A Place to Belong

When our son Joannis reached the age of five, it marked the beginning of an entirely new phase of parenting as I enthusiastically embarked on the quest to find a suitable school for him to start in the fall. This significant milestone brought with it a blend of eager excitement and anxious anticipation, aware that the educational setting he entered would profoundly influence his initial experiences and passion for learning. I immersed myself in extensive online research, toured open houses, and engaged with both teachers and fellow parents to gain insight into each school's curriculum, teaching approach, and extracurricular programs. My goal was to identify a school that would not only foster Joannis’s innate curiosity but also offer a nurturing community where he could flourish socially and academically. Being an educator myself, I was mindful of the diverse teaching methodologies available and was determined to find the ideal environment suited to our lively young boy stepping out into the big world of education.

My search began with visits to the public schools in our area, attending their open houses to observe firsthand the educational and community settings. Having been part of open houses as a teacher, I knew that walking through these schools would help me truly grasp the essence of each institution’s environment. The first open house I attended was at Adams Elementary School. Upon entering, I approached the principal to introduce myself. While he did take a moment to shake my hand, his indifferent demeanor was immediately noticeable, lacking warmth or encouragement in his greeting. Matters worsened when the kindergarten teacher sharply informed me that I shouldn’t be at the open house, as it was reserved solely for parents whose children were already enrolled. This unexpected unfriendly reception was particularly disappointing on a day meant to build connections and a sense of community between families and educators. Rather than feeling invited, I left with a sense of frustration and bewilderment, questioning why such a pivotal occasion was marred by coldness and exclusion.

The following day, eager to find a better experience, I contacted the Teacher Administration Center (TAC) of Omaha Public Schools (OPS) to inquire whether the currently scheduled open houses were open to prospective parents. They confirmed that all interested families were welcome to attend, which gave me a chance to express my earlier dissatisfaction regarding the principal and kindergarten teacher at Adams Elementary. I explained the problems I had faced, and the representative listened carefully, showing sincere concern and affirming that my feedback was important for improving their services. By the end of our conversation, she even shared some valuable tips about what to expect during my upcoming visit to Benson West Elementary and how best to prepare, transforming my initially negative experience into a more optimistic step forward. This proactive assistance boosted my confidence that future visits would be more professional and enjoyable.

At the open house held at Benson West Elementary School, I received a warm greeting from an enthusiastic group of students who proudly displayed their school spirit. As I moved through the lively classrooms and corridors, I engaged in meaningful discussions with several parents who enthusiastically recounted their positive experiences and sense of community at the school. The kindergarten teacher stood out as especially approachable and supportive, providing detailed insights into the curriculum and the nurturing atmosphere she cultivates for her young students. The open house offered a wonderful opportunity to observe firsthand the school’s dynamic culture and spoke volumes about the staff’s dedication and the strong bond between families and educators there.

Worried that Joannis might be overwhelmed by the large scale and impersonal atmosphere typical of public schools, I chose to explore private elementary school options as well. From my time at Omaha South, I knew that the vast hallways and packed classrooms often make it difficult to build meaningful relationships with students, which are crucial in kindergarten. Conversely, my online investigation showed that private elementary schools typically have smaller classes and nurture a close-knit community, providing a supportive setting where individual attention is prioritized. Reading about several of these schools, I was struck by their personalized teaching methods, emphasis on character growth, and abundant chances for creative expression. As a public-school teacher, I recognize that such lessons are rarely feasible in the public-school environment. This online research not only broadened my understanding of various educational approaches but also strengthened my determination to find a school where my child would feel appreciated, supported, and encouraged to flourish.

Montessori schools in Omaha were at the forefront of my private school choices. Their philosophy of encouraging independent learning and fostering creativity deeply appealed to me. Witnessing lively classrooms filled with engaged and joyful children was truly motivating. The hands-on learning style and focus on tailored education appeared to be the perfect setting to nurture Joannis’s curiosity and self-assurance. Yet, after examining the tuition costs and paperwork at the schools I toured, I came to realize that these outstanding programs carried fees well beyond our financial means. Although Omaha’s Montessori education undoubtedly offered exceptional quality and uniqueness, the high expenses posed a significant hurdle for our budget, which led me to expand my search to other private schools that could provide a more balanced mix of quality education and affordability.

Ericka and I both grew up in Catholic families, so we were aware that Catholic schools often maintain strict doctrines that may exclude or fail to fully embrace diverse family forms. Because of this, I chose not to visit any Catholic schools during our search. The idea that Joannis and our family might feel unwelcome or judged in a place meant to nurture and support every child was upsetting. Instead, I concentrated on identifying schools that promote inclusiveness and accept all kinds of families, ensuring that Joannis would be part of a community grounded in love and acceptance. Since I couldn’t easily gauge the attitudes of private schools in the area, I reached out to several by phone to inquire whether they would welcome a student with two mothers. Thankfully, they responded frankly, allowing me to eliminate most from my list without the need for in-person visits. Following these conversations, only a few schools remained on the list.

At first, I was inclined to explore every private school remaining on my list, but I decided against pursuing those that were obviously beyond our budget. Instead, I focused on three Lutheran schools that provided more affordable tuition and reflected our values. These schools distinguished themselves through their strong academic curricula and their focus on community, faith, and character building – principles that closely matched our family’s values. By narrowing my attention to these three Lutheran institutions, my goal was to make a thoughtful, informed choice that balanced quality education with financial practicality, ultimately securing a school environment where Joannis could flourish.

Mount Calvary Elementary was the first Lutheran school I chose to visit. Approaching the historic structure, I experienced a mixture of emotions, concerned whether such a small school with tiny class sizes could truly prepare Joannis for the demands of the outside world. The school, established in 1924, exuded a sense of warmth and a tight-knit community that seemed to cultivate each child's individual strengths. Observing the small group of committed teachers, I noticed their focus extended beyond academics to include vital life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, which were traits essential for success beyond school walls. It became evident that the school’s close, personal setting promoted growth in ways that larger institutions often find challenging, providing Joannis with a solid base of both knowledge and character. While this visit eased some of my earlier doubts, I proceeded to explore the next school on my list.

My subsequent visit was to St. Marks Lutheran Elementary School, where the experience contrasted markedly with Mount Calvary. Upon arrival, the noticeably larger class sizes stood out, creating a lively, almost overwhelming environment. This more expansive setting lacked the intimacy I desired, making it seem less likely that Joannis would quickly form strong bonds with teachers and classmates. Moreover, the school’s location, surrounded by four busy city streets, projected a more urban and exposed atmosphere, which was less inviting and cozy than I wanted. Nevertheless, I recognized that the vibrant energy and diversity inherent in a larger school like St. Marks might provide exceptional opportunities for social engagement and extracurricular pursuits. Consequently, it remained a potential option for Joannis.

Finally, I had the opportunity to visit St. Paul Elementary, where I was immediately struck by the expansive playground stretching seemingly without end beneath the clear blue sky. This outdoor space provided plenty of room for children to run freely, engage in play, and discover their surroundings, all set amidst vibrant grass and shaded by towering trees, creating a welcoming and refreshing environment. Inside the building, the classes were of moderate size, striking an ideal balance that allowed for personalized attention from teachers while maintaining an energetic group atmosphere. What truly captured my attention was the warm and friendly atmosphere; both educators and pupils greeted me with open arms, fostering a strong sense of community and support that made the school feel like a second home. This visit not only showcased the school’s outstanding facilities but also highlighted its dedication to creating an inviting and dynamic learning environment for every child. I felt confident that Joannis would receive an excellent start to his education in this welcoming North Omaha church school.

Ericka and I carefully weighed our options before deciding that St. Paul Elementary was the best choice for Joannis. To confirm our decision, I reached out to the school administration to clarify key information and resolve the few remaining concerns we had. It was important to us that the school community of teachers, students, and parents alike would be welcoming toward a child with two mothers. We also wanted to make sure that Joannis would not be exposed to Bible lessons condemning homosexuality or classroom content emphasizing solely traditional family models. The principal, Mrs. Tripp, responded with a warm and reassuring message, affirming that St. Paul would provide a supportive and enriching atmosphere where Joannis could thrive academically and socially. Her encouraging reply cemented our choice as we prepared to guide Joannis through this exciting new stage.

As autumn neared, our excitement grew for Joannis’s first day of school and the path ahead. We felt confident that he was stepping into this new chapter in a nurturing environment filled with encouragement and opportunities. St. Paul was clearly more than a school; it was a community eager to support our son’s growth. Knowing that caring teachers who valued each child’s individuality would be there to guide him gave us peace of mind, easing the natural anxiety that accompanies new beginnings. Reflecting on the happy moments he would enjoy, the friendships he would form, and the inspiring lessons that would ignite his passion for learning, we felt thankful for the many options Omaha offered during our search. This milestone truly marked the start of a wonderful journey, and trusting in the school’s capable and compassionate support made the anticipation all the more meaningful.