Grade 5 is starting the year with a Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit on playground design. Have you or your child ever seen a playground and wondered why it was built the way it was or how it could be improved? This unit encourages students to ask those same questions but this time with the intention…
Read More from Grade 5, 2 Weeks, 6 Expeditions, The Best Playground PBL Ever
This story was contributed by Brad Droke, Director of Innovation Diploma and was featured in the Spring 2022 SAIS Newsletter. In the spring of 2014, Mount Vernon Ventures at The Mount Vernon School hosted an event called the Council on Innovation, where several groups of students were assembled to engage in a design sprint with local…
At Mount Vernon, the way we teach is designed to support every learner, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences. This approach not only benefits all students but also naturally aligns with the strengths of dyslexic learners, who thrive in environments that value innovation, collaboration, and big-picture thinking. Through our growing partnership with…
For Lower School Science teacher Eileen Fennelly, the outdoors is more than a classroom extension—it’s a catalyst for deeper learning, self-regulation, and community connection. This year, she has launched a series of grade-specific recurring expeditions designed to immerse students in Atlanta’s parks while cultivating their skills as scientists, observers, and problem-solvers. “I’ve wanted to create…
When students in Mr. Hawkins’ Anatomy: Surgery & Salad class stepped into Intuitive Surgical earlier this month, they weren’t just on an expedition — they were stepping into the future of medicine. The course title itself gives context to their learning journey: “Surgery” represents the exploration of the body’s systems and functions, while “Salad” symbolizes…
Read More from Future Surgeons in Training: Anatomy Students Go Hands-On with Robotic Surgery
In the fall of 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic and a radically reimagined learning environment, a spark of curiosity ignited in an AP U.S. History class in the Upper School. Seated six feet apart in single desks, masked and unsure of what the year might bring, students and faculty alike felt the…
Read More from How Student Agency Launched “The Big Questions”
When you arrive at Mustang Rally 2025, you’ll notice something new: the sounds of live music, the buzz of performances in full swing, and the energy of a true festival atmosphere. It’s all happening at The Rally Stage, a brand-new addition to Mustang Rally’s lineup—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting…
Read More from Student Talent Takes the Spotlight in Mustang Rally’s Newest Feature
At Mount Vernon, learning isn’t just about mastering content—it’s about discovering purpose and making an impact. Our intentionally designed learning journey provides students with transformative experiences that shape both their academic and personal development. This year, we introduced Impact Summits as pivotal capstone experiences at key transition points in Grades 5, 8, and 11, empowering…
Read More from Cultivating Leadership & Purpose: The Grade 5 Impact Summit
At Mount Vernon, learning is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about experiencing it. When students actively engage in the learning process, they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter. This was evident during last week’s Grade 4 Patriot & Loyalist Debate, where history came to life through interdisciplinary connections, creativity, and hands-on…
Read More from Bringing American History to Life: The Grade 4 Patriot & Loyalist Debate
At Mount Vernon, learning extends beyond the classroom—it thrives in meaningful conversations that strengthen our community. This year, Middle School students participated in a transformative Student Dialogue Series aimed at fostering self-leadership and integrity. Through seven structured discussions, students developed skills to navigate diverse perspectives, practice empathy, and contribute to a culture of connection—ensuring that…