Our Ethos
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:
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day! We celebrate with song, appreciation, art, composting, waste reduction and more!
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?
Happy Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom
Today marks the first time in our nation’s history that we celebrate this important day together, officially, as a nation.
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.
When Students are Enthralled: Project-Based Learning at Springwell
At Springwell, to fascinate and enthrall is our intention when we give wide open space for student interests to drive their learning.
Math in Mixed-Age Classrooms at Springwell
How exactly do you teach math in a mixed-age classroom? Can one teacher support multiple levels of learning in one setting? The answer is yes, absolutely! Learn more about mixed-level learning here.
Earth Day, Every Day
Springwell happily celebrates Earth Day every day! Learn about Springwell’s Gardening, Cooking and Compost programs. 2021 Spring Programs are partially supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.