Where individual choice drives the experience of learning
Progressive education places students at the center of the educational experience, where they are encouraged to pursue their interests and exercise their natural curiosity. In this way, children become active learners, as teachers guide them to discover the pleasures and rewards of education and develop into adults for whom learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Experiential learning is a process by which students learn through a cycle of direct experience, reflection, analysis, and experimentation. It encourages deep learning, inspires personal growth, and promotes active citizenship.
Teaching the whole child means knowing and nurturing individual children and designing learning opportunities that honor and develop their full identities so they can thrive now as children and grow into happy and fulfilled adults.
Inquiry based education incorporates student questions, fosters curiosity, and fuels the desire to keep learning. It’s based on the belief that asking good questions leads to success and happiness more than having all the answers.
Educating for democracy equips students with the mindset and skills to increase their self-awareness and understanding of complex issues, with the goal of taking responsible action in their communities.
by Sia Haralampus, Beginning School Kindergarten Teacher
From a young age, children are capable of thinking critically and deeply about their world. Developmentally, their primary task is to figure out the patterns of the world, to gather information, and to make connections.
by David Ellenberg, 8th Grade History Teacher
Educating for democracy is at the heart of much social studies teaching, and it’s where I start with 8th graders in the fall of each year. Regardless of previous topics they’ve confronted, pieces of history they've learned and forgotten, or the political leanings of their families, all young people need to understand their rights, and to consider the responsibilities of citizenship.
Read Moreby Aline Garcia-Rubio '93, Head of Upper School
In teaching through inquiry, teachers recognize our students’ desire to engage in a life of rich thinking and applied understanding. They thus design and refine courses that aim to build skills and knowledge while inspiring students’ curiosity and enjoyment of learning.
by Bob Sauer, Upper School Science Teacher
There is great joy and satisfaction in creatively solving problems, gaining insight into the way the world works, and figuring out how to fully integrate oneself into its marvelous machinery. I model and foster this attitude and behavior for students in the classroom when I can, but it really comes in to play beyond the confines of the campus.
by Ken DuBois, Editor
Athletic pursuits at Catlin Gabel are encouraged as part of the whole child approach to education, and students embrace the opportunity: Over 80% of Middle School students and close to 70% of Upper School students participate on Catlin Gabel teams. They like to compete, and they play to win.