Stories

Unlike many of my colleagues who dreamed of being teachers from the time they played school at a young age, I came to it as an adult. There were many reasons for my being drawn to the field, but perhaps the strongest was simple: I loved learning. Teaching offered the perfect platform to keep reading, writing, and researching, and to share those pursuits with others. And once I found myself in a classroom full of middle school students, I realized something more profound: some of the most powerful moments of learning happen when we are growing together, teacher and student side by side. 

At Charlotte Prep, this idea is woven into our philosophy of education, which states that “learning is a reciprocal process, whereby students, teachers, and families all play active roles. Each person brings unique perspectives, talents, and experiences to the learning community, fostering a culture of shared inquiry and exploration.” In other words, learning isn’t just a one-way street; it is strengthened by exchange, curiosity, and dialogue – whether between students and teachers, or between school and home.

Parents are an essential part of this circle of learning. Just as we encourage students to be lifelong learners, we invite parents to embrace learning—not only alongside their children, but also about childhood stages and the evolving world they are growing up in. Parenting, like teaching, is a practice that continually evolves, benefiting from both reflection and shared wisdom. 

This belief inspired our PA-sponsoredPrepped Parents Speaker Series, a forum for learning from experts and one another. This year, we are especially excited to feature nationally recognized voices guiding parents through the complexities of raising children today. Our first of six virtual sessions will be with psychologist Lisa Damour, author of Untangled and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, offering research-based insight on supporting children through the ups and downs of growing up. In October, we’ll hear from social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of the international best-selling The Anxious Generation, who explores how technology and cultural shifts are shaping childhood and what families can do in response. 

Lisa Damour — School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success
September 25, 2025
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern time
Online (Register here)

The six-part virtual series will be complemented by our in-person event on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with author Devorah Heitner, whose work focuses on raising children in a digital age.

These opportunities reflect our commitment to learning together and to modeling the curiosity that makes education a lifelong pursuit. We encourage parents to look forward to these sessions and the many more opportunities for shared growth throughout the school year.