We moved our family from Chicago in 2013 in search of three things: sunshine, safety and schools. Local public schools seemed like the land of unicorns and lollipops compared to Chicago schools, so we figured we would finally achieve harmony and engagement for our struggling-to-fit-in-the-traditional-school-box son, George. We were wrong. George reached the middle of fourth grade with a dimming flame, stomach aches and a general feeling of “I’m not good at school.” We found ourselves at a seminar at Mack and our worldview changed. Although we hadn’t budgeted for independent school tuition, and the idea of changing schools again wasn’t received well by George, his posture changed 100% after his shadow day. “These are my people” was his telling feedback. Mack GETS George, supports his learning style, shines the light on his talents and inspires + engages him on every level. George LOVES school now.

Focusing on George’s gifts instead of his challenges has made all the difference. Last week we were casually chatting about life, friends and the future. An hour later, George’s head buried in his D&D Monster Manual, and outta almost nowhere he casually remarks “You know, Mackintosh totally changed my life.” I know, George, I know…

Mackintosh Academy works both to grow the lives of young learners and to train and serve teachers. While working here, I have received hundreds of hours of professional development training in a variety of disciplines, ranging from local trainings on giftedness to a week-long visit to the Center for Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb, Maine. With the addition of intern teachers in classrooms, Mackintosh gives back to the profession by training graduate-level teachers right here at our school. Teaching at Mackintosh has opened doors for me as an educator by providing lifelong learning opportunities, which would not be afforded to me and my colleagues without the support of Mack families. I am proud to give to Mackintosh because this school has given me so much in return! 

Since the first day I walked onto our campus, Mack has felt like my home. Over the years, I have been given both the freedom and the structural support to develop my craft as an educator. I have grown tremendously both professionally and personally thanks to the people we have brought together here. Our community of faculty, parents and children is nothing short of inspiring and I am so honored to be a part of Mack!

JJ found mine in a pile of resumes. Having been to the same graduate school, the very progressive Bank Street College of Education, he immediately reached out and recruited me from New York City to teach 5th grade at Mackintosh. We were planning a move to Colorado and the security of a known community helped the move feel less stressful. I was told that living in a beautiful place like Boulder works on you day by day, and it does. When I see kids bounding from class to class, and playing soccer with the Flatirons as a backdrop, it makes me grateful for the special community I have found. Recently Mack took a risk on me personally. I wanted to shift from a teacher to a role supporting teachers, and Mackintosh created a position for me as the Technology Coordinator. And boy was it timely. With the addition of Mackbot, and the increasing demand for technology in the classroom, my new role was very busy and rewarding!

We’ve saw our son’s confidence grow tremendously through middle school. His grades were better than they’ve ever been, he loved to free write, and he’s not afraid to speak up when he sees social injustices occur. We’ve were proud of his ability to find his voice, to advocate for himself and others. He’s also stepped out of his comfort zone and has had a greater willingness to take risks and try new things.

As a teacher at Mack, I get to know each and every one of my students. The Mack family has very strong bonds, and we grow together as a community of learners. Learning a second language involves different aspects of the kids’ personality, as well as different parts of their brains. In Spanish we learn grammar, we have fun with games, we celebrate Dia de los muertos, we go to restaurants on field trips, we go outside to play with the vocabulary and we learn about other cultures, opening our minds to the world. I love Mack, because I have become the teacher I wanted to have as a girl, when everything was brand new and I needed someone to open the world for me.

When I was in elementary school, I was identified as a gifted student. That meant I was pulled-out to an advanced math and reading group several times a week. While this was more interesting and challenging than what was happening in my homeroom class, it only met part of my needs. Other things that were not as easily identified, like my heightened emotional awareness, intense sensitivities, and loyal friendships were not addressed or understood. I thought being gifted was synonymous with being smart. It was not until I pursued education as a career that I learned otherwise.

Just as I felt like I didn’t quite fit with most of my classmates, I have felt the same as a teacher at many different schools in the past seven years of my teaching career. Now, I finally feel like I’ve found a home at Mack, created by amazing staff, students, and families that I can relate to and understand.

I feel so grateful to be teaching students that remind me so much of myself and are yet still incredibly unique. I envy their opportunity to attend a school like Mackintosh that fuels their pursuit of knowledge, but also values their social emotional selves. Being surrounded by others who are as empathetic and passionate as you are is truly unique and empowering; I want our school to continue to be a haven for our current students and future students who need a school like Mackintosh to thrive.

When we first came to Mack we were considering a midyear switch for our older son whose enthusiasm for school was quickly waning at the neighborhood elementary. About halfway through the tour, my husband and I looked at each other and said, “Our youngest has gotta go here too!” Our boys are so different, in personality, how they learn, the strengths they bring to the classroom, etc. But we knew Mackintosh could be amazing for them both, for different reasons. Mack derives such richness from its diversity of learners and the teachers manage to respect and applaud the uniqueness in each one. Our boys are happy and thriving and recently declared they prefer school days to weekends!