Local Business Spotlight: The Unquowa School

This Patch article is sponsored by The Unquowa School.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Jessica Costa, Director of Enrollment of The Unquowa School.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Jessica Costa: At The Unquowa School, our mission is to “develop, educate and prepare our family of children with an unafraid spirit to achieve their personal best in a changing world.” We are a PreK–8 independent school in Fairfield, Connecticut, dedicated exclusively to the transformative years of childhood and early adolescence. Through a holistic, child-centered approach, our experienced educators create meaningful learning experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence, creativity, and character. Unquowa’s distinctive focus on PreK–8 education allows students to grow in a close-knit community where they are deeply known, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?
Jessica Costa: Since 1917

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Jessica Costa: Since our founding in 1917, we have been inspired by the joy, wonder, and discovery that make indelible impressions on children specifically during the PK-8 years. Our mission of cultivating confident, well-rounded, lifelong learners unafraid to reach for their personal best has also inspired us to expertly design a learning environment to capture the amazing opportunities for life-shaping growth that happens during this crucial time.

We see every moment whether inside or outside the classroom as a valuable chance for students to experiment, create, learn about their world, and begin to identify their own emerging talents and strengths. We bring academics vividly to life at all levels by interconnecting subjects, embracing ideas, igniting critical thought, and building the meaningful relationships between teachers and learners that deepen every experience.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Jessica Costa: Our task here – whether children arrived at PreK or have just joined us this year – is to help them to acquire the dispositions and habits of mind that will, YES, get them into the high school of their choice, and that will, YES, get them into the right fit for college but more importantly that will lead to their eventually being adults who are personally happy, professionally satisfied, and ethical.” —Sharon Lauer, Head of School

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Jessica Costa: Students eventually leave Unquowa,
but Unquowa never leaves them. Our alumni share a special connection to the school, and to each other. Discovering together, learning together, and growing side by side builds priceless, enduring friendships, and our graduates will always be welcome, cherished members of our community. We’re proud to hear that many of our students feel lucky to have come here, but we’re even more proud to watch them go unafraid in to the world.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Jessica Costa: Unquowa also offers a rare balance of academic rigor and joyful learning. Students are challenged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and engage deeply with their education through experiential, interdisciplinary learning. The result is a warm, inclusive community where children are known as individuals and graduate exceptionally prepared for high school and beyond — not only academically, but as thoughtful, capable, and self-assured young people.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?
Jessica Costa: To learn more about The Unquowa School, visit our website at unquowa.org where you can explore our academic programs and admissions process. We invite you to follow us on social media for the latest news and events:

• Facebook: facebook.com/theunquowaschool
• Instagram: instagram.com/unquowaschool
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/unquowavideos