Learning as a "Neuro-Misfit" (it's a thing)

I’m a neuro-misfit. Growing up I never quite “fit in” with my classmates. In fact, if my parents hadn’t recognized my love for music and theatre, I would still be behind the living room couch with a book and a flashlight! I was that kid who got pushed into lockers, had candy put in her hair, was laughed at and ridiculed because I didn’t quite measure up to the “cool” standards.

As a career educator I left college teaching to create a safe haven for kids and their parents who are desperately searching for alternatives to learning. My mission is to provide a safe learning environment to any child who seeks our support program. Charis Global Village School is designed to give students the opportunities they deserve to excel in art, dance, drama and music while also focusing on the core academic subjects of language arts, math, science, and social studies. Our curricula is grounded in the philosophy of peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability with most of our courses being full integrated with the visual and performing arts.

The purpose of CGVS is to build an educational support system for 21st century kids who are just like I was; Socially awkward, above average intelligence, creative, motivated to learn and frequently bullied. For some, the bullying becomes the only focus of everyday they are in school. As one student puts it, “I just kept my head down and prayed no one punched me.”

Did you Know:

1. Children who participate in fine arts at least three to four hours a day, three days a week are 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem?

2. Children you participate in the fine arts for at least three to four hours a day, three days a week are 3 times more likely to win an award for attendance?

3. Children who participate in fine arts enrichment for at least three to four hours a day, three days a week, are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement?

4. Children who participate in fine arts for at least three to four hours a day, three days a week are 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their school?

5. Children who participate in fine arts at least three to four hours a day, three days a week are 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair?

Add to this list the facts that students who are engaged in positive, safe and supervised activities are less likely to join a gang, experiment with alcohol and drugs, engage in teen sex, or drop out of school. Charis Global Village School provides a safe place for school age students (11 years to 18 years) to explore their interests, create, take risks, learn to collaborate, engage in problem solving, and build self confidence.

Geographically, Prince George’s County, MD is home to one of the most diverse populations in the state with 65.1% Black or African America, 20% Foreign born (African, Hispanic, Latino), and 26.6% Caucasian. Of the total population 8.7% live below the poverty level. The schools are over-crowded and lack the resources to manage the myriad issues the teachers and administration face on a daily basis. Physical and cyber bullying is an increasing concern across communities in this country, and Prince George’s County is not immune. The goal of the CGVS is to simply give bullied students an affordable option

CGVS is a social enterprise committed to providing high quality arts integrated instruction to school age students in grades 6-12. Founded in 2009 by Emma Hadley, Executive Director, the Charis Center was initially created to offer visual and performing arts enrichment to students during their out of school time. In 2014 the focus shifted to include full academic curricula with an arts focus. As we enter our 5th year we offer a full slate of classes in art, dance, drama, and music and our grades 6-12 instruction is in partnership with the Global Village School International, an accredited online school. We offer both computer mediated and face-to-face instruction in all subjects, including Spanish, language arts, social studies/history/geography, science, math, and physical education/health, all integrated in the visual and performing arts.

visit our website:http:charisglobalvillageschool

email: admin@chariscenterarts.com

phone: 301-789-1027