Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiona Marron.
Hi Fiona, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I fell in love with America on my first trip in 1997, I’m originally from London and have lived and worked all over the globe. I’m asked the question a lot: “How did you end up in Texas?” our work has taken us far and wide. As a couple, we’ve relocated on average every 12 months since we moved to the US. But, finding Fairview, we knew it was our forever home. Opening the school was more kismet, than a plan.
Our family has a long history with this location, it has been an alternative school for 40 years. We found it when we were looking for something “different” when our son was four. We specifically moved to Fairview all those years ago, for this school. Little did we know that one day, it would be ours. Opening the school was a total gamble. We knew something like this was greatly needed, but neither my husband nor I had any experience in this specific business. Looking back, I believe that was an advantage for us.
We created the school that we always wanted for our son. Acres of outdoor space, play-based learning, and a blend of the most holistic philosophies: Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and project-based learning. There is something truly magical about this place. I am forever grateful that our journey has brought us here. It has been a life-changing and humbling experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
We bought the property in December 2019 and embarked on a complete remodel. Little did we know that a few short weeks later the entire world would come to a standstill with COVID-19. We watched impassively as a school after school closed around us, some of which had been in business for decades. We just kept pushing forward and by some miracle, it worked out.
Again, I think we have something unique to offer, and that’s what saved us. Other nightmares included but were not limited to owning and operating a school during a worldwide pandemic, with no previous experience in this industry. The country was divided on mask-wearing. Half of the families for the first year were terrified of COVID. They were looking for a school that had hours of outdoor time and small groups of children.
The other half of our enrollees, were afraid of their children missing out on the social aspect of school and the perils of online learning. They wanted business as usual without the masks. As you can imagine, it has been a lot to navigate. We stayed the course by being flexible, for example, we built outdoor classroom spaces, incorporating water misting systems to counteract the Texas heat. Cedarsong Way curriculum was incorporated to enhance outdoor learning.
We’ve been impressed with Nature School Of Fairview, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nature School Of Fairview is an accredited private school serving Pre-k to Elementary age children. This is a secular educational facility with a focus on Nature, child-led learning, and happiness. We are known for our unrivaled outdoor facilities and unique learning philosophy. The School specializes in holistic education, we know that one size does not fit all and teach accordingly.
The Nature School team members bring an abundance of skills and experiences that helps the School to continuously evolve its teaching philosophy. The fact is that 21% of US adults are illiterate and 54% have literacy below the 6th-grade level. The conventional education system does not meet the needs of all of our children. We offer an alternative.
Among other aspects, we do not support testing, we promote critical thinking and problem-solving, and teach social and emotional intelligence. We are proud to be a part of a movement that provides children with an opportunity to reach their full potential socially, emotionally, and academically whilst remaining mindful of each child’s unique needs. Our main priority is our children’s happiness. Unhappy children do not learn.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Dallas is an amazing place with plenty of variety for any taste. Buildup density is my least favorite part about how fast Dallas is growing. When we first arrived the place felt spacious, vast green areas are now built up. However, this is the price of progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
natureschooloffairview.com - Instagram: http://instagram.
com/natureschooloffairview - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/pages/category/ Private-School/Nature-School- Fairview-111351247140995/
Image Credits
Kyle Blackwell
