Greenwich Citizen
"Waterside's Dream Comes True, Graduates First Class"

ByJoan Lownds
June 23, 2000

Inspired by Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, Chip Kruger decided to start a school. Kruger, a 53-year-old Greenwich businessman, wanted to "level the playing field so that children, regardless of income level, had a good and fair start in life," he said.

Last Tuesday, the porduct of his vision, Stamford's Waterside School, celebrated its first graduation at St. Clement of Rome Church next door to the school's grounds.

"It was magical to see the impossible dream come true," said Executive Director Duncan Edwards, 53, also of Greenwich, educator and former headmaster of Brunswick School for 15 years. "Our graduating fifth graders are heading off to some of the area's finest preparatory schools, such as Brunswick, Greenwich Academy and the Stanwich School on scholarships.

The school opened its doors the day after Sept. 11, 2001, "a bright beginning after a dark day," Edwards said. With "a handful of teachers," the school offered a rigorous academic program to 25, K-5 minority students in the area.

"We hoped to find a way for children from less privileged backgrounds to not just compete, but to dream as boldly as our children can," added Edwards. "It is a challenging place, but a loving place."

Kruger, who is affiliated with Five Mile Capital, an alternative investment fund in Stamford, believes that children should also learn "to give back to their community. Every child, no matter what age, is encouraged to show initiative in concrete ways by doing what needs to be done without being asked at school, at home or even in the larger community."

Parents pay tuition based on what they can afford, and many students receive scholarships from individuals, corporations and foundations. "We have received such generous support in Greenwich, from people who believe deeply in the concept and in the simple fairness of it all. " Edwards said.

Admission to the school is based on demonstrated financial need, signs of academic promise and diligence in the student, and, most importantly, a family's commitment to their children's education," according to Edwards.

Waterside School has expanded to include nearly 100 students and 25 teachers at its home on 535 Fairfiled Ave., Edwards noted. Along with the rigorous academic curriculum, enrichment activities have ranged from dancing with the American Ballet Theatre to skating with the Yale Hockey team.

Edwards would like to see the school grow to include more students, especially at the pre-K level, where early intervention is critical, he said. "Much more can be done to bridge the acheiviment gap, and we plan to do it. " Edwards maintained.

Donations may be sent Waterside School, 535 Fairfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06902