Blue School
Blue School
In New York City, there is a forward-thinking autonomous school going by the name of Blue School. It was founded in 2006 by educators, artists, and parents who were seeking to create a school that would prioritize creativity, inquiry-based learning, and social-emotional development. The Blue School serves students from nursery through 8th grade and offers a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum that is centered around project-based learning, in which students engage in hands-on, experiential learning. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to think critically, collaborate with others, and develop their own unique perspective on the world.
Blue School places a strong emphasis on the arts, believing that they play a crucial role in helping students develop creativity and self-expression. In addition to visual arts, music, and theater, the school also offers a program in design thinking, which challenges students to think innovatively and solve problems in a creative way.
An international student would benefit from studying at Blue School because of its focus on inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary approach to education. The school encourages students to explore their interests and passions, and provides a supportive environment in which they can develop their skills and talents. Additionally, the school's emphasis on social-emotional development and its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community would make it a welcoming and supportive environment for international students.
Programs in Blue School
The Blue School approach to education, as outlined on their website, is based on three key areas of development: academic mastery, self and social intelligence, and creative thinking. Academic mastery refers to the development of core academic skills such as reading, writing, math, and science. However, the Blue School approach goes beyond rote learning and memorization, instead emphasizing a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to apply knowledge in a variety of contexts. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set goals, and reflect on their progress.
Self and social intelligence refers to the development of students' social and emotional skills, as well as their sense of self-awareness and empathy for others. The school believes that these skills are essential for success in life, and emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships with others, developing a sense of agency and purpose, and cultivating a growth mindset.
Creative thinking is a core component of the Blue School approach. The school believes that creativity is essential for solving complex problems and adapting to a rapidly changing world. Students are encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and explore their interests and passions through a variety of creative mediums, including the arts and design thinking.
Blue School's Pre-Primary Program is designed for children aged 2 to 5 years old. It aims to foster social-emotional skills, creativity, and a love of learning through inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary studies. In the 2s program, children are offered a nurturing and supportive environment to explore the world around them through sensory experiences and play-based learning. Social skills such as sharing and cooperation are emphasized. Moreover, the 3s program builds on the 2s program by focusing on developing language and communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Children participate in hands-on learning experiences, including art, music, and movement. In the 4s program, children are prepared for kindergarten by developing literacy and math skills, as well as social-emotional skills such as self-regulation and empathy. Project-based learning experiences encourage children to explore their interests and develop their perspective on the world. Finally, the 5s program is a transitional program designed to prepare children for a more structured learning environment in kindergarten. Children participate in project-based learning experiences, which encourage critical thinking and collaboration with others.
The Primary Program at Blue School is designed for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. During this stage of development, children combine and organize various skills to tackle increasingly complex tasks and understand concepts. As they grow into unique individuals, they become more curious about the world around them and learn to think logically, anticipate outcomes, classify objects and solve problems. At Blue School, children take personal responsibility for their learning and are guided to reflect on their learning process, receive individual feedback, and revise their work. This approach mirrors the authentic and collaborative work of the real world.
The integration of the arts and core academic content at Blue School cultivates creative, activist, and innovative responses in children. They create artifacts, produce musical, dramatic, and movement representations, and curate displays and spaces to enhance their aesthetic sensibilities and develop independence and collaborative habits. They might create a 3-D model of the South Street Seaport, a formal depiction of an American activist, a cutting-edge systemic recycling solution, or a kindergarten dance to Where the Wild Things Are as their individual answers to the insights they have gained.
Furthermore, adolescents are a population that holds great potential for courageous and creative work. The middle school years are a time when the human brain undergoes significant change, matched only by the first three years of life, and students' abilities are naturally strengthened. The middle school curriculum at The Blue School was created to help young people fulfill their full potential as learners and people by encouraging them to achieve high levels of study, act on innovative ideas, and become increasingly fully appreciated as individual human beings.
The middle school curriculum at Blue School encompasses a variety of courses that integrate the inquiry-based approach of the primary program with a deliberate shift to greater depth of knowledge and research in core subject areas. Students in grades 6-8 participate in courses that focus on "Ways of Thinking" and seek to strike a dynamic balance between academic mastery, creative thinking, and self and social learning. Mathematics, Integrated Studies, Novels and Nonfiction (language arts), as well as a variety of artistic courses are also required courses. Students can select from a number of electives in addition to taking STEAM, language, collective, and media literacy classes. The school also offers regular office hours, module-based health and wellness, and physical education courses. The electives on offer can be viewed by consulting the school's course descriptions and program offerings.
Last, but not least, Blue School offers an After-School program for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade at their location on 241 Water St. The program consists of two components: Clubhouse and Enrichment classes. Clubhouse is a communal environment where children from different age groups come together to participate in activities and share snacks. Playing outside or at the gym, doing art, playing board games, reading, and helping with homework are all possible activities. Enrichment classes offer a diverse range of options, including active sports, creative arts, technology, and science. These classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and require a minimum number of students to run. There are modifications or refunds possible for the initial two weeks of the 16-week semester. Enrichment classes typically last for an hour unless otherwise specified.
Accommodation
While the Blue School in lower Manhattan, New York City, does not provide accommodation for students, it is committed to supporting its international students in finding suitable living arrangements during their studies.
To rent an apartment, condo or a room would a be very comfortable way to be able to continue one’s studies in the US. This option provides students with more independence and flexibility in terms of living arrangements. However, it can be more expensive than a homestay. The cost of renting an apartment in Lower Manhattan varies depending on the location and the size of the apartment. On average, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Lower Manhattan is around $3,500 USD per month.
For international students seeking a fully immersing cultural experience, homestays are a popular approach. Homestays offer students the opportunity to live with a local family, which can help them to practice their English language skills and gain a better understanding of American culture. The cost of homestays varies depending on the length of the stay and the location of the homestay. On average, homestays cost between $1,200 USD and $2,500 USD per month.
Future Prospects
As a highly regarded institution for innovative education, Blue School has a longstanding reputation for preparing students for a bright future. Graduates of Blue School leave with a strong foundation in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, making them highly sought after by top universities and employers alike.
For international students, the school provides support and resources to navigate the complex post-graduation process. Blue School recognizes the importance of post-graduate work permits, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), for international students who wish to gain work experience in the United States after graduation. The school offers guidance and assistance to students seeking OPT and other post-graduation opportunities.
On top of that, Blue School provides resources and advice for international students looking to pursue permanent residence and/or American citizenship, if desired. The school is committed to helping students achieve their career goals and become active, engaged members of society. With its strong network of alumni and professional connections, Blue School is an excellent place to launch a successful career and build a fulfilling life in the United States.
In case, if you need help with Homestay in order to study in Blue School or other schools in the USA, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
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