Curriculum Mornings

Designing Strong Foundations Through Content, Context, and Care

Last week, Mount Vernon welcomed families into the heart of our Lower Campus classrooms for Curriculum Mornings, an opportunity to experience what makes learning here so innovative, engaging, and deeply personal.

Each session was thoughtfully led by Shelley Searcy, Head of Lower Campus; Kate Canady, Director of Preschool; Molly Hudson, Head of Lower School; and Elisse Hayes, Lower School Dean of Students. Together, they invited families into the journey of learning at Mount Vernon, setting the tone by opening every gathering with a prayer of safety, security, and hope, a reminder that care is at the center of everything we do.

From Preschool through Grade 5, parents experienced firsthand how Mount Vernon’s intentional approach to content, context, and care creates a learning environment where curiosity is nurtured, relationships are prioritized, and students grow into confident, capable learners.

Why We Do This

At Mount Vernon, we believe that learning is defined by what students can do with what they know. Through Competency-Based Education (CBE), students aren’t measured by test scores alone. Instead, they progress by demonstrating mastery of essential skills, allowing us to meet each learner where they are, challenge them appropriately, and celebrate their growth every step of the way.

“Curriculum Mornings offer families an opportunity to see, hear, and even experience how learning and play come to life on Lower Campus. The most important part, of course, is connecting with your child’s teachers and fellow parents in your class. to see, hear, and even experience how learning and play come to life each day.” – Shelley Searcy, Head of Lower Campus

These mornings are a window into how content is taught, how context brings relevance, and how care creates belonging.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Mount Vernon teachers are designers of learning experiences, creating opportunities for students to:

• Tackle complex challenges using design thinking
• Make meaningful connections across subjects and grade levels
• Take ownership of their learning journey

Whether students are exploring big questions, collaborating across grade levels, or preparing for the Grade 5 Impact Summit, they gain the confidence to think critically, make connections, and approach challenges with curiosity and creativity.

“Through Competency-Based Education (CBE), students progress by demonstrating mastery, allowing us to meet each learner where they are, challenge them appropriately, and celebrate their growth every step of the way. Layered into this is our Design Thinking approach—a mindset that encourages curiosity, empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. Our students don’t just learn content; they learn how to ask questions, explore possibilities, and design solutions that make a difference.” – Molly Hudson, Head of Lower School

Content • Context • Care

Mount Vernon’s Lower Campus Curriculum Mornings embody the three pillars that define our approach to education:

• Content → Deep, transferable knowledge and skills grounded in CBE
• Context → Real-world relevance through projects, problem-solving, and design thinking
• Care → Nurturing relationships between students, teachers, and families

This intentional balance ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and challenged — becoming confident, curious, and capable learners.

Who Makes It Possible

These mornings were a celebration of the entire Lower Campus team — from our Preschool teachers to Grade 5. Together, we create an environment where joyful learning thrives and students are encouraged to ask big questions, test bold ideas, and grow with purpose.

“In Preschool, we nurture curiosity and wonder while laying the foundation for competency-based learning. Children grow by mastering skills step by step, at their own pace, with the support they need to succeed. Through exploration, repetition, and reflection, they build confidence, resilience, and, most importantly, a lifelong love of learning that extends far beyond preschool.” – Kate Canady, Director of Preschool

Parents also play an essential role. By opening our classrooms, we invite families to experience firsthand how Mount Vernon empowers their children to design their future.

In Their Words

Parent feedback captured the energy and impact of the mornings:

• One preschool parent walking into the PK4 and PK5 Curriculum morning, saw the provocations on the table and said, “This looks fun!”
• “My kid will be loved here. Everything has a plan at MV. I am so grateful.” – Kindergarten Parent
• “Where was Mount Vernon when I was little? I am so happy we came here.” G3 Parent
• “Executive functioning is a real thing in Grade 5. I’m so thankful for the support for him… and me.” G5 Parent