Progressive education stems from the idea that children learn best by doing. Stevenson offers children a quality education within a compassionate and creative environment and is committed to providing a balanced education that teaches to the whole child, incorporating the intellectual, creative, social, physical, and emotional growth of our students. This includes three essential ingredients:
Integrated Learning
Stevenson teachers utilize hands-on, small-group, project-based learning and instruction to encourage exploration and guided discovery. While built on the Common Core and State standards, material is presented based on a child's readiness. The compelling benefits of this alternative approach are supported by the latest research. Programs in garden, cooking, and art (through the award-winning Arts Focus program) are closely aligned with learning outcomes and enrich the learning environment across grade levels.
Supplemental Curriculum
Focused on teaching the whole child, teaching methods equally address both social emotional and academic needs. Through the Responsive Classroom approach implemented by teachers, students have regular morning meetings, classroom agreements, and time for exploration. Parents and teachers work together to implement ImPACT monthly socio-emotional curriculum themes that address the themes of the books throughout each month with classroom lessons, recess activities, student-led assemblies, and family discussions. Monthly cooking lessons and gardening lessons are also an important part of the additional curriculum for Stevenson students.
Collaborative Community
One of the most powerful results of our teachers, students, and parents investing in our mission and vision and collaborating across the school is that it creates a positive, caring environment for each child. A sense of community is naturally established in each classroom as teachers, parents and children regularly work together. Parents engage through volunteering, participating in parent education, and supporting activities of the Stevenson Foundation. Stevenson is proud to be a community of learners where parents and teachers continue to explore and strive to understand the school's dynamic teaching methodologies.