How it all began...
to four
In 1975, parents in the community of Brooke Valley were concerned about the quality of education for their children. Small one roomed local schools were being closed and children bused to township centres for public schooling. They decided to start a cooperative school making use of their varied skills, and two years later Brooke Valley School was founded. A registered private school with a consensus model, parents were involved with all aspects of the school including helping with teaching, maintenance and administration. It evolved from temporary facilities to a permanent one roomed school in a renovated century old log homestead. That school was sadly destroyed by fire a year and a half later. Out of the ashes the community rallied and built the current school that opened in 1981.
The school has seen many students and had several different teachers through out its history. In 2003 the school faced new regulation with the Walkerton crisis, when Bill 170/03 was introduced mandating water regulation and treatment. For such a small school it was a difficult achievement to install a new treatment system and regular monitoring. Again the community rallied and the school was able to run again after a year of acting as a Home School Resource centre with workshops. Since that time Brooke Valley School has grown again into an elementary school offering three or four days a week in class with one or two home school days.
In 1975, parents in the community of Brooke Valley were concerned about the quality of education for their children. Small one roomed local schools were being closed and children bused to township centres for public schooling. They decided to start a cooperative school making use of their varied skills, and two years later Brooke Valley School was founded. A registered private school with a consensus model, parents were involved with all aspects of the school including helping with teaching, maintenance and administration. It evolved from temporary facilities to a permanent one roomed school in a renovated century old log homestead. That school was sadly destroyed by fire a year and a half later. Out of the ashes the community rallied and built the current school that opened in 1981.
The school has seen many students and had several different teachers through out its history. In 2003 the school faced new regulation with the Walkerton crisis, when Bill 170/03 was introduced mandating water regulation and treatment. For such a small school it was a difficult achievement to install a new treatment system and regular monitoring. Again the community rallied and the school was able to run again after a year of acting as a Home School Resource centre with workshops. Since that time Brooke Valley School has grown again into an elementary school offering three or four days a week in class with one or two home school days.
Parents of students act as a Board of Directors and general members, managing all operations of the school including fundraising and maintaining the bond between the original community and current families. It is not out of place to see a longtime community member, or even a past teacher, helping in class today, supporting children with math, reading and all other subjects. Whether it is the Christmas play, the science fair or the end of the year show, parents whose children have long since graduated are often in the audience, committed to the continued support of this unique educational vision.
Like any organization, Brooke Valley School has evolved over the years and will continue to grow to meet the needs of our local community.
Like any organization, Brooke Valley School has evolved over the years and will continue to grow to meet the needs of our local community.