A school where children live their story
We inspire the mind, body and heart. We develop self-confidence and the joy of discovery.
Together we create a space where every unique voice rings out and is heard.
The first step into
the big wide world,
where I can't grab my
parents' hands.
place, rules,
people both big
and small.
fun? Will they
understand me?
What if I get
scared?
Trusting yourself and the world
Preschool is not just playing and preparing for school, but mainly the first experiences outside the family. The first community where children look for their place in the world. It matters to us that they feel accepted for who they are in this world.
pride. I'm big,
I'm starting school.
I'm learning to read,
write and count.
to know and
understand
everything.
Can I find friends?
And will the teachers
be nice to me?
The continuing joy of discovery
It is in a child's nature to explore and understand the whole world. If they start losing this, it is because of fear. Feelings of failure, mistakes, humiliation that we fear might return. All children look forward to the first grade. At our school they look forward to every grade, every day.
and beauty of
transformation.
Everything in me
is changing.
doubt everything,
I'm angry or
desperate.
I burst with
joy when I get
a great new
idea.
space with my
friends to process
it all.
experiences that
show me how life works
and how I should handle
it by myself.
Space to find myself and my direction
The journey to adulthood begins at around twelve. Adolescents' independence takes on a new intensity. They want to solve their problems and decide by themselves, to try things that make them feel like adults, capable and useful. To discover their strengths, what makes them unique and what direction to take.
I've never experienced a preschool with so much love, hugs and understanding.
Though it may seem utopian, in the entire year and a half that our Tonička has been coming to Willowtrees, we have never seen a teacher in a bad mood. It is important for us to be able to pick her up just before 5 pm. But that's not because of us, it's for Tonička, because she loves the preschool so much and doesn't want to leave any earlier. It warms my heart to see empathetic, helpful and easy-going teachers with smiles on their faces every day.
It's Sunday evening and Lucinka has opened her own travel agency. She made a catalogue, created a logo and now she's sitting with a map of Europe and learning the capital cities of countries.
Just like that, just for fun. And that is a precise depiction of the teaching method that Willowtrees is known for and that I had hoped for. I can't describe it any better than that, the Willowtrees genius loci has to be experienced.
I can't express in words the amazement at how both our children are growing and blossoming into true and strong personalities who enjoy what they're doing.
Thanks to the sensitive direction and boundless patience of the teachers, an uncertain, oversensitive first-grader has grown into a brave, self-confident, witty and still responsible and kind teenager, who is capable of giving a confident speech in front of fifty people and who can't wait for the three-week school trip to Portugal. What more could I wish for?
I know how much effort it takes to overcome the consequences of schooling where the child is far below the teacher, to grow self-confidence and learn to cooperate.
Our wish is for our Theo to be treated like an equal being in school and for him to be guided more by discovery rather than learning to listen. During our first visit we saw fourth-graders presenting their projects. The others listened and gave them sensitive feedback. Adults ofteb aren't even able to do that. I'll always picture that in my mind and I hope that this important added value, that joy from learning together, will continue to be Willowtrees' mission.
Latest news
New Montessori Playrooms
Dear parents, interested in Montessori pedagogy. Our great team from our kindergarten cordially invites you to the next run of Montessori playrooms. They are intended for children from 1,5 to 3 years and their parents. You can find detailed information in the link to the flyer above.
Portugal for the third time!
To Portugal for the third time! With a different team, but already with more experience. Permaculture farm with vegan food, Cascais and Lisbon with pastéis de nata. Surfing in Peniche. We were a little scared, but we came back more experienced, more resilient and more confident. It was a blast!
Autumn School in the Countryside
We had barely had a look around in September before we headed to the autumn school in the countryside to Stará Živohošt' near the Slapy dam. It wasn't for swimming anymore, but we enjoyed outdoor games, a day trip and a rope park nearby. We had a great time again!
Sleeping over in the Garden
Finally, it's here! After intensively redesigning and improving our garden for the last two years, we were finally able to have an outdoor sleepover. We really enjoyed it, it was another great experience!
Children's Day in Roblín
Thank you to the Roblín students who prepared a great children's day for us. Games, fun and very good food awaited us at their place. In the afternoon our parents picked us up and they could see everything for themselves and ask the students any questions. We are looking forward to the next event!