At Challenger School, we see it every day—a first grader's eyes light up when she solves a complex math problem on her own, a third grader choosing to spend extra time perfecting his essay, a middle schooler diving deep into a science project that sparked her curiosity. This inner drive to learn and excel doesn't happen by chance; it grows through the purposeful partnership between our teachers and parents.
What makes a child want to learn? Not gold stars or praise, but something deeper—what researchers call intrinsic aspiration. Think of the difference between a child practicing piano to earn screen time versus one who practices because she loves mastering challenging pieces. At Challenger, we nurture this deeper aspiration by creating environments where children discover the genuine satisfaction of learning and achievement.
In our classrooms, teachers orchestrate this discovery with precision. They know when to step back, allowing a student to wrestle with a challenging problem, and when to guide with a well-timed question. Watch a Challenger teacher work with a struggling reader. Instead of offering immediate help, she might ask, "What strategy could you use to figure out this word?" This approach does more than teach reading—it builds a child’s confidence and independence.
Parents can use the same approach at home. When a child struggles to build a block tower, resist the urge to fix it. Instead, ask what might make it stronger. When facing a difficult homework problem, rather than providing the answer, ask questions that help your child think through the solution. Engage with your children by discussing subjects they are interested in.
This partnership between school and home creates powerful results. Instead of children who ask, "Do I have to do this?" we develop students who ask, "Can I learn more about this?" Rather than students who wonder, "What's the least I need to do to get an A?" we cultivate learners who challenge themselves because they value growth and understanding.
Research confirms what we've long observed—children develop stronger intrinsic aspiration when the home emphasizes “autonomy support, involvement, and structure” (Ferber et al.). This effect is especially pronounced with children in early age groups. A child praised for grades might study to maintain that praise. But a child who discovers the satisfaction of understanding a complex concept on his own will seek out new challenges independently, which can cultivate a genuine, life-long interest in learning.
Your commitment to this approach shows in every parent-teacher conference, in every thoughtful question about supporting your child's learning, and in every decision to let your child work through challenges rather than stepping in too quickly. Together, we're not just teaching subjects—we're developing independent thinkers who understand that genuine learning brings its own rewards.
At Challenger, we're honored to partner with parents who understand this deeper vision of education. Together, we're nurturing children who don't just succeed in school but develop the inner drive and confidence to tackle life's challenges with enthusiasm and competence. That's the true measure of educational success, and that’s what makes the Challenger difference.
Hugh Gourgeon
CEO Challenger School Foundation
Ferber, K. A., Bradshaw, E. L., Noetel, M., Wong, T. Y., Ahn, J. S., Parker, P. D., & Ryan, R. M. (2024). Does the apple fall far from the tree? A meta-analysis linking parental factors to children's intrinsic and extrinsic goals. Psychological Bulletin, 150(10), 1155–1177. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000448
The American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 will take place on November 6. Challenger students in grades 6–8 who qualified during the 2023–24 academic year have been invited to participate in this year’s AMC 10.
Hosted by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and designed for students in grade 10 and below, the AMC 10 is a twenty-five question, multiple-choice examination in mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills.
Challenger has emailed registration information to parents of students who qualified. Students and parents can find more information about the competition by visiting the MAA website.
Elementary students will commemorate Veterans Day this month. Some students will have the opportunity to write to military personnel currently serving overseas. Others will read or hear first-hand accounts of veterans throughout U.S. history. The purpose of these activities is to honor the American men and women who have defended freedom around the world.
Feast Day is a Challenger tradition and an opportunity for students to enjoy traditional Thanksgiving food and celebrate the blessings of freedom and prosperity.
For grades 1–8, and some kindergartners, the lunch caterer at many of the campuses will be offering a special meal that you can order for your child and/or yourself. You will receive additional information from your campus soon. If you won’t be purchasing a Thanksgiving lunch for your child, please remember to send a lunch from home.
Our preschoolers, and some kindergartners, will learn about the first Thanksgiving and celebrate with their own in-class snack feasts (this will vary by program and campus). A notice with details will be sent home with your child soon if his or her class will be participating. Remember to still provide a lunch for your child that day. The preschool and kindergarten feasts are a large snack, but they will not be replacing lunches for the day.
Challenger School will not be in session November 27–29. We hope that your family enjoys a happy Thanksgiving!
Beginning December 2, grade 3–8 classes will hold in-class spelling bees. Class bees will feature spelling and vocabulary words students have learned or will learn in class during the year. Class finalists qualify for the campus bee, which utilizes words and vocabulary from the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Good luck to our stellar spellers!
In PowerSchool, you can view the academic performance of your first-through eighth-grade child. Every Friday evening, your child’s current averages and scores for the week will be updated.
To learn how to view your child’s performance in PowerSchool, watch this brief video. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the campus office to request a meeting with your child’s teacher.
Students are excited to present their Christmas Sings and Christmas Concerts next month. As we get closer to the performances, check our website for schedules, and watch for invitations to these festive events.
Please remember to label all outerwear clothing, water bottles, lunchboxes, and other belongings just in case items end up in the lost-and-found.
As the weather gets cooler, make sure your child is dressed appropriately in outer clothes that he or she can handle with little assistance. Please don’t send an umbrella with your child; when combined with backpacks and lunchboxes, an umbrella is difficult to manage.
We will go outside every day possible, despite any cold weather.