Employment

by Cynthia Calhoun | Aug 26, 2018

…first things you’ll notice about working here is how close-knit and kind our community really is. Rainbow Seven Domains™ We use the Rainbow Seven Domains™ as the foundation for our…

Rainbow Community School Best School

by Cynthia Calhoun | Dec 12, 2019

…holistic models of child development for whole child learning. Rainbow is recognized nationally as a leader in contemplative and mindfulness education. Scroll down to find out why Rainbow Community School…

Testimonials

by kellie | Jan 21, 2010

Testimonials of Rainbow Mountain
Children’s School and Omega Program

While many private schools seek the advanced placement of their students, Rainbow Mountain does not make this a primary objective of learning. Rather, we stress the development of a well-rounded individual who is creative, self-expressive and who embraces learning as a life-long adventure. Nevertheless, RMCS students often do find themselves ahead. Our students tend to master critical thinking and research skills much earlier than their public school peers, making for smooth and successful transitions to public and private high schools.

RMCS students generally score well on state tests, and it is common for graduates to achieve advanced placement in high school. Recent graduates have been accepted to the Governor’s School, North Carolina School for the Arts, and North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

Of course, our students do well after high school too, distinguishing themselves in diverse areas. Many go on to college, receive scholarships, start their own businesses, volunteer close to home and overseas, and generally follow their dreams with a strong sense of self and purpose.

My name is Makenzie, and I am an eighteen-year old alumni of RMCS. I have just started my first year of college at Warren Wilson in Swannanoa. I am incredibly grateful to have attended Rainbow from kindergarten to graduation from eighth grade. The farther that I get from Rainbow, the more I realize how it has shaped me. Every time that I take a look at who I am and why, I end up at my experience there. Here is an excerpt about RMCS that I wrote in my college application essay:

“It isn’t the fun that I had everyday at Rainbow, or even the people I met there, that made me who I am today. It was the gift of a truly passionate love of learning that Rainbow gave to me. There, excellence was expected not just during final exams, but also in all areas of life. At Rainbow, class was engaged. When we learned about the structure of plants in science class, we took a walk through the neighborhood, and actually studied leaves and flowers (no field-trip form required). At Rainbow, an opportunity to learn was an opportunity to have fun. I know — because Rainbow taught me so — that to live is to learn. Life is not restricted to desks in a classroom and education is not restricted to state-mandated agendas.”

Rainbow has given me the tools to cope with so many things in my life in a way that gives them meaning. It has fostered my care for the environment, my exploration of spirituality, and my loving relationships. I always loved the idea of the students being a part of creating a holistic community that works together to keep the campus and one another healthy, and I truly missed that when I went to public high school. I have always loved school and done well in it, I think because Rainbow gave me an excitement about learning. But by the time that I graduated from high school, I was very ready to be back at a place where my education was my responsibility. I wanted the freedom back, both as a trusted individual on campus, and as a learner. I chose Warren Wilson College because it has many of the characteristics that I miss about Rainbow. I hope that current students of RMCS will remember it the way that I do—a beautiful place to grow up.

Makenzie P., Omega Graduate 2007

My girls are getting ready to start their fifth years at RMCS. It’s been amazing to watch them flourish in the RMCS environment, where their voices matter and their contributions count. As a parent, I love how their different learning styles are understood and nurtured.

Anne S., RMCS Omega parent

My son Will and I have embraced the “whole learning experience” at RMCS for a variety of reasons. We have enjoyed getting to know like-minded families in a holistic educational setting. The teachers try very hard to foster a creative approach to learning and make curriculum fun and interesting. Students are encouraged to think “outside of the box” and are given room to explore their inherent personalities. RMCS promotes  authentic and unique qualities within each child and welcomes parental involvement. As a parent in these ever-changing times, I feel assured that my child is giving and receiving a well-rounded, spiritual dose of life’s lessons, both academically and socially. School celebrations are created with style, authenticity and a lot of fun!

Trish, 4th grade parent

Rainbow Mountain has provided a wonderful environment for our daughter Grace. Her preschool experience has been filled with so many positives. She’s been nurtured by her teachers and other staff members, she’s growing into a person who can express her feelings constructively and feel listened to and respected; and she’s learned so much about treating others with integrity and honor. I am amazed at the unity of her class, and attribute so much of that to the philosophy of Rainbow, and the application of those teachings to her everyday life. The centering activities and yoga have provided a calm place for her, and the study of our planet as a global village has provided a context for unity and connectedness.

Geni, preschool parent

I have two boys at Rainbow Mountain Children’s School in preschool and kindergarten. I feel that RMCS is an extention of my parenting, offering me a supportive atmosphere and offering my children a consistent, positive environment to explore their interests and develop their skills. This school reflects the values we are working on at home such as expressing feelings in a respectful way, conflict resolution, independent thinking, a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation for nature. I’ve heard parents say that at RMCS “We want to teach children how to think, before we teach them what to think.” That quote sums it up for me!

Pamela, preschool and kindergarten parent

We love Rainbow Mountain because of the way its teachers truly see and get to know and bring out the strengths of the WHOLE child. They teach us, as parents, to do the same. Each of our two very different children has blossomed at RMCS and has become an eager learner. The depth of exploration of topics and the independence my children have developed have been profound. The inclusion of ritual has been very important to our children, and they frequently use it at home. They honor the sacred, and they honor the earth they respect other inhabitants of the earth as a consequence. The RMCS community has become our family’s community in a very deep and real sense.

Donna, 1st and 2nd grade parent

At RMCS, my children are appreciated for who they are and encouraged in their development toward a deeper understanding of who they are.

Instead of the teacher imposing a “one-size-fits-all” structure, the RMCS educational approach supports the unique individual talents and challenges of each child. The respectful approach to my children, as human beings of infinite potential, fosters their natural curiosity, their creativity, their joy in discovery of the world around them, which leads to excellent and meaningful academic accomplishments.

I appreciate the inspiring, dedicated, “above and beyond” teachers at RMCS. I appreciate that my children are treated with respect and are expected to treat others with respect. I appreciate the emphasis on collaboration in the RMCS curriculum so different from our society’s emphasis on competition.

Claudia, kindergarten and 3rd grade parent

RMCS has been a wonderful experience for our family. Our daughter enrolled as a shy, clingy 3 year old and emerged from her first year in preschool a confident, enthusiastic, more independent and social child. In fact, after a few short weeks, she begged us to send her five days a week instead of the three we signed her up for.

As a rising third grader, she continues to amaze us with her passion for learning, respect for herself and others, and ability to peacefully work out any conflicts with her peers.

At 8, she is mindful, grateful, creative, and happy. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of her many teachers and the support of the Rainbow community as a whole.

Jacqui and Alec, 3rd grade parents

Admissions

by Renee Owen | Dec 30, 2009

Admissions   The admissions process at Rainbow Request a tour Application Forms We teach the whole child using The Rainbow Seven Domains™ Model that enhances all aspect of scholarship and…