One of the greatest benefits of attending a school that spans 14 grades is the abundant opportunities for cross-division interaction. Each year, this is showcased on the first day of school, as our seniors welcome and escort our young Hornets into Demere Gym for their first-ever assembly.

Second grade’s “Living Museum” is a cherished annual cross-curricular project showcasing students’ public speaking, research, and writing skills. Students research a historical figure using resources from the media center, create a portrait in art class, and develop a timeline of the individual’s life and accomplishments. The best part? Going all out to dress the part and presenting a “living museum” to their teachers, parents, and peers to enjoy!

Third grade science students plant and chart their own vegetables in the 2,000-square-foot organic gardens. Using iPads as garden journals, they measure and record plant growth and rainfall. Harvested vegetables are used in classroom stirfry and donated to the school cafeteria and Second Harvest Food Bank.

What started years ago with a single observational classroom hive has blossomed into a dedicated campus space housing multiple honeybee hives. Sixth grade science classes are in charge of the hives, with responsibilities ranging from determining the health and productivity of the colony to harvesting and transforming honey into products, all while learning about the important role these pollinators play in our ecosystem.

Sixth grade science offers the opportunity to dive into the world of robotics using the LEGO Mindstorms platform. Learning the fundamentals of engineering and computer science, students build and program robots to execute specific commands in response to signals, such as clapping.

A week-long exploratory experience for Middle School students, Mini-mester offers an opportunity to try new activities while interacting with peers from different grade levels. Some students ventured to destinations like Belize, while others engaged in experiential learning on campus and around Savannah. From sailing and fencing to culinary adventures, mahjong, bass fishing, and more, Mini-mester inspires our students to become lifelong learners.

Country Day offers additional courses through a partnership with Global Online Academy (GOA), a consortium of leading independent schools from around the world. Course offerings range from “Bioethics” and “Entrepreneurship in a Global Context” to “Architecture” and “Problem Solving with Engineering & Design.” These online courses are asynchronous and challenge students to work virtually alongside teachers and peers around the world.

The Advanced Portfolio art class provides students the opportunity to build a body of work and create an online portfolio website that can be utilized during the college application process.

Hosted in the Makerspace, the Intro to Engineering elective offers a hands-on look into the world of problem-solving and engineering. After significant research, design, and implementation, students create mini bridges and test them to evaluate their strength and durability.