Mission & History
We Value:
Fifty Years of Joy, Innovation, and Mastery
Dr. Elaine de Beauport presenting to group of parents at The Mead School
The initial vision for The Mead School came from Dr. Elaine de Beauport, Ed.D. In the late 1960s she was performing research into brain function and processes, as well as teaching at Rosemary Hall, these experiences that inspired her to create a new and better kind of educational environment.
Dr. de Beauport observed that while she had the brightest students in her classes, most were very passive learners, lacking a real connection or passion for what they were learning. She believed they needed a much more experiential environment to inspire them and to engage their curiosity so that they would become active learners.
A visionary at the intersection of brain function and education, Dr. de Beauport identified what she described as ten different 'intelligences' — some mental, some emotional and some behavioral. Her research went on to prove that children were driven to learn and would thrive in a learning environment that tapped into their individual curiosities and passions.
Dr. de Beauport put her research into practice by founding The Mead School with Otis Maxfield, a Senior Minister at the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, CT. Dr. de Beauport and Mr. Maxfield shared a dream of starting a school dedicated to life-long learning, and The Mead School opened its doors in 1969 for students attending kindergarten through fourth grade. In 1970, nursery, pre-K, and fifth grade were added, with sixth grade added in 1971. By 1980 Mead added the seventh and eighth grades, and in 1986, again on the forefront of understanding the import of quality early childhood experiences, Mead opened the Early Learning Center, as well as an after school program.
A pioneer in progressive education, Elaine de Beauport was interviewed on the Today Show in 1978 and spoke about The Mead School's unique approach to learning.
In 2019, Mead celebrated 50 years of educating the whole child, and honoring the importance of creative thinking to all endeavors. We remain committed to the values we have always held - to put the student at the center of their educational experience, and to nurture our students in pursuing a deeper mastery with creativity, curiosity, collaboration, courage, caring, and centeredness.
More on Mead History as Featured in Stamford Advocate
"The Henson family brought the fundamentals of "Sesame Street" to their local community by performing at school fairs and helping found The Mead School for Human Development, Inc, which opened in 1969 in Greenwich. The revolutionary school emphasized that the study of the humanities was just as important as subjects like math and writing, and it also stressed that each student learns in a different capacity..."
We are delighted to be mentioned in a Stamford Advocate article that features the Henson family and their ties to Connecticut, their innovation in film, television, and puppetry, as well as their passion for a deeper exploration of education.
Jim and Jane Henson were founding parents of The Mead School. Jane was an assistant art teacher, and all five Henson children attended Mead. The Jane Henson Foundation continues to support the school to this day. The Greenwich Historical Society reached out to Mead for assistance with their 2017 exhibit, "Jim and Jane Henson: Creative Work, Creative Play". Mead was honored to be included in this exhibit, which showcased the Hensons’ personal and professional lives.
