Learning Advantage
Experiential Education
Foundational to The Balsam Way of Learning, is the philosophy of Experiential Education. Inspired by the pioneering work of Kurt Hahn, The Balsam School continues to embrace, grow and evolve a tradition of immersive and fully engaged learning that develops young people inspired to, and capable of, making a positive difference in their world.
The Association for Experiential Education defines the Philosophy of Experiential Education as, “a holistic philosophy, where carefully chosen experiences supported by reflection, critical analysis and synthesis, are structured to require the learner to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results, through actively posing questions, investigating, experimenting, being curious, solving problems, assuming responsibility, being creative, constructing meaning, and integrating previously developed knowledge.” The school and educator’s, “primary roles include selecting suitable experiences, posing problems, insuring physical and emotional safety, facilitating the learning process, guiding reflection and providing the necessary information.”
Balsam students are engaged participants in their learning, not passive bystanders.
Learning happens everywhere
At Balsam, students learn that education happens everywhere—whether in classrooms, museums, the city, or nature. Learning doesn’t stop when they leave school; our Core Routines ensure that knowledge and skills transfer across all environments. Varied learning environments and modalities deepen understanding and enrich growth and development. This approach helps students become lifelong learners, building a sense of belonging and the skills they need to thrive in any setting.
Research-based and Scaffolded Curriculum
Our research-based curriculum is supported by school-wide professional development, ensuring that students build strong reading, writing, and math skills in the early years and continue to apply them in more challenging ways as they progress. By using consistent methods and resources through all of our grades student learning and growth is enhanced.
Transdisciplinary units of inquiry
Students engage in transdisciplinary units of inquiry where the development of skills and the learning of concepts are transferable to a variety of contexts including school, community, nature and extra-curriculars.