Keystone Programs

The GreenMount School is known for its “Keystone”programs that link the foundations of the school with core academic curricula. These programs, described briefly below, provide critical information within a social context as a means of providing students with a wide variety of opportunities to capitalize on their potential.

Environmental Explorations

Environmental Explorations is an open-ended course of study for grades K–8, centering on ecological exploration and the study and understanding of artificial and natural environments. This program employs the guiding principles of  Appreciation, Advocacy, and Action. The Explorations program includes camping trips for students in grades 4–8, outdoor observations, and gardening for every grade level.

Apprenticeship

The Apprenticeship Program teaches our older students responsibility, initiative, and service through real-life work experiences. During the second half of the year, students spend Friday afternoons performing internships at local business and service organizations.

Eighth Grade Culminating Experience

As a culumination of their GMS experience, eighth-grade students participate in an eighth-grade trip that may include learning about new cultures, serve as an extension of GMS academics and/or be focused on service to others. The immersive experience generally takes place in the spring.

Community Day

Every Friday students gather in community to explore a topic of social concern, experience an artistic performance, or learn about an aspect of public or personal safety. Community Day is organized by faculty. Students participate in the Community Day programs with their Buddy Group. Each September the students are assigned to a Buddy Group of 2–3 people. The Buddy relationships are encouraging and supportive, and serve to build trust and awareness between age groups.

Service Learning

At every grade level students are taught the value of supporting those in need. The concepts of service to others are woven into the curriculum, where students in the primary grades focus closest to home to expanding the focus to a national or global level in eighth grade.