We have seen seismic change in our son since he started at Village East Gifted two years ago at the age of nine. He is very bright and an eager learner, but had not generally shown much imagination, was painfully shy, hesitant to try new things, and a very "in the box" rigid thinker. Under Tobi Phillip's nurturance at VEG, and with the stimulating curriculum and in the company of such intellectually vibrant companions (of various ages, an experience that school and sports do not provide), he has come to life intellectually in ways beyond our hopes. He has become much funnier, more outgoing, much more cognitively flexible, and far more ready to admit to and pursue interests outside the ever-present suburban sports culture. It has also been such a joy to see him working with VEG in the Odyssey of the Mind Competition for the past two years. He has even voluntarily missed sports practices and games - unheard-of for him! - to come to his classes with Ms. Phillips. He enjoyed working with his teammates creating, building, painting, acting, trouble-shooting and finally competing. VEG has been a priceless experience for him - and for us.
Before "A Day at VEG": I've waded through tons of literature over the past year. The majority of it is either couched in psychobabble, written by people who haven't met a child in a classroom in decades, impractical or bland beyond belief. Village East Gifted seemed one of the few sites to offer at least a promise of something new and radical, yet with feet firmly on the ground. There's a dearth of original or creative thinking in the G & T materials I've read; yours was different. Secondly, time after time in my research the successful schemes (I'll step aside from defining 'successful' for the moment) I've seen have been fired by a passionate and committed individual. I've almost come to believe that it's not the scheme but the person who makes things work. You come over as just such a person. Thirdly, I really don't know how I managed to become a member of the UK Educational Establishment. I'm basically a rebel and a maverick ( I was expelled from school at 14 for leading a hunger strike) and have got in to all sorts of trouble by not being willing to compromise if I thought children or their parents were being sold short. I thought I detected a kindred spirit! After "A Day at VEG": I'd seen a load of very good schools before I came to see you, all of which did wonders for raising the achievement of disadvantaged and others. Yet I had this nagging doubt that the primary aim of a generalist school meant that it was not releasing the most able. I think our day with you confirmed that however you manage it you give the most able their own special food and mix like with like.
I spent so many years as a student and then working as a teacher's assistant with Ms. Phillips! I can't recommend Village East Gifted enough. It's an amazingly creative, safe, and nurturing environment that allows children to think beyond the rigidly structured confines of traditional school curricula. Your child will leave VEG happier, smarter, and with a great deal of worldly knowledge!
When we came to Village East Gifted, we were very excited to know there would be an educational environment where our son could "FINALLY" thrive. As a student in the gifted kindergarten program this fall, we have been blown away with the level of education and stimulation our child has been exposed to. We know that he is being challenged and is really excited about learning once again. After a year of being extremely disappointed with a Montessori program that failed to provide an adequate balance based on his needs and abilities, we were relieved to find this program. We do understand that children need a balance of academic and social engagement. However, a vast majority of programs fail gifted children in their ability to truly meet the needs of the "whole child". They're young, however, children should never be placed in a bucket and assumed to be all the same because they share an age. Village East Gifted has validated our thoughts and over delivered on our expectations. Our son is working at a level that shows no bounds. They educate to his ability and not down, nor limit him due to an arbitrary age guideline. We highly recommend this program to parents of gifted and/or advanced children. We look forward to continuing to enrich our child through the Village East Gifted program for years to come.
Thanks you Mrs. Goldfarb & Tobi Phillips, we are forever grateful to you both.
Claudine & Charles
Our daughter has been with Ms. Phillips for nearly seven years. I have never seen another teacher with the insight and enthusiasm that Ms. P exudes. She opens new educational doors with her classes and guides each child toward achieving his or her best. Over these many years, I have watched in amazement her energy and care as she teaches the varied subjects she offers and how much the kids enjoy the learning process. Ms. P is a gem! Thank you for all you do - for the honest and true love of learning you've demonstrated and the power of example that you are. We think that you are the best and feel so very fortunate to have you in our lives!
Ms. Philips has been a wonderful influence on my son throughout his years at VEG. She sets an example that anything is possible and hard work can be fun when its taught in a caring environment. Her endless energy and creativity in the classroom sets the tone for a truly unique learning experience.Every year she continues to set the bar higher for herself and her students. It is a rare gift that she generously shares with anyone who is lucky enough to know her
Ms.Philips has been a wonderful influence on my son throughout his years at VEG. She sets an example that anything is possible and hard work can be fun when its taught in a caring environment. Her endless energy and creativity in the classroom sets the tone for a truly unique learning experience. Every year she continues to set the bar higher for herself and her students. It is a rare gift that she generously shares with anyone who is lucky enough to know her
Julian started with Mrs. Goldfarb when he was just two. This year, he is in the early learner's program for three-year olds and he is absolutely loving classes with Mrs. Goldfarb. We travel 2 hours in one direction just to get there, but it's more than worth it! He is learning, understanding, and retaining at an advanced level. Julian is thriving and I have learned so much about how to teach Julian at home. VEG is a truly unique, enriching, foundational program. We just wish is was closer to home!
My daughter has been attending VEG for the last few years. Mrs. Phillips is an extremely creative, enthusiatic teacher who makes learning fun! My daughter looks forward to each class and comes home excited to share new ideas and experiences. Her vocabulary and confidence in her writing has blossomed and is reflected in her academics. I highly recommend this program!
Finding this enrichment program for my daughter was the best thing for her education so far. She joined the program last year in September and she enjoys coming to VEG every week...always looking forward for the next class. The Curriculum, the way very advanced information is presented to them is just amazing. It's also great to know her surrounded by children who enjoy learning as much as she does.
