Why the name "Sunflower"?

Is it because we're located in Kansas, the "Sunflower State"? 

Well, partially. But it's so much more than that. 

1. Young sunflowers follow sunlight. This is perhaps the most well-known "fun fact" about sunflowers - they crave sunlight and can turn to get the most light throughout the day. They can't help it! We beleive children are like this with knowledge - children will follow the light of knowledge, wherever it occurs. They can't help it! Humans are always learning, and children have especially voracious appetites for knowledge. Our goal at Sunflower Learning Community is to, chiefly, get out of the way. Our children are enormously capable; all we must do is not shade the sunlight. 

2. Sunflowers are native plants. All plants and animals thrive in their natural habitat. When a sunflower is planted in the proper place, it thrives. If we plant a sunflower in Alaska or the Sahara desert, it will struggle. But in its proper location, sunflowers can do amazing things. Children are like this, too - when they are placed in a wonderful environment with rich soil, they will thrive. 

3. Sunflowers are wildflowers. Wildflowers have a reputation for being incredibly resilient. Wildflowers can pop up anywhere - in sidewalk cracks, on the side of freeways, or in a flower bed where you never planted. No matter what's in their way, wildflowers grow. We believe humans are increidbly resilient, too. They can push through any obstacle in their way.

4. Sunflowers are diverse. We typically think of sunflowers as bright yellow and towering tall above other plants (up to 30 feet tall!). Did you know sunflowers come in a variety of colors and sizes? Just like sunflowers, kids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and abilities. Every child is unique. Every child has unique talents, desires, and futures. Here at Sunflower Learning Community, we value diversity, in sunflowers and kids.