Childhood is a time when everything is new—whether it’s exploring hobbies or tackling new subjects in school. While this can be an exciting adventure, it also can be daunting or overwhelming for some kids. Rohan Woods School is dedicated to empowering students to feel confident in tackling all of the obstacles of their academic career and beyond. The independent elementary school provides a safe and encouraging environment for students age 2 to grade six to challenge themselves academically and personally.
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. “Culmination of the project is a presentation, and students can show their findings in whatever way they decide works best,” head school Sam Templin-Page says. “One group can be completely different from the next. It’s a unique way to think about what they’ve learned and share it in an authentic and meaningful way.”
The Project Approach method provides students with many opportunities for growth that are not always present in traditional classrooms. Templin-Page notes that it is especially effective in the face of challenges. Because learning is student-directed, it provides hands-on opportunities in critical thinking and problem solving when a project takes an unexpected turn. “Sometimes, the outcomes aren’t what students anticipated,” she explains. “Project Approach encourages them not to think of it as a failure but instead consider it a natural part of the learning process. Being able to navigate these situations helps students build confidence and perseverance, and they won’t shy away from challenges when they arise in the future.”
The impact of Project Approach is evident in the success of Rohan Woods students. The school has hosted the International Academic Competition twice. The competition brings students from across Missouri together and includes subject-specific contests in history, geography and science. Templin-Page says many students are initially hesitant to participate in the competition. “Most kids haven’t done anything like this, so it can make them uneasy,” she says. “I’m so proud of our students who stepped out of their comfort zone. They were willing to take academic risks and carried themselves with poise and confidence in a new situation.”
The rewards of undertaking something like the International Academic Competition go far beyond medals and ribbons for students. These challenges offer them opportunities to grow and build the courage needed to tackle future obstacles. “Rohan Woods students know that they have to take a risk to learn, and we help them develop the confidence to do so,” Templin-Page says. “We are the only Project Approach school in Missouri. Our students have the opportunity to not only build a strong academic foundation, but also learn how to apply those skills to navigate challenges with curiosity and perseverance. That’s the power of a Rohan Woods education.” To learn more, visit Rohan Woods’ next open house on April 15.
Serving students age 2 through grade six, Rohan Woods School is dedicated to providing a challenging curriculum centered on Project Approach learning. Its open house is April 15. Pictured on the cover, clockwise from top left: Rohan Woods students Adora, Ammu, Felix, Ainsley, Cal and Greer. For more information, call 314.821.6270 or visit rohanwoods.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Pre-kindergartners learn about photography.
Photo courtesy of Rohan Woods School
