Our older son started school in a two-room (four grades to a room) school in Vermont. The teacher was superb! He got as much, or more, from hearing the lessons given to the older grades as he did during the time the teacher could spend with his group. He was inspired to read many books that would have been considered beyond his age level. Then, to my great dismay, the wonderful, creative, energetic, lovable teacher turned seventy and was forced, by some stupid law, to retire. Her replacement was a total disaster. Hadn't read a book or had an original idea in forty years. A real dud.

When our second son was starting school, we realized that he would be stuck with the dud for those critical early years of his education. He attended the school for one year, learning nothing other than to hate it. We gave up, sold our home and moved away.

There are arguments for both sides of the one-room debate, but the secret of a successful education, it seems to me, lies with the abilities and the concern of the individual offering it.

Hey, Kath and Kat -- I've been to Marble, too. Gathered pieces of the pure white slabs from the edges of the creek.

Sandy