SPECIAL FEATURE
For younger students, in the Pets
theme (grades K-1), hands-on learning
includes activities such as visiting local pet
shelters and interacting with animals to
learn about animal care, habitats and the
responsibilities of pet ownership. They also
apply math and science by measuring food
portions or creating habitat models for
different types of pets.
"Hands-on learning is more than just
an educational tool at Pear Tree School—
it's part of how we instill critical life
skills," Romani says. "Our students develop
creativity, resilience, collaboration and a
passion for problem-solving, preparing them
for becoming innovators and conscientious
global citizens."
SOUTHRIDGE
In its Senior School, Southridge incorporates
experiential approaches through the Harkness
philosophy, which fosters discussion-based,
student-led learning. In the Junior School,
inquiry-based, experiential learning
is delivered through the International
Baccalaureate Program.
"At Southridge, service and service
learning are defining parts of every student's
experience, from K-12," says Renée Lepp,
director of enrollment management.
"Service learning allows students to develop
analytical critical thinking skills, research
skills and effective communication skills
both in advocating for others and reflecting
on their own experiences."
The Senior School Educational Program
(SSEP) is a future thinking framework
that is used to inform, guide, and provide
opportunities for our students to develop
across a variety of educational areas. It
incorporates the academic program, the
co-curricular program (including athletics),
the service learning program, the arts
program, outdoor education, and character
development.
"Beginning in grade 3, all students
engage in outdoor learning experiences that
become progressively more challenging and
longer in duration as they advance through
the grades," Lepp says. "Whether through
I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L S
Southridge
