework for adulthood in the early years of life. Habits of the mind, attitudes and skills develop through social interaction with peers and active experiences that extend knowledge and build a foundation for understanding, communicating and thinking before formal education.

Learning is creative and inseparable from experience. Knowledgeable, thinking teachers provide opportunities for learning by presenting an integrated curriculum that embraces the arts, environment, community events, seasonal changes and traditional events. Punishment is disassociated with discipline. Teachers respect and listen to children’s needs, ideas and encourage the child to understand and make moral decisions.

Chance School is a school where children, regardless of race, color or creed can learn to play together and share their rich cultural heritages and discover that each have the same desires, dreams, fears and hopes for the future and find joy in learning.

Photo of Virginia Chance by John Nation