Calhoun School
Calhoun School
The Calhoun School, located on the Upper West Side of New York City, is an independent, co-educational school that caters to students from Pre-K to 12th grade. With a history dating back to 1896, the school currently has around 600 students and is spread across two separate buildings. Calhoun School is known for its innovative approach to education, seeking to break down barriers between subjects, concepts, and people to encourage flexibility, inquiry, and meaningful connections.
During the early years of a child's time at Calhoun School, the school focuses on developing both independence and collaboration skills, helping students to build strong relationships with their peers while also exploring different subjects as a group. Teachers play a critical role in guiding students through this process and facilitating connections between lessons.
As students progress into the elementary years, they learn in open floor plan spaces designed to encourage collaboration and shared learning across different grades and disciplines. At Calhoun School, knowledge is seen as a shared resource, and students are encouraged to learn from one another and to approach every person and experience with an open mind. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to contribute effectively and innovatively to society as a whole.
Programs in Calhoun School
The Calhoun School believes that it is impossible to predict the future that their students will face, and therefore, the best way to prepare them for it is by teaching them adaptability. This means equipping students with agile, innovative thinking skills that enable them to adapt to any situation, as well as fostering adventurousness and self-resolve. To achieve this goal, Calhoun School employs a variety of engaging and enticing teaching methods, rooted in progressive educational philosophy. While each student may demonstrate their knowledge differently, the curriculum is intentionally designed to focus on every lesson, with passionate teachers guiding each learner towards the same end goal.
At Calhoun School, students are not only taught to master their learning but also the problem-solving process that comes with it. This approach instills in them the ability to adapt to any situation, influence their surroundings positively, and ultimately have a significant impact on any future they choose to unfold. Let us now explore the three main divisions of Calhoun School.
Calhoun School acknowledges that parents know their children better than anyone else and recognize how rapidly they are growing and changing. Therefore, the school strives to provide the most empowering education for children during their early and wondrous years. Open Inquiry and Montessori will be available at Calhoun School beginning in the fall of 2023 for students in preschool through third grade. These tracks, while different in several aspects, share the goal of shaping independent, self-aware, compassionate, and proactive young learners and citizens, rooted in progressive educational philosophy.
The Open Inquiry program at Calhoun uses a variety of techniques to engage and push students as both independent learners and contributors to a larger community. The emergent curriculum means lessons arise from students’ questions and interests, which expert teachers use to build subject-matter mastery as well as crucial social and emotional skills. This approach helps children take charge of their learning at an early age.
The Montessori track was created by the Italian doctor Maria Montessori in 1907 and promotes self-reliance, consciousness, social intelligence, compassion, perseverance, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. The same materials created by Maria Montessori will be utilized by certified Montessori instructors at Calhoun School to enhance experiential learning in a variety of academic areas.
In the fourth grade, a carefully thought-out transition brings the two courses together. Regardless of the track chosen, expert educators ensure that students are fully prepared to advance academically and personally. The choice of tracks depends on how each child can learn best at this stage of their development. Parents can always switch tracks as they observe and assess their child’s progress together with their current and future teachers.
At Calhoun’s Middle School, students receive personalized attention and are encouraged to be themselves. Teachers are dedicated to adjusting their teaching methods to fit each student's interests, creating a learning environment where students feel known and valued. Close relationships with teachers and advisors, along with collaborative projects and community events, foster a sense of belonging that empowers students to take charge of their academic journey during this time of significant intellectual, emotional, and social development.
In Middle School, students are encouraged to use their voices, and learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom. Along with expertise in their respective subjects, faculty members prioritize the development of social-emotional skills throughout their coursework, resulting in transformative educational experiences. As a result, students leave Calhoun's Middle School equipped with resilience, adaptability, advocacy skills, problem-solving abilities, global awareness, and the ability to bridge cultural gaps.
Calhoun’s Upper School places the student at the center of their educational experience. The institution offers a comprehensive curriculum that challenges students through a core curriculum and more than 100 elective courses in subjects such as math, science, English, social studies, world languages, and the arts. This approach is designed to foster a love of learning, encourage critical thinking, and enable students to discover their unique interests and passions.
The Upper School experience at Calhoun is characterized by close student-teacher relationships, which facilitate a supportive learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of students. These connections also provide exciting opportunities for students to investigate a variety of perspectives and viewpoints, with an emphasis on promoting a diverse range of voices. As a result, the curriculum is designed to challenge students to explore the interconnectedness of different disciplines, providing them with a broad range of experiences that prepare them for success in college and beyond.
Students are also encouraged to pursue individualized learning experiences tailored to their interests. This approach allows them to develop the skills necessary to continue to challenge themselves and to influence the direction of their lives after they graduate from Calhoun. The institution takes pride in the fact that while each graduate’s transcript is unique, they all leave with the necessary skills to succeed in whatever path they choose to take.
Arts and Athletics at Calhoun School
At Calhoun School, students have the opportunity to explore and excel in a variety of subjects and programs, including the arts and athletics. The school's commitment to a well-rounded education means that students have access to a diverse range of programs that foster creativity, teamwork, and physical health.
In the arts, Calhoun offers a comprehensive program that includes music, visual arts, and drama. Students can take classes in instrumental and vocal music, as well as participate in ensembles and performances. The visual arts program provides opportunities for students to develop their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. The drama program allows students to explore acting, directing, and playwriting, culminating in performances throughout the school year.
In athletics, Calhoun offers a variety of team sports, as well as fitness classes and individual sports opportunities. Students can participate in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, and swimming. The fitness program offers classes such as yoga, dance, and strength training, while individual sports opportunities include fencing, squash, and rock climbing.
Accommodation
When it comes to housing options at Calhoun School, there are a few possibilities to consider. If you are an international student, the school may offer accommodation, such as dormitories or homestays. Dormitories provide shared living spaces with other students, while homestays allow students to live with local families, providing a unique cultural experience.
If the school doesn't provide housing options, there are still alternatives for international students seeking accommodation in New York City's Upper West Side. One option is to search for off-campus housing, such as apartments or shared living spaces. Moreover, there are several housing agencies and companies that specialize in finding accommodation for international students. These agencies can provide assistance in finding suitable housing options and navigating the rental process. However, it's important to note that these services may come with a fee.
When it comes to pricing, it varies greatly depending on the type of housing and location. On average, dormitories and homestays provided by Calhoun School range from $1,000 USD to $1,500 USD per month. Off-campus housing options can range from $1,500 USD to $3,000 USD per month, depending on the location and amenities. It's crucial to carefully consider the available options and costs when making a decision about housing.
Future Prospects
After graduating from Calhoun School, there are several education and career opportunities available to students. The career ones oftentimes imply that student has already got a degree or is about to graduate from a higher educational institution. One of these is the availability of post-graduation work permits, including the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs. OPT allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, while CPT permits students to gain practical work experience during their studies.
Another option for Calhoun School graduates is the possibility of obtaining permanent resident status in the United States. This can be done through various pathways, such as employment-based immigration or family-based immigration.
Furthermore, due to the country's prosperous economy and abundance of opportunities, graduates may choose to stay in the United States permanently. Pursuing American citizenship is also an option for those who wish to make a long-term commitment to the country. In the end, Calhoun School graduates have several career opportunities and paths available to them after graduation.
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