By Leslie Merchant
If you are lucky enough to live in South Puget Sound, then you probably already know a thing or two about Serendipity. It is a chance happening upon a pleasant surprise with a valuable outcome. Serendipity Academy in Tumwater is one of those best-kept little secrets that has been hiding in plain sight since 2000. Academy families are gifting their children an exceptional education that is tailor made to fit their child rather than one designed for the masses.
Pivotal Timing
For parent and Capital Business Machine sales representative, Casey Lowe, it was pure Serendipity that led him and his fourth grade son through Serendipity’s doors. Lowe explains, “Getting up for school was a real chore. Carson wasn’t digging it. This is one of those pivotal times with kids where you need to do something.” With the school year rapidly progressing, Lowe was anxious to figure out how to help his son but he just didn’t know what to do.
Luck or Fate?
Serendipity came in the form of a 15-year professional relationship turned personal when Lowe was on a call at the private school with Capital Business Machines. Lowe explains, “Lynnette McCarty, Serendipity’s owner, needed a copier and she likes to do business locally knowing that she will get better service and response.” She invited Lowe and Carson to come check it out and attend some classes. After a few visits Carson was hooked and chose to enroll at Serendipity.
Ancient Chinese Wisdom
The thing that sets Serendipity apart from other schools has a lot to do with an old Chinese Proverb, “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” Serendipity takes the time to figure out what each child wants and what topics that interest the student. From there the federally mandated Common Core Curriculum is individually tailored to the student. “Carson has learned more in the last two months than he has in the last two years. He is excited about school and engaged in the learning process (rather than just going through the motions),” exclaims Lowe. Serendipity aligns itself with the Olympia and Tumwater school districts and uses multiple resources to create the perfect education recipe for each of its students.
Move It or Lose It
McCarty explains another big component of Serendipity’s unique program. “We have a strong element of physical education and a strong ability for our kids to get up and move in general. In brain research, children don’t move enough in public schools. Where we differ is that we move more, and we give these kids opportunities to learn in the way that they learn best.” It is not unusual to find students sitting on balls at their desks, climbing stairs or participating in outdoor excursions during the course of the day to stay focused and engaged.
Growing Education
In 2011, Serendipity’s program for preschool and kindergarten at the Valley Athletic Club (VAC) was busting at the seams and McCarty began looking to the future. She and her husband bought the historical location known as “The Lodge” and expanded the organization with a private education option for kindergarten through sixth grade. McCarty explains that, “With interest from parents, we started adding in first grade, in addition to kindergarten. Today Serendipity offers an accredited education program from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school presents a welcome change for families looking to provide their children with experiential learning through hands-on opportunities at school and in the community.”
The Right Choice
Lowe admits he was skeptical of the private school environment at first. “I was educated in the public school system and so were my brothers. However, it’s one thing to get the grade, but it’s truly different to actually learn. That’s what I see with Carson. He comes home and talks to me about what he is learning.” The fact that Carson gets up on his own, does his work on his own, and is interested in going to school each day confirms that Serendipity is the right choice for the Lowe family.
Opportunities Abound
With its unique location and partnership with Valley Athletic Club, Serendipity is able to cater to the needs and hopes of its 50-plus students and their families. Among the many amenities available is before and after school care for families with busy schedules. The school sits at 52% capacity, after just 1.5 years. Serendipity Academy is well on its way to realizing its own dream.
Summer Camp and 2014-2015 school year enrollment has already begun. More information can be found by calling (360) 515-5457 or by visiting their website.
Serendipity Academy
4833 Tumwater Valley Drive SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
