Educational approaches are constantly evolving.
Lectures and rote learning are becoming ways of the past—and Community School is at the forefront of the latest techniques. The private school has been teaching students through hands-on experience for more than 100 years. “There is new science-based insight into how best to learn and teach,” says head of school Bob Cooke. “People learn best by doing, not hearing a lecture or cramming. We all did it in high school or college, and while we may have done fine on tests, that method isn’t good for long-term learning.”
Experiential learning involves much more than testing. “Community School isn’t pressured to reach standardized scores,” Cooke says. “We do give older students standardized tests to check their progress, and they score 45 percent higher than national norms.” According to Cooke, Community School achieves these results by making learning fun and getting students invested in their education. “Our students work hard, but they are engaged,” he says. “We’re still academic, but we work with the sense of wonder in all children.”
The school inspires even its youngest students through experiential learning. “Junior kindergarteners learn about weights and measurements by reading the story of the gingerbread man,” Cooke explains. “They discuss ways he could have crossed the river and experiment for days designing and testing bridges.” Fourth-graders learn about energy and heat transfer by designing solar ovens. “Students find it really exciting, engaging and fun,” Cooke says. “It is all those things, but they also learn a tremendous amount about thermodynamics along the way.”
A shining example of the school’s hands-on approach is the woodshop, which illustrates how Community School uses an integrated curriculum. “The shop is a great example of how STEAM curriculum can come together beautifully,” Cooke says. “Students learn traditional woodshop skills, but there are elements of math, engineering and art in everything they make.” The space has been part of the school since its founding in 1914, and according to Cooke, it reflects the school’s approach to education. “We don’t ask or expect perfection from our students,” he says. “We do ask that they work through problems and improve. What they make in woodshop can’t be completed in a day. It is about slow growth and persistence.”
Community School also uses its 16-acre campus to enrich students’ education. “We use the campus for every subject,” Cooke says. “We are outside every day, all year long.” The surrounding wooded areas are favorite spots for students during recess and other breaks. “We know children need unstructured time,” he explains. “That is when they learn to work together and develop leadership skills.”
The entire school community gets behind this educational approach, and the school continues to strive for innovation. “We’re constantly working on more creative ways teachers can help kids learn,” Cooke says. “We want to reach our students in better and deeper ways.”
Community School is an independent preschool and elementary school for ages 3 through sixth grade. It believes in fostering the intellectual, emotional, and creative growth of students to encourage their development as leaders of the next generation. Pictured on cover: Bob Cooke and students explore the 16-acre campus. For more information, call 314.991.0005 or visit communityschool.com.
Cover Design: Julie Streiler | Cover Photo: Tim Parker Photography