This year, Hargrave Military Academy took a bold step forward in reshaping how we educate and engage young men during the summer.
A Shift from Credit Recovery to Experiential Learning
Historically, our summer program focused on credit recovery, helping students catch up with academic credits in a traditional class model. This year, we broke the mold. We transitioned to an experience and project-driven model emphasizing real-world applications over theoretical assessments.
Engagement Through Real-World Applications
Our new program was crafted around stimulating educational curiosity through real-world experiences and inquiry-based learning. We leveraged Virginia’s rich historical and natural landscapes to enhance our educational offerings, turning every outing into a dynamic field lesson. Whether it was a river survey integrating biology and environmental science or exploring the historical sites associated with Thomas Jefferson, our students received an education that was as expansive as it was deep.
Fulfilling Best Educational Practices
In alignment with contemporary educational strategies, our summer program incorporated:
- Consistent Routines and Daily Goals: Each day was structured to foster a sense of stability and accomplishment, with clear objectives and rewarding outcomes.
- Intentional Projects and Tasks: From field exercises to environmental studies, every activity was designed to contribute meaningfully to personal growth and academic enrichment.
- Balanced Screen Time: We consciously limited digital interactions, focusing instead on in-person experiences promoting richer engagement with the material and fellow students.
- Integrated Outdoor Learning: Our program included a significant amount of outdoor time, utilizing Virginia’s natural beauty for educational and recreational activities.
Results That Speak Volumes
The feedback from parents and students alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Students thrived under the new model, showing remarkable advances in problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and overall academic interest. Our Summer Experience Director, Elliott Perkins noted that “the absence of traditional grades did not diminish our students’ motivation; it enhanced their drive to explore and excel in their projects.”
As we look forward to next year, we are excited to build on this success and continue to innovate ways to meet the educational needs of young men in today’s evolving world. Hargrave is committed to teaching and inspiring our students to reach their full potential.
