A Global View: Rohan Woods School

The world is becoming smaller as globalization connects people in business and everyday life. Rohan Woods School cultivates its students to develop an expanded perspective for the global community they will join. Serving students age 2 through grade six, the independent elementary school is dedicated to broadening students’ understanding of the world and promoting collaboration and community. “It’s important that students learn about cultural diversity,” head of school Sam Templin-Page says. “While fostering greater understanding, it also prepares them for success in diverse environments.”

Along with a strong core curriculum, Rohan Woods offers Project Approach learning. The educational philosophy is centered on engaging students’ interests in real world topics and motivating them to take an active role in their own learning. In small groups, students work on an in-depth investigation of their choice, researching the topic and developing a project to share with their class. “Our students get to choose to investigate topics that are authentically interesting to them,” Templin-Page says. “It really improves their ability to conduct research and understand the steps necessary to finish a project.”

Collaboration is a major component of Project Approach education. “By working in small groups, students learn respect, responsibility and leadership skills,” Templin-Page explains. “Those skills are further developed through our global initiatives, which help demonstrate the importance of understanding different cultural backgrounds. We want our students to be able to explore and celebrate differences, not just in St. Louis but the whole world. It brings an atmosphere of belonging to our community.” Rohan Woods provides opportunities for students to engage with a variety of cultures. This month, classes worked on Black History Month projects and also participated in a special parade celebrating the Chinese New Year.
To further celebrate diversity, Rohan Woods is hosting a global gathering in March. The event provides families as well as faculty and staff the opportunity to showcase their heritage. Students and guests will have the opportunity to sample different local, regional and international cuisine. “The people providing the food also will have the opportunity to explain the experiences they’ve had with the dishes, whether it’s a family recipe or something from a different region or country,” Templin-Page says. “Learning the stories behind food helps connect all of us.”

The school also is establishing a lending library as a resource for families. Parents can borrow books and other media that they can use to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. “We want to be able to support our families in helping teach their children about the world, so they can be successful,” Templin-Page says. “Along with our students’ parents, we are working to build effective and meaningful strategies so that children can learn about different cultures and broaden their world view.”

To introduce families to its unique approach to learning, Rohan Woods is hosting a virtual admission information session April 21. Participants will get an overview of the school’s programming and get a glimpse of what the students experience on a daily basis.

Serving students age 2 through grade six, Rohan Woods School is dedicated to providing a challenging curriculum centered on Project Approach learning. Its virtual admission information session is April 21. Pictured on the cover: The school’s Chinese New Year banner parade. For more information, call 314.821.6270 or visit rohanwoods.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Rohan Woods School

Pictured at top: Students have the opportunity to engage with a variety of global initiatives.
Photos courtesy of Rohan Woods School