Mit Kindern Leben - Verein zur Unterstützung einer privaten Schule

„Schule im Pfeifferhof – Knallerbse“ is a non-profit alternative school initiated by parents for their children. The school was established by the association “Mit Kindern leben” in 1993. A team of eight teachers is responsible for the education of 75 children. The school works according to reform pedagogical principles (Montessori, Piaget), that means that our points of reference in teaching are the needs and wishes of children. The learning methods are based on “practical” work and on projects. One of the principles of our school is “learning by doing”. We try to prepare surroundings for our children which enable them to make their own experiences, where they can do both, acquire cultural techniques and develop social competences. They also learn to handle rules and borders in a democratic way. Usually our children stay for nine years until they have finished their compulsary education. It is part of our philosophy to practice an intercultural exchange. This is why we take part in several activities with schools and organizations in foreign countries. The school is financed by the parents themselves mainly; that is to say that they pay for the tuition of their children monthly and they also organize diverse fund-raising events. In addition to that we are supported by occasional modest public funds.