10 Questions With Karen Giuffre From Voyagers' Community School

Karen Giuffre is the founding director of Voyagers’ Community School, a K-12 institution nestled in the suburb of Eatontown. She spent 18 months composing the philosophical basis that guides Voyagers’ day-to-day operations. The school, which Giuffre founded in 2004, teaches all the academic subjects you’d expect — the difference is in the school’s approach.

Giuffre shares her story with Patch, from the early beginnings of her career as an educator to Voyagers’ role in the surrounding community.

Patch: What is the Karen Giuffre story? How did you get into education?

Giuffre: My role as a teacher began early in life when, as a teenager, I taught dance classes and led a patrol, and then a division, in scouting. After college, I taught fifth, sixth and eighth-grade social studies in a public school in Massachusetts. Doing so was challenging and thrilling. I might still be there had I not been part of a downsize due to a tax proposition.

I moved on to study exercise physiology and became a director of a fitness centers and of several YMCA/YWCA recreation departments. Despite the increasingly demanding administrative responsibilities, I always taught fitness and relaxation and trained fitness and summer camp staff. To this day, I find my greatest pleasure while at school in the classroom, where I teach high school humanities classes that are conducted much life college seminar classes with research, discussion, debate and learning occurring around a large conference table.

Patch: What’s your favorite Voyagers’ event?

Giuffre: Over the years, we have hosted informational programs, conferences, seminars and professional development series. This year, we introduced expos, each focused on innovation in science, technology, engineering, art and math and open to all ages. The first theme was tinkering, innovating and making things. Exhibitors included the Tesla Science Foundation, Bloxels Company, Investor Savings and Thrive Veterinary Wellness Center.

The second, on June 3, with a “living green” theme, will bring together exhibitors, presenters and visitors, with a focus on healthy living, holistic healing, organic solutions, culinary arts, farming and gardening, veterinary wellness and environmental care — just to mention a few. These events extend our impact on thinking and innovating throughout Monmouth County with 350 or more attendees.

Patch: An educator is always learning. If you could recommend three books, what would they be?

Giuffre: “The Butter Battle Book” by Dr Seuss, “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,” by David Wroblewski and, a current selection, “The Circle” by Dave Eggers.

Each poignantly reflects back to the reader a time in history with a focus on human nature and surrounding culture. They compel readers to ask questions of themselves and of the people and systems that surround them.

Patch: What was the best advice you’ve ever received from one of your teachers?

Giuffre: I recall my high school history teacher, Mr Fonti, taught me to live life with a smile, to try and try again and to look beyond the words on a page or the people in front of me for what is underlying. He taught me that there are layers in life, and the more interesting challenges and opportunities to learn are under the surface. He also was pretty liberal with hall passes. I clapped a lot of chalkboard eraser in the school yard to get some air and space.

Patch: How is Voyagers’ involved in its community?

Giuffre: Of course, our school is a community of children, parents, grand parents, educators and administrators. Because of our open doors, we reach into Monmouth County with programs and events. Over the years, we have worked with the Food Bank of Monmouth County, the residents of Sea Brook Village, Clean Ocean Action, Eatontown clean-up events, Action for Darfur, She Writes Love On Her Arm and so much more.

Most recently, we created the Innovator Scholarship, a four-year, tuition-free opportunity for five high-achieving, academically disciplined — yet free-thinking — students from Red Bank, Asbury Park, Eatontown, Freehold Boro and Long Branch, who deserve to experience a private, progressive education that they might not have otherwise considered.

Patch: What three questions should parents ask while searching for a reputable school for their child?

Giuffre: “Is Voyagers' Community School a good choice for my child?”

Voyagers’ is a school choice for parents who want their children to be excited about school and about learning. Voyagers’ parents develop confidence in a system that’s different from how they were taught. We don’t give grades in our preschool through eighth-grade classes. Also, we don’t give tests or standardized assessments that compare one student’s progress to that of another. Instead, we provide a comprehensive narrative three times each year and maintain a personal digital portfolio for each student. Using these tools, teachers address all academic areas as well as a child’s social, emotional and intellectual development.

“Why rely on an emergent, hands-on, projects based curriculum?”

Children learn more deeply when they are asking the questions and engaging in their designed explorations in our hands-on, project-based environment. Children explore ideas and surroundings and manipulate and experiment with tools and materials. They ask questions, follow their imagination, puzzle over their findings, express their understandings and come to a deeper knowledge. In our upper school, grades 6-12, students dig deeply into all subject matter, work closely with teachers, mentors and professionals in various fields and pursue learning with a can-do, will-do attitude. This attitude ushers them into college as early as their sophomore year in high school at Voyagers’. We provide all students with a carefully crafted environment, attentive guidance and an abundance of authentic tools to accomplish deep and meaningful learning.

“How can I afford Voyagers’ Community School?”

Rather than financial aid, Voyagers’ offers indexed tuition. We are committed to making our school accessible and affordable to families from a broad range of economic circumstances. Therefore, we have instituted indexed tuition. This tuition approach enables each family to receive an enrollment contract and tuition rate based on their individual financial situation. Families who participate in the Indexed Tuition Program will benefit with fair and equitable tuition rates. While we expect all families to contribute to the cost of our school, we also expect that the majority of Voyagers’ families will benefit from participating in this Indexed Tuition Program, which will bridge a gap that often seems too wide. If financial concerns are the barrier to admission, we encourage you to apply for Indexed Tuition.

Want to learn more about Voyagers’ Community School? Patch readers can reach out by phone at (732) 842-1660 as well via email at Director@voyagerscommunityschool.org. Learn more about Voyagers’ Community School on the school’s website.

Photo credit: Voyagers’ Community School