The children bring with them a wide range of talents and learning styles, and unlike many private schools, the Children's School does not test or screen its applicants. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, although priority is given to families of CMC, and other colleges. The waiting list is long.

The resulting diversity of abilities complements the school's philosophy that learning is an experiential, individual process. "We don't have a nap time here, but if children are sleepy at any time during the day we encourage them to curl up and take a nap," Dreyer explains. "We do that even in the first and second grade classroom."

Because of its affiliation with a university consortium, the Children's School offers its young students a unique opportunity to interact with college students—an arrangement that, according to Dreyer, is beneficial for both parties involved. The older children also have regular contact with the campus through weekly play dates on the CMC lawn. The children may bring along toys or crafts "as long as they can carry them," Dreyer says, smiling.

On a recent warm morning, one boy carried a skateboard, a helmet, and protective pads, while a female classmate toted a stuffed kitty and doll dresses in a basket. But most of the children ended up foraging through grassy areas for four-leafed clovers. On these trips, CMC students help keep an eye on the children and serve lemonade and graham crackers. This year, Dreyer's student help includes Collin Tudor '05. There is an inspiring reunion behind the fact, but the crux of it is that Tudor was a student of Dreyer's back when the school was run by Scripps College. "It's so exciting to have him back after all these years," Dreyer says. Responds Tudor, "It's nice to give back to something I came from."

Tudor and other undergrads also guide children through desk-work. "We try to keep a ratio of one adult to every four children, and working with college students allows us to do that," Dreyer says. The school offers paid positions for work-study students, as well as research opportunities for students of psychology and related fields. And, of course, volunteers are always welcome.

Spending time at the Children's School also offers CMC students an invaluable educational experience. Explains Dreyer: "I realize that not all college students are going to go on to become pediatricians, or teachers, or to other occupations that involve working with young children. But most will be become parents one day—and working with children, and with others who understand, love, and respect them . . . it's a very important experience."

At the end of the day, creativity, hard work and a team effort lend to the school's undeniable success. "I am very impressed with what the children do when they leave here," Dreyer says. " They do become leaders, and become very strong students."

A calendar-making project sharpens concepts of time, numbers, and days of the week among first and second graders at the Children's School.