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Learning at HGS is active and hands-on, based on Howard Gardner’s* theory of multiple intelligences, and clearly related to students’ own lives. Cooperative learning plays an important role in facilitating learning and group skills. Teaching of course content is fully integrated with weekly field studies trips throughout the area, and internships in the student's field of interest.
The school environment and policies are based on well-researched principles of adolescent development. The most fundamental tasks in adolescence are establishing identity and developing relationships. So, we make sure that our curriculum feels relevant to our students, that their internships help them explore different aspects of themselves, and we include a lot of group work so they can work on their relationship skills.
We also believe in making learning fun.
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Class Size
Individual attention is what we are all about. Most classes have fewer than eight students. Electives may have as few as two students. Elective teachers are brought in as the students’ interests demand. Homework
Assignments are fully integrated into the student’s school day to reduce the need for homework. However, students are expected to read (or listen to books on tape) and study for tests outside of school. Learning how to study is part of our program. Accommodations for Learning Differences
Because our approach is experiential--in which kids learn by doing--there is much less need for accommodations than there would be in a traditional school. In keeping with Howard Gardner's theories of multiple intelligences, lessons are taught to a variety of learning styles to allow kids to leverage their strengths while still developing areas which are not as strong.
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*Howard Gardner wrote to us, "I am pleased and flattered that you have found my ideas useful in developing the school." We are delighted that he has allowed us to use his name.
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"I will never, ever, think of learning the way I did
before I came to HGS. All of you have all made a
huge impact on my life, and I really cannot thank
all of you all enough." ... Sarah Race, 07
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