If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, I'd tell myself this: Life is not about taking tests.

As a child, I didn't experience the joy of learning as I do now as an adult. Back then, my education revolved around preparing for exams, which drained the excitement and turned studying into a chore.

The rare moments I truly enjoyed learning were in classes where open discussions were encouraged. In several honors classes in high school, we debated literature and history, and those conversations made learning exciting. Unfortunately, I focused most of my time in school on achieving good test scores rather than exploring subjects in depth.

Now, as a parent, I see how much stress standardized testing puts on kids. Children are being tested earlier and earlier, and the goal often seems to be teaching them to pass tests rather than helping them discover their true gifts and areas where they can excel.

Today, I'm proud to be part of the Montessori program at Waterfront Academy in DC. My oldest daughter, Lucia, attends the program, and I see firsthand how differently—and effectively—children can learn. Montessori education isn't about tests or grades. Instead, it focuses on helping students master skills at their own pace.

In our classrooms, students from different age groups learn together. Some progress quickly, while others take more time, but all enjoy learning without the constant pressure of standardized tests. It's inspiring to see children develop a love for learning in an environment that nurtures their natural curiosity.

How You Can Help

At Waterfront Academy, we're committed to providing this type of stress-free, skill-focused education. However, as a small private school, we face unique challenges. Unlike public schools, we don't qualify for many federal resources because we don't follow standardized testing practices. Instead, we focus on giving our students a robust education that prepares them for success in the global economy.

That's why we're reaching out to you this Giving Tuesday. We're raising $5,000 to upgrade our school's computers—and we need your help!

Your donation will support:

• Teachers: Enable better communication with parents, provide access to professional development, and enhance curriculum creation.
• Students: Bring music production and digital art to life in our Early Adolescent Program, sparking creativity and new skills.

Together, we can invest in our children's future and create an environment where learning is a joy—not just a test.

Click here to give and learn more about Waterfront Academy:

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