Overview

The Mulberry School offers half day classes for 3 and 4-year-olds, a full-day pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and multi-age (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade combined) education.

Mulberry School's academic program provides children with the opportunity to learn in an environment that values curiosity and natural development. At Mulberry School, we do indeed "nurture the innate love of learning" by continuing to teach children how, as opposed to what, to learn.

Our low student to teacher ratio allows us to facilitate learning on an individual and fluid basis.

About Mulberry School:

• Mulberry School is the oldest independent school in Bloomington-Normal.
• Mulberry School is a parent-cooperative academic institute with a child-centered teaching model.
• Mulberry School has one of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios (12:1) in Bloomington-Normal. All classes are run in a school setting with a definite schedule as opposed to a day care setting.
• Parents and teachers work in tandem to ensure the school's successful operation. For that reason, each Mulberry family is required to volunteer 50 mandatory parent hours a year.
• Parents participate directly in their child's/children's education by contributing their time and talent.
• Mulberry School has all certified teachers with many years of teaching experience.
• All Mulberry School teachers encourage children to make choices that lead to independence, sense of responsibility, and self confidence.
• Mulberry school's motto is: Teach children how to learn as opposed to what to learn.
• Mulberry School follows Illinois State Standards as guidelines for curriculum development. Learn more about Illinois State Standards at www.isbe.stat.il.us
• Mulberry School has monthly parent meetings to keep parents informed about their children's academic curriculum, as well as other pertinent information relating to the operation of the school.

A Brief History:

The Mulberry School, formerly the New School, was founded in 1971 by a group of parents and students who were interested in establishing an alternative school which would offer an individualized, open program modeled after the British Infant School concept.   Mulberry School has endured over thirty-five years of social change and has, without interruption, provided meaningful child-centered education to a diverse student body of three through nine-year-olds.  The longevity of Mulberry School is a tribute to the dedicated teachers and parents who actively participate in the school's functions. Despite the many obstacles that our school has encountered, the ever-present needs and successes of the children have taken precedence.

Important Dates in Mulberry's History:

1971 Founded as the Bloomington-Normal New School by a group of parents hoping to form an independent school of their own. The school was originally housed in a church basement in Bloomington-Normal.

1974 The school moved into a two-story house at 320 East Mulberry Street. Enrolled were numerous children ranging in age from five years old to eight years old. The 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. school offered a Kindergarten class on the first floor and a Multi-age class on the second floor.

1979 A four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten class was added. The space crunch was beginning.

1992 The basement was renovated into a multi-purpose room to provide additional indoor recreational and fine arts space.

1994 Due to record enrollments, the basement was converted into rooms for the Kindergarten class allowing a second story of the building to house the multi-age class and computer lab.

1998 Much needed storage space was created out of the last available space for renovation – the attic. Every inch of available space in the building was being utilized.

1999 Classes remained full and children were being placed on waiting lists.

2000 The school relocated to its current location at the former ISSCS (Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Children's Home) cafeteria building in North Normal.

2004 A full enrollment enjoys a wonderful facility with excellent programs and wonderful teachers.