A Conversation with Principal Jennifer Kendall

Jennifer Kendall, Early and Lower School Principal, joined The Grosse Pointe Academy in July 2008.  Listed below, in no particular order, are the Academy advantages that Jennifer sees from the vantage point of her years of teaching and working as an administrator in a public school setting.

1) Multi-age classroom
"Maria Montessori believed in having children learn in multi-age settings. They learn so much from one another and form friendships that they would't necessarily form in a traditional classroom setting. Just the other day I had a conversation with the mother of a kindergartener who has formed a strong friendship with a three-year-old. This mother saw tremendous value in having her daughter serve as a role model to a younger child."

2) Strength of the teachers
"We are so fortunate to have teachers here in the Early School with so many years of experience and such strong backgrounds and training in Montessori principles. In many preschool settings, the staff does not have anywhere near the educational backgrounds that our teachers do here. That is an incredible benefit to our students."

3) Beauty of the setting
"What can I say about the setting of this place? The classrooms are bright and spacious enough for the teachers and students to have plenty of room to work in, and the quality of the Montessori materials is excellent. Then of course there is the beauty of the campus... the wonderful playground, the lake. Each classroom has its own special view on campus that the students can enjoy. Everywhere you go on campus has its own unique beauty."

4) Unique offerings
"Having the children take French from age three is a tremendous advantage that the Academy has over other preschool programs. It amazes me every time I hear the children say 'Bonjour' or recite their French names. This is the right time to start foreign language, if only to develop their ear and give them that early exposure."

5) Exposure to big building
"What many parents may not realize is how soon the Early School students begin to feel comfortable in the main school building. Over their years here, they build incredible relationships with the specialists, such as Mrs. Carroll in gym class and Miss Denise in creative movement, and leave the Early School to enjoy our other fabulous facilities for music with Mrs. Chuhran and art with Mrs. Triano. This makes their transition from kindergarten to first grade that much more seamless."

6) Special Events
"We have many signature events annually including Grandparents' Day, the Book Fair and the McMillan Lecture. How wonderful an opportunity it is for grandparents to experience a morning in their grandchild's day. The students also look forward to Mom's Day in the Early School and Dad's Day ... not to mention special Auction happenings- there is always something going on!"

7) Sense of family
"From a principal's perspective and from a dual role as principal and parent, I have witnessed how quickly friendships develop here, not just for the students but for the parents. Opportunities to meet other parents, from the Back to School Picnic to the new parents' reception, make you feel a part of the Academy family from day one."

8) Parental involvement
"Parents at the Academy are involved in a very positive way. They want to give back to the school, not just for their own child, but for everybody's children - from decorating the building and making the grounds festive for the fall, to putting the Book Fair together."

To request an appointment or for further information, please fill out our Online Admissions Inquiry form or contact our Admissions Director, Molly McDermott at (313) 886-1221 ext. 146 or mmcdermott@gpacademy.org.