How can you instill the love of learning in your children so it sticks? Even after they reach puberty?

I remember being told that kids love to learn and enjoy learning until they reach the age of 7 or 8 -- then, they become more interested in social activities and lose that innate desire to learn that they were born with. Determined to prove that old wives' tale wrong, I reinvented education for my girls.

I started Merit Academy, a small private school, and developed the curriculum. By starting with preschool and continuing to 12th grade, I made sure that my girls would have a solid academic foundation so they could go off to the best colleges (they are at Stanford University and Claremont McKenna College). The reading or literature program tied into their history studies, which ultimately became the focus of our annual 10-day adventure abroad. The girls, and the other students, loved learning in their small classes and by the end of the school year, they were primed to explore the world. We traveled to Chitzen Itza (Mayan Ruins), England (literary tour), Germany's Romantic Road (medieval civilizations), Japan (genealogy), and more.

Our students didn't fall into the pattern of losing interest in learning, classes, or reading like so many other children. I attribute it to excellent teachers who are passionate about their subjects and a solid curriculum that is both demanding and fascinating. Merit students start businesses in 6th - 8th grades and they participate in professional internships from 9th -12th grades. All high school students do projects that land them on the front page of their local newspapers and in the best colleges. You need to be your child's advocate and make sure they're getting enough stimulation in class! Need guidance? Check out Merit Educational Consultants' Online Advisory!