Our Ethos

Ashley Palacios (Springwell) Ashley Palacios (Springwell)

Upper Elementary Update: We're About to Gain a Republic, if We Can Keep It! 

We get asked a lot, “What is inquiry-based learning, anyway?” Well, it’s all about sparking curiosity, encouraging deep questions, and letting students discover answers through exploration and creativity.

Check out how our Upper Elementary class spent the last few weeks diving into their inquiry-based unit on early colonial times and the American Revolution. From hands-on history projects to creative reenactments, they’ve been bringing the past to life in the most engaging ways! Here are updates from Ms. Ileana:

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Adventures in Learning: A Peek into Lower Elementary

At Springwell, learning is all about curiosity, creativity, and, of course, a lot of fun! Our Lower Elementary students dive into hands-on activities, imaginative play, and projects that make their brains buzz. Here’s a peek at what our young learners have been up to lately.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

My Kid’s a Genius

Every parent believes their child is special and has unique talent — and it’s true! Every child is born a genius, full of potential and creativity. But, does their school honor and nurture this genius? Or is your child being pushed to conform?

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Out-performing within perfectly controlled environments is not our aim

As founder of Springwell, I deeply contemplate — on a daily basis — what students (and humans) need in order to thrive, not just in the future, but right now, in this very moment.

In my early youth, I was an excellent student, an identity that led me to Harvard Law. I learned to out-perform within controlled environments.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Is our moral arch actually bending toward justice?

Dr. King said that the “arc of the moral universe is long but bends toward justice.” I often wonder, is that true?

Are we actually bending toward justice? When I have doubt, though, I look closely at the Springwell community. I see peace, I see belonging, I see love.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

How Curriculum Emerges: Egyptology

Curiosity peaked from a Pharoah Halloween costume leads to weeks of Egyptology study in our Upper Elementary classroom. With emergent curriculum, our teachers observe the students and skillfully weave the student interests together with science, cultural studies, language arts and math curriculum.

Interested in a Springwell education full of fascination and engagement for your child? Apply today.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

We Celebrate our Unicorns

To be a Springwell Teacher, well, you must be a unicorn! The teacher that is attuned to the Springwell Way is quite a unique person that walks in this world indeed.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! We celebrate with song, appreciation, art, composting, waste reduction and more!

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

The Sound of Glass Shattering

At Springwell, we celebrate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her confirmation makes more space for all of our students to become themselves, authentically and heroically, no matter where they come from and no matter where their paths and efforts may take them.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Middle School Loser

How can we help our middle schoolers navigate this awful and awesome time of growth, change, and development in more empowering ways?

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Happy Pride Month! Spotlight on Springwell Mom: Rachael Rose-Stern

Rachael Rose-Stern has been a champion for LGBTQ people since she was old enough to teach workshops on heterosexism in middle school. Luckily, she went to an independent school based on diversity and social justice and spent her formative years immersed in concepts that would fuel her career — much like what she hopes to give her daughter Delaney (and later twins Ruby and Saige) at Springwell.

Read More
Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Runt of the Litter: a chance to lead

In a mixed-aged classroom, you are never always the youngest or oldest. Mixed-aged classrooms give students the opportunity to hold a diversity of roles throughout their school experience.

Read More