When we moved out of Portland into the suburbs, we had a plan for commuting to Summa Academy, which was the absolute best school for Will that we could find in the area. But when he went to Sandhill, we had to decide whether it was the best school for Lucy.

This is part of our 100 Things in 2016 challenge. Here’s the full list.

It turns out that two miles from our new house is an absolutely amazing school. It’s called the Gardner School of Arts & Sciences, and it’s just perfect for her.

Here’s what the first day of school looked like, as well as some scenes from her classroom. The guy reading to them is the head of school. She wrote out some goals for her first semester in the first couple of weeks, and they’re so good.

The school also has an outstanding art program. Art isn’t just a class (although they have it as a class at least once a week), it’s infused into almost everything they do.

They also go on lots of field trips. They went to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center where they got a private tour. They had such a great time that they went past schedule, and didn’t arrive back home until an hour after school normally lets out.

And the performances. In November they put on a concert with patriotism as a theme, and did a fantastic job. In December they hold what’s called a “culminating event,” where every classroom puts on a play that they write, direct, and perform themselves. Lucy’s class had been studying the Lewis and Clark expedition all year, so their play was a reenactment of many of the more dramatic scenes.

We’re now convinced that this is the best possible school for Lucy. She’s always been one to bloom wherever she’s planted, but here she’s positively thriving. She’s able to stretch herself, she can really apply her brightness in satisfying ways, and she’s making great friends. Super happy with this place.