Alternative Education

Who Goes?
Where Do They Go?
What Do They Do?
How Do They Do It?

Grades Nursery - Kindergarten:

• Learning group rules
• Sharing
• Developing independence
• Working together
• Group problem solving
• In the Classroom and In Assemblies

Grade 1:

• All of the above
• Developing respect and empathy
• Distinguishing between tattling and getting help
• Circle time and class meetings
• Social Studies and Science Study of Central Park

Grade 2:

• All of the Above
• Developing respect
• Independent problem solving
• Extending sense of one’s community

Grade 3:

• All of the above
• Listening skills
• Getting along with others
• Respect for differences
• Spends one night in Black Rock Forest, in Cornwall, New York

Grade 4:

• Community building and interpersonal skills continue throughout the upper grades
• Spends two nights at Clearpool, in Carmel, New York
• Takes a day trip to Historic Hudson Valley in Tarrytown, NY. This trip is an extension of their study of the Pilgrims and is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience a bit of what life was like in the early 1600’s.

Grade 5:

• Travels to Shelter Island where they stay at Camp Quinipet and spend time at the Mashomack Preserve participating in a forest hike and a marsh ecology study which links in with their science curriculum.
• Project Adventure staff is present on the trip, and their curriculum is woven into the week’s program.

Grade 6:

• Participates in activities are designed to lead to greater awareness and development of interpersonal skills
• Takes at least one trip to Black Rock Forest, in Cornwall, New York

Grade 7:

• Activities focus on group dynamics
• Takes at least one trip to Black Rock Forest, in Cornwall, New York

Grade 8:

• Targets leadership skill development. The activities and lessons often have curricular ties.
• Takes at least one trip to Black Rock Forest, in Cornwall, New York

Grades 9 - 12:

• The alternative education program includes an adventure-based challenge component for ninth and twelfth graders, placing them in unfamiliar situations that expand their physical and social boundaries. Activities include ropes, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, and raft building.
• Outdoor adventure trips are two-day events organized by the grade-level dean and staffed by faculty members. Other trips and excursions are planned and organized by the grade level Dean. Activities are designed to help students gain a greater sense of self-confidence and determination as individuals and as community members.
• All school trips and excursions are part of the High school program and participation is not optional.