The Critical Role of a Solid Academic Foundation
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Optimizing learning and growing new skills to set the foundation for the future; an interview with past family Michael Douvadjian and Lynne Brainerd GP ‘21.
It has long been established in research that early childhood education is more than preparation for primary school. Here at CHS, we aim to holistically develop a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
Having bid farewell to our CHS graduates who have continued on to their secondary schools, we want to take a moment and reflect on the importance of early childhood education by sharing some words of wisdom from former CHS grandparent and Trustee Michael Douvadjian.
Michael Douvadjian and his wife Lynne, the grandparents of Jayson Brainerd ‘21, now enrolled at The Rivers School, started their journey at CHS nearly a decade ago in 2016 and remain supporters of CHS today. They believe in the power of strong academic roots, noting that a solid foundation is essential for broad success not merely in higher education but also in personal and professional pursuits.
“Whether it’s through academic skills, self-advocacy, trying new things, or learning to interact positively and productively with others, students at CHS find strength in who they are, a skill that past students and graduates can call on throughout the rest of their lives," said Douvadjian.
Michael was thrilled to share that Jayson, now in tenth grade, still maintains wonderful friendships with three of his CHS classmates. Michael was reminded that Jayson also remains friends with his first and second-grade buddies, which leads to another great benefit of early education—building deep and lasting relationships. Michael shared, “CHS allows children the opportunity to explore their inherent potential while cultivating that potential in a safe environment that nurtures it.”
“When children are comfortable in their developmental surroundings, they can optimize their individual learning style and become better life citizens.”
Michael continued, “The CHS community is an ideal start for young learners. I believe the heart of education is in what you are taught. Focused learning is the best way to develop academic and social intelligence.”
Michael and Lynne remain active members of our extraordinary extended community of committed past families, former faculty members, neighbors, and alumni who are fierce advocates of what we do and who we are here at CHS. If your family has moved on from CHS, please know that you have had a long-lasting impact on the CHS community, and we hope that you will stay connected to CHS for years to come.