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Experiential Learning
Empowering learners to shape their own lives, their communities, and the world.
Experiential learning has become an essential approach for Upper School students on the Merle-Smith Campus, offering deeper understanding, stronger motivation, and real-world readiness in today’s complex world. Rooted in the theories of John Dewey, David Kolb, and Jean Piaget, this hands-on, reflective model engages students in authentic problem-solving, helping them connect classroom concepts to practical applications while strengthening critical thinking and retention.
Beyond academics, experiential learning promotes collaboration, communication, and self-awareness, equipping students with the socio-emotional skills and adaptability needed for college, careers, and life. By fostering equity through diverse, culturally relevant projects and providing opportunities such as internships, service-learning, and simulations, experiential learning empowers students to see themselves as capable, engaged learners prepared to navigate and contribute to an ever-changing global landscape.
Beyond academics, experiential learning promotes collaboration, communication, and self-awareness, equipping students with the socio-emotional skills and adaptability needed for college, careers, and life. By fostering equity through diverse, culturally relevant projects and providing opportunities such as internships, service-learning, and simulations, experiential learning empowers students to see themselves as capable, engaged learners prepared to navigate and contribute to an ever-changing global landscape.
“The proper education of the young does not consist in stuffing their heads with a mass of words, sentences, and ideas dragged together out of various authors, but in opening up their understanding to the outer world.” - John Amos Comenius (1649)
Program Highlights
The Comenius Project
The Comenius Project is a signature Moravian Academy experience that invites Upper School students to design and complete an independent honors project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Inspired by the school’s namesake scholar, the program encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and self-directed learning across disciplines. Whether exploring complex social issues, scientific innovation, or artistic expression, students engage deeply with their passions while developing skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
The Comenius Project is a signature Moravian Academy experience that invites Upper School students to design and complete an independent honors project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Inspired by the school’s namesake scholar, the program encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and self-directed learning across disciplines. Whether exploring complex social issues, scientific innovation, or artistic expression, students engage deeply with their passions while developing skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
Post-Term
The Post-Term Externship Program at Moravian Academy provides seniors with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings beyond the classroom. This experience encourages students to explore potential career paths, build professional connections, and gain valuable insight into life after graduation. Through hands-on learning and reflection, students deepen their understanding of how their education connects to future goals.
The Post-Term Externship Program at Moravian Academy provides seniors with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings beyond the classroom. This experience encourages students to explore potential career paths, build professional connections, and gain valuable insight into life after graduation. Through hands-on learning and reflection, students deepen their understanding of how their education connects to future goals.
Class Trips and Off-Campus Experiences
With focuses on Self & Identity, Community & Connection, Leadership & Citizenship, and Society & Global Impact, class trips and off-campus experiences at Moravian Academy immerse students in experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom. These thoughtfully designed opportunities encourage collaboration, reflection, and personal growth while deepening connections within each grade. Through shared experiences, students strengthen community bonds and develop the skills and perspectives needed to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
With focuses on Self & Identity, Community & Connection, Leadership & Citizenship, and Society & Global Impact, class trips and off-campus experiences at Moravian Academy immerse students in experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom. These thoughtfully designed opportunities encourage collaboration, reflection, and personal growth while deepening connections within each grade. Through shared experiences, students strengthen community bonds and develop the skills and perspectives needed to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
