Experiential Learning

Geneva School enjoys the distinct privilege of being located in the heart of Manhattan, a city replete with brilliant architecture, world-class museums, and a wide array of art, music, and culture.

Naturally, we take advantage of the opportunities provided by living in a global city center. Each class takes two field trips each month and enjoys school-wide field trips twice a year. Field trips are planned by the classroom teacher to correspond to the particular field of study and curriculum. For instance, Second Grade students studying Egyptian history will visit the renowned Egyptian collection at the Brooklyn Museum, and Fourth Grade students studying medieval art and architecture will visit the famous medieval art collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Upper School students are able to explore beyond the boundaries of New York City. Fifth and Sixth Grade students, in their study of American history, visit Mystic, Connecticut, and the Old Sturbridge Village, in order to experience early nineteenth century life. Seventh and Eighth Grade students enjoy extended trips to Philadelphia and Washington, DC as a culmination of their studies in United States history.

Every other year our Upper School students are afforded the unique opportunity to engage in a year-long marine life study and scuba diving certification. Bringing together her love of diving and passion for experiential learning, the Head of School spends the school year teaching marine biology to Upper School students during their lunch period. Students are expected to learn fish, coral, and sponge identification, and become well-versed in the PADI Open Water Dive Book. All of this training and hard work culminate in a five-day dive trip to the Florida Keys at the end of the school year. Moreover, students are expected and challenged to raise funds to pay for the trip, through which they learn fiscal responsibility, time management, and the value of delayed gratification.