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Interdisciplinary Study
During their "Monarch Project," Kindergarteners observe, record, and then dramatize the metamorphic cycle of the Monarch caterpillars that live in the milkweed along Park’s stream.
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Deeper Understanding
Our Second Year Kindergarteners continually gather concrete information about their world. They're given ample space and time to manipulate objects and materials, and use all of their senses to explore, test, and experiment.
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100-Acre Classroom
Students' investigations of their world take them out of Park's buildings and into the natural environment. The campus, a 100-acre hands-on classroom, features gardens, a pond, a thriving tributary, and woodland ecosystems.
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Habits of Mind
Students at Park employ habits of mind central to scientific and mathematical thinking. They work through progressions of problems designed to prompt development of these habits and are fueled by their discoveries.
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A Diversity of Ideas
To fully understand a complex time in history, third graders learn the points of view of Colonial Settlers, Native Americans, and Early Africans through extensive research — including building shelters modeled after those of Eastern Woodland Indians.
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Experiential Learning
By learning how to mummify garden-variety cucumbers, Park fourth graders delve into Egyptian history and culture as they apply an ancient process.
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Authentic Research
The fifth grade theme curriculum focuses on the acquisition of social and cultural understanding of the medieval world through authentic research and the application of multiple disciplines, including engineering.
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We're Not Afraid to Get our Hands Dirty
Sixth graders study the interdependence among organisms in the aquatic communities living in the marsh region on their annual trip to Chincoteague Island.
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Challenge
Appalachian Challenge is Park’s nationally-recognized outdoor education program that is constructed, maintained, and led by students. Middle Schoolers take Challenge as a P.E. requirement, and many become Challenge Leaders.
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Mens Sana In
Mens Sana In
Corpore Sano
Park's motto, A Sound Mind in a Sound Body, manifests itself throughout the Middle School curriculum. The eighth grade physical education program is an elective-based curriculum that allows students to explore their varied interests – including canoeing.
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Accomplished Faculty
For 100 years, our faculty and our students have been our greatest resources. Current Park teachers have, on average, over 20 years of teaching experience. 75% hold advanced degrees.
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Inspired Electives
Park's Upper School curriculum provides opportunities for advanced study in every discipline. Elective courses allow students to follow their curiosity, explore topics in depth, and pursue rigorous investigation.
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Collaboration
Through our varsity, junior varsity, and freshman/sophomore teams in the Upper School, Park emphasizes a balanced approach valuing teamwork, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit.
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Culminating Activities
Emphasis on choice and responsibility for one's own learning is in full evidence throughout students' final year. Senior Studio, pictured here, allows for advanced refinement of technique and integration of skills developed in earlier arts classes.
