Near West Intergenerational School

The Intergenerational School connects, creates and guides a multigenerational community of lifelong learners and spirited citizens. It serves student K-8 with an innovative development approach that includes real life experiences and community relationships. The Intergenerativity Project was a month long collaboration between the Intergenerational School community-board members, mentors, students, teachers and students, as well as the Story of Bright Theater Art Company. Using the Story Bridge process, multiple stories were collected from our community members ages 6-90 and were brought to life in an interactive place that featured a promenade of vignettes(with our own students, parents, and volunteers as actors) and a community of dance for all participants. The Intergenerational Schools are also recipients of a nation generation-especially seniors and youth-bring about positive, lasting changes in their communities. Each multi-age classroom(spanning 3-4 years of age and varied abilities), creates a dynamic and individualized learning environment where everyone can both a teacher and a learner. Progressing at their own place, students move fluidly through developmental stages based on mastery (no social promotion). Students regularly interact with diverse adults and elders who participate as mentors, tutors, and co-learners. Community partnerships are key and every class adopts a long-term residents fir regular visits and activities.