Curriculum and Programs
Project-based learning
The backbone of Summers-Knoll classroom work is project-based learning. Project-based learning allows a student to work authentically in ways that build academics while developing important collaborative skills. It develops a child’s sense of purpose by integrating learning with life. It encourages problem solving, risk taking, creativity and resilience. It creates space for children to learn from one another, to cultivate and extend the special talents and passions of their peers and to have confidence in their own contributions.
Monthly theme
The SK curriculum is based on monthly or bi-monthly themes, selected to offer academic opportunities across the range of disciplines. Themes are targeted towards investigation of particular subjects (art, math, science, language arts, etc.), but each theme is taught in an integrated, interdisciplinary way so that all subject areas are consistently and dynamically explored. Each theme is a platform for developing academics in the context of intellectual inquiry and community awareness.
Elementary programs change themes monthly, and middle school programs change themes bi-monthly. All students study various aspects of the theme at developmentally-appropriate levels of complexity and sophistication, generating opportunities for sharing activities across the classrooms and age groups. Students learn from students, mentor each other, share field trips, celebrations and reflections.
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