Chance School

4200 Lime Kiln Lane
Louisville, KY 40222

Chance School Photo #1 - Virginia Chance School is a Progressive Preschool-Elementary in a historic stone schoolhouse on 26 magical acres. A challenging, progressive program that engages students in a hands-on, collaborative environment using outdoor integration, focused on building self-motivation, growth mindset, decision making, community building, and critical thinking skills.

Louisville's premier early entry Elementary program starting at 2 years old.

Chance School provides two lead teachers in every classroom that guide children through a dynamic, progressive education program for both Elementary and Preschool age children, with integrated social-emotional, and outdoor learning for all students.

Inside our bright, busy classrooms and outside in our magical wooded setting, students learn through hands-on discovery and master group project work.

It`s an ideal place for children to develop a lifelong love of learning and connections. A captivating childhood awaits, where you start matters.

Quick Stats (2021-22)

School Type: Alternative School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
Students: 251 students
Yearly Tuition: $18,010
Average class size: 14 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling

Top Rankings

Chance School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for:

School Overview

School Type

Alternative School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association for the Education of Young Children
Other school association(s)
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-5

Year Founded

1958

Student Body

Total Students

251 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

20%

State avg.: 11%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

28 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

9:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

85%

Average Class Size

14 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Link to Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual
(Play Clothes Encouraged)

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$18,010

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Preschool ranges from approx $5000-$12000 depending on amount of days per week and length of day. Elementary tuition is $18,010 per year.

% on Financial Aid

15%

Admissions Director

Jamie Paradis

Sports

Total Sports Offered

3 sports

Sports

Archery, Basketball, Cross Country

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

9 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:
Computer Coding, Green Team, Outdoor Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Outside the Box, Chorus, Private Piano

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery, Clay, Yoga

School Notes

Curriculum Framework:
Learning Through Discovery
It is through discovery that learning comes to life. At Chance, we know that children are naturally curious and motivated by their desire to make sense of their world. When their curiosity is encouraged in school, children become eager learners. Our approach to education fosters creativity, problem-solving, skill-building and a lifetime love of learning. Chance students learn by doing and it`s an exciting journey of discovery.
Problem-solving
Lessons often start with questions, which challenge everyone to think, seek answers and build knowledge. By guiding students to arrive at their own solutions in social situations as well as academic ones we help children learn to solve problems and set the stage for personal and academic success. Children are encouraged and empowered to think through their decisions and actions, whether they are organizing a school report or handling a problem with a friend. Self-esteem blossoms when they realize how capable they are. Strategic thinking is a lifelong critical skill and an important part of our whole-child development philosophy.
Developing the Whole Child
The strengthening of social, emotional, moral and physical development is every bit as important as cognitive development, so Chance lessons go far beyond the three Rs. When children see themselves as competent learners and contributing members within a school setting, they develop the confidence to meet high expectations in behavior and academic performance. This combination enhances academic and personal achievements as challenges become greater. As a result, Chance students develop leadership skills and thinking strategies that enable them to become excellent decision-makers in all areas of life.
Responsibility & Freedom
When students have a voice and influence in their day, they develop discipline, responsibility, initiative, self-directed and resiliency. Having choices at school requires a unique kind of structure. Together, students and teachers start each year defining routines and rules at school to establish a structure that is predictable and reliable. This method develops a sense of community and security, creating a culture of optimal learning. The structure allows children the responsibility and the freedom to actively pursue knowledge.
Respect
As school personnel work with children, they model respect in all encounters. An environment of dignity and respect enhances social, emotional and moral development. An atmosphere of respect begins with self-discovery as children work together, share ideas and learn from one another. It encourages a "problem-solving attitude," which values the ideas of students as a variety of solutions are weighed to decide which one may work best. It strengthens communication skills a crucial part of learning. It results in emotional maturity to interact with others with fairness and kindness. Chance graduates often are recognized for their positive contributions, their openness to reach out to others, and for the respect they routinely show for teachers and fellow students.
Values
It is our mission at Chance to develop the self-esteem of young children, which is vital to positive attitudes about learning and living together in a democratic society. Chance provides a supportive environment of mutual respect and encouragement, where all learners are empowered to become active participants in their own learning.We value childhood as a magical and crucial stage of life. Each child will advance through definable, though not rigid, stages of development in his or her own way and time. We guide children through age-appropriate milestones, challenge them when they are ready to advance, and provide extra support as needed.
Discipline
We rely on positive discipline. Children are guided with dignity and respect. Our goal is to help them gain understanding from their experiences so they can make better choices in the future. Chance teachers guide children to take ownership of a problem and to focus on solutions. As children grow developmentally and gain experience, they become empowered to solve issues and become responsible, self-disciplined students. Elementary students help make classroom rules and have weekly class meetings with agendas they have determined. They offer compliments to one another, express any grievances and look for solutions as a group. Positive guidance helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their actions.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As a learning environment that fosters socially responsible citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers, Virginia Chance School is an inclusive community with a welcoming spirit. We seek to embrace and celebrate each person`s individuality, and recognize the full spectrum of cultural traditions and life experiences in our community. We invite each other to understand and value multiple perspectives, to identify and reject stereotypes and biases, and to work for equity and peace within the school and beyond. The diversity we affirm includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or ability. We uphold this commitment by being welcoming to all our families; by enriching our student body, staff and board with members from varied backgrounds; and by learning with our children how to become compassionate citizens of our world. Through these efforts to engage across differences, we connect in our shared humanity and prepare our children for a lifetime of meaningful, peaceful relationships at home and in the world
How We Teach
Learning cannot be separated from experience. Chance students learn by doing. Core curriculum serves as the foundation, and your child`s interests and natural curiosity enhance the classroom experience. From animals to seasons to other cultures - Chance students select and study themes that build on real-life experiences. Their studies crisscross from social studies and science into math and art. You won`t find desks in rows at Chance, but you will find children actively engaged as they collaborate on group projects or select learning centers for hands-on exploration. We provide experiences that promote: pride in one`s accomplishments, the desire to be an active participant, the belief that one is capable, the discipline to try and try again, the confidence to take risks as a learner and the attitude that learning is an exciting journey. Students` abilities, interests, thoughts, and curiosity feed the curriculum. They have routine, expectations and a lot of accountability and they have choices. At Chance School, we believe the goals of education are broad. We want to help children become literate, self-disciplined and socially responsible individuals who are resilient and healthy in body, mind and spirit; therefore, teaching to the whole child cognitively, socially, emotionally, morally and physically is our goal.