“Every child is important and what they have to say is important. We set out to make certain children feel worthy.” — Trish Leiser
Channing Day School moved to the expanded West Wing of the church in 1992. The west play yard was donated by Jerri and Jenk Jones. And, from the very beginning, the philosophy of Channing has remained the same since the early days when All Souls was first built. The school has been a developmental program for children of all faiths and flourished under the leadership of Winnie Shannor and Trish Lieser.
Trish began as a teacher in Channing before purchasing the business in 1976. She hired experienced and educated teaching staff, established a 7 to 1 ratio in her classrooms, and kept the tuition as low as possible. Her call to respect and nurture children of all faiths aligned with the call of the church—building a symbiotic relationship between Channing and All Souls. Over the decades, families found a church home by way of Channing, and Channing welcomed children that came by way of the church.
In 2015, Trish passed the torch of Channing Day School onto one of her esteemed teachers, Carol Ainsworth. Carol has continued the traditions and mission of Channing, helping to raise children from All Souls and our wider community. The teacher to student ratio has been a unique experience for children to receive focused attention and care. Under Carol’s leadership, her teachers and students have built a love for learning together.
We want to thank Carol, Trish, and all the teachers over the years, for their commitment to children and all the work they have poured into Channing Day School. Channing Day School has closed its doors and we are sad to see this amazing program go. We are thrilled for Carol moving onto the next chapter of her life and wish her and her family all the best.
If you’d like to take a small piece of Channing home with you and want to wish Carol a fond farewell, please go to the Channing Garage Sale, June 24, 25, 26 from 9 am to 2 pm. The sale will be inside Channing classrooms.
