I first learned about Miquon while doing research for a paper in graduate school in Cambridge. I was intrigued by the description of a school where the adults trusted children to play independently and to learn passionately. That article traveled with me for ten years. When I moved to the Philadelphia area and discovered that…READ MORE »
I came to Miquon through the Progressive Education Lab (PEL). I graduated from Colorado College in 2016 with a BA in Studio Art, however science has also always been one of my loves. From my first day I knew Miquon was an amazing place where kids were able to be themselves. The environment is supportive,…READ MORE »
I came to Miquon in 2015 from the Oakland area, where I taught Kindergarten, first grade, and 4th grade at a small Progressive school. Professionally, I believe very much in the power of creativity and collaboration, as well as listening carefully. I am also a big proponent of the power of the student voice in…READ MORE »
I’m Cassandra Orr and I’m excited to be returning to Miquon for my first full year in the Nursery, where I’ve previously played a support role over the last 3 years. Before moving to Philadelphia and discovering Miquon, I spent time in France working with middle and high school students teaching English. Prior to my…READ MORE »
So much of my childhood was filled with writing and illustrating stapled storybooks, most of which involved weathering winter storms with my family and doing hefty chores. It was mostly fiction! I really like that every day at Miquon our learners tell stories during play and exploration built upon their identity and experiences. Their thinking…READ MORE »
I learned about Miquon from Marisa Campbell, who teaches in the Miquon Nursery, when we and our young daughters became friends. I feel so lucky to be part of the Miquon community after hearing so many wonderful things about it, and happy that I can help support the creativity and learning I see on campus…READ MORE »
Cindy has over 20 years of experience in independent education. She has been a teacher, fundraiser, human resources leader, manager, and administrator. In addition to her role as director of the Miquon Day Camp, she serves as the principal of Roxborough Christian School.READ MORE »
When I first met my husband, Josh McIlvain '82, he used to talk about an amazing little school he went to called Miquon. I had a hard time understanding how an elementary school could have such an impact on a person – until I came to Miquon myself. I am happy to have the opportunity…READ MORE »
I enjoy the intellectual challenge and growth that is possible and encouraged at Miquon, for the adults in the community as well as the children. I find almost endless reasons to read, research, and follow threads of inquiry as I develop curriculum with and for children, and many like spirits among my colleagues. It's an…READ MORE »
At Miquon, my personal emphasis has been on music as a group experience. Along with the staples of general music (singing and dancing as the first and most spontaneous response to music), instrumental skills are refined through the use of xylophones, glockenspiels, and recorders as a first ensemble exploration. The message I want to convey…READ MORE »
I believe the best way to learn how to teach and connect with children is through working with all ages. I have been at Miquon since November of 2011, and it has been wonderful to work with Miquon children for many years. I have enjoyed each moment on campus with students, other teachers, and parents.…READ MORE »
As a head of Kyle Associates, I provide many independent schools and nonprofit orgs with the business management resources to guide them in the achievement of both their stated missions and financial goals. My staff and I help Miquon manage day-to-day operations as well as the overall strategic direction, as delineated by the principal and…READ MORE »
One of my favorite things about Miquon is when our whole community comes together on Friday mornings for assembly. Each group sits with their buddy group and everyone is sincerely excited to see each other! It's a time when we will gather to sing songs, tell stories, or perform plays. Every month or so, we…READ MORE »
I first fell in love with Miquon when I attended as camper over thirty years ago. I was growing up in Cheltenham and this hidden-away treasure in the woods was a retreat from my suburban childhood. When I arrived 8 years ago to work as an in-house reading tutor, I found the campus very much…READ MORE »
I have been an Assistant Teacher at Miquon since 1995. During that time, I have taught in age groups from 1st through 6th grade (though never 3rd), and for the last 16 years, exclusively in the 5th/6th. I have several years of prior experience in Special Education with both adults and children. I have a…READ MORE »
I grew up exploring the woods surrounding Miquon and spent my summers here as a camper. As a child, I delighted in the rippling creek, tall trees and the seemingly infinite supply of delicious wineberries. My experiences nurtured a deep affection and appreciation for the natural world. After thirty years, this hasn't changed. I'm extremely…READ MORE »
I began at Miquon in October, 2014. My office is tucked away upstairs in the main office building, and I very much enjoy the distraction of being able to watch the children play from my office window. I am a proud Penn State University alum, and prior to working at Miquon, I spent 10 years…READ MORE »
Miquon brought me to Philadelphia from Los Angeles in 2013, both for my professional role and for my children. Previously, I ran the alumni program at the USC Price School of Public Policy and served as communications director for the USC Alumni Association. Originally from Boston, I am busy getting back to my east coast…READ MORE »
I believe that physical education is a vital part of the total education of an individual. Through physical education, an individual has the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Physical education allows children to develop skills for use during leisure time and lifetime sports, engage in activities that are conducive to healthful living,…READ MORE »
I have taught many subjects in my 11 years as a teacher including Upper and Middle School Social Studies, Sixth Grade Math, and Physical Education. I have also served as an Academic Dean and Assistant Head of School. I began teaching at United Friends School in 2006 and also worked as their Athletic Director, After…READ MORE »
Before coming to the east coast and to Miquon, I taught 2nd grade at Corpus Christi School in Oakland, California for eight years, and completed a vast amount of graduate work in education within the California State University system and at University of San Diego. A former Progressive school student myself, I believe in helping…READ MORE »
The first time I pulled into the driveway at Miquon, it immediately reminded me of the many camp driveways across the country that I'd come down for every summer of my childhood (and a few beyond that). It was during these summers at Girl Scout Camp I grew from an enthusiastic camper into a thoughtful…READ MORE »
What do I enjoy most about being at Miquon? Right off the bat, three things come to mind. I really like the musical scene here on campus, my Miquon colleagues are top notch, and the campus is beautiful year round. I also love teaching at the same school my child attends. Before coming to Miquon,…READ MORE »
I do lots of things. When I'm not working at Miquon, I am usually with my family, doing…well…anything! I play music and freelance as a photographer; I have produced and engineered several records; I have traveled all around the country with my awesome wife (and then with our awesome kids); I am a potter, a…READ MORE »
I bring a background in clinical social work to my approach to school-based counseling and social work. Some of the many wonderful things about social work are that it takes an approach to mental health and wellness that meets clients (adults and children!) where they are, honors their self-determination, and emphasizes the importance and value…READ MORE »
Initially I came to Miquon to enroll my children, following the closing of Oak Lane School where I was art teacher. Teaching art at Miquon is wonderful: the children, the community, and the campus all inspire so much creativity. I believe that every child is an artist, and that the world needs artists in order…READ MORE »
I am the mother of Miquon graduates Eric '98, Laura '01 and Anna '09. Staff and parents alike know me as the “go to” person for almost any question, and I manage the school database, arrange parent-teacher events, coordinate transportation, and most importantly, oversee the classroom snack program. Before coming to Miquon, I worked in…READ MORE »
When I was a senior in high school, my guidance counselor gave our graduating class one of those tests that connect interests into potential career paths. While in homeroom, one by one, my friends’ names were called to receive their results. They started to open their letters – Doctor; Lawyer; Architect; smiles grew over their…READ MORE »
MEd Elementary Education, Widener University MBA Finance, Drexel University BS Commerce and Engineering, Economics Concentration, Drexel University I joined Miquon in September 2004. Most of my years here have been spent as a group teacher in a first/second grade classroom, along with one year in a first grade classroom, and one year as an assistant…READ MORE »
I have vivid memories of the playroom my sister and I shared when we were little: our beloved kitchen set, a tiny desk, magnetic letters, a surplus of art supplies, lots of dolls, a mini piano and a typewriter I inherited to practice writing. In this sacred space I especially loved playing school. So it's…READ MORE »
I am a Swarthmore graduate, and I will be at Miquon on a full-time basis from September through February as a part of my educational studies program requirements. My work here will entail observing and working with students in Rachel and Marie's third and fourth grade group.READ MORE »
I will never forget the first time I did an Internet search for independent schools in the Philadelphia area. I was overseas at the time teaching in Thailand, beginning to think about coming back home to the United States. The Miquon School popped up and I was in awe of what I saw. As I…READ MORE »
As a child my parents often found me up in my favorite tree, reading a book. So when I saw the opportunity to join the staff at the Miquon School in a dreamy little library in the woods, at a school where children’s independence and creativity are nourished, my attention was piqued. After earning my…READ MORE »
After realizing in college that I wanted to teach, arriving in the classroom has brought a host of new joys and challenges, which keep me engaged and grateful to be a teacher. It is meaningful and touching to walk with students through this tender, exciting time in their lives. Getting to know them each individually…READ MORE »
I followed my own children to Miquon. Through their eyes I could see that this was the best place for me to follow my dreams of helping children to construct their own knowledge. Here I can enable young people to become questioning, curious, independent learners who are empowered to follow their interests and passions. I…READ MORE »
I am delighted to be back at Miquon as it is one of my favorite places in the world. I remember the freedom and joy I felt to be learning and playing at Miquon as a child. I always felt so known by all my teachers – each engaged with me distinctly, challenging me to…READ MORE »
Originally from Birmingham AL, I've adapted to life on the east coast fairly well (but I am still not quite ever ready for winter). Luckily for me, my friends from Miquon have become extended family, making life here worth the distance. I've had the pleasure of serving my beloved Mt. Airy community as the executive…READ MORE »
I will never forget the first time I ventured onto Miquon’s campus. It was a crisp Saturday afternoon in October ’82. The sugar maples were ablaze with brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. A lone turkey vulture circled overhead. The creek babbled merrily as it slid over the rocks. A chipmunk darted through a…READ MORE »
I came to Miquon to teach in the fourth grade during the 2014-15 school year, looking forward to learning alongside children who are curious and immersed in the world around them. I love the freedom that we have at Miquon to delve deeply into topics of interest and to support the growth of child as…READ MORE »