Darrow’s long tradition of innovative academics takes learning beyond the textbook and gives it a context in the real world. Harkness techniques, student debate and discussion, and field and lab work are a few of the approaches we use to address multiple learning styles. A geometry class might measure the settling tanks in our Living Machine wastewater facility to learn about calculating volume and why it matters. A history class might hold “congressional debates” with the idea of analyzing the modern application of historic legislation. A biology class might head outdoors to practice fieldwork techniques—learning about stream ecology by getting their feet wet.

Teachers use real-world topics and an active approach to capture the imagination and make the subject matter come alive. Students learn to challenge themselves by viewing a single topic from different perspectives through historical research, expressive writing, statistical analysis, or dramatization. They understand how the various subjects they study in school contribute to their knowledge of the world. They actually see themselves learning.

Hands-on education gives students the most lasting and satisfying learning experiences. In this way, Darrow provides many opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom or through independent research to real-life situations.