News & Events

Cameron Smith Talks Project-Based Learning on The School Success Podcast

Press & Recognition

In this episode of The School Success Podcast, Mitchell Slater talks to Cameron Smith, Bennett Day School’s co-founder and CEO, about Bennett’s unique, project-based approach to education.

Project-Based Learning at Bennett Day School Presentation

News & Articles

Project-Based Learning: An Investigation of Justice in the United States

By Sam Rud | October 11, 2022

Project-Based Learning

During the last trimester of the 2021-22 school year, our Upper School students investigated our justice system in their project-based learning (PBL) class. Their learning was driven by these essential questions: What is justice? How does our justice system work? Where and to whom does our justice system fail? How can we make our system more just? …

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In addition to their cross-curricular Project-Base

In addition to their cross-curricular Project-Based Learning (PBL) course, our Upper Schoolers take three “Studio” courses each trimester. In short, Studios allow students to dive deep into very specific topics. ✨

During 9th and 10th Grade, students take required studios in Mathematics, Language, and Research/Presentation Skills. In 11th and 12th Grade, students can engage in advanced topics across the curriculum.

Last week in Biological Perspectives in Environmental Contexts with Dr. Hurst, students analyzed blood cells from frogs, rabbits, fish, birds, and humans. After examining slides under microscopes, they identified cell structures and discussed how white blood cells’ shapes contribute to their immune functions. They were also asked to consider the impact of environmental and genetic factors on blood cells and how examining blood smears could contribute to diagnosing conditions that affect blood cell production, such as anemia or leukemia.

These thoughtful explorations reflect the depth of learning that’s happening every day here at Bennett. 🩵

#discoverbennettday #biology #bennettdayupperschool #projectbasedlearning #handsonlearning #science #biologylab #learnbydoing #learndeep #standout #gofurther #chicagohighschool

Rigor without purpose is just stress. At Bennett,

Rigor without purpose is just stress. At Bennett, we believe that a school does not have to choose between high-quality outcomes for its students and their social and emotional well-being. 🩵

Want to see how we’re reimagining what school can be? We invite your family to stop by our Open House on Saturday, November 16 between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm to:

✨ Chat 1:1 with Bennett Day School teachers, students, and parents/guardians

✨ Explore our newly expanded West Loop campus located at 955 W. Grand Ave

✨ Sit in on Information Sessions with Leadership
…and more!

Click the link in our bio to register or visit bennettday.org/open-house 🩵

#discoverbennettday #projectbasedlearning #competencybased #socialemotionallearning #studentwellbeing #handsonlearning #progressiveeducation #purposefuleducation

Last weekend, Bennett Theater took audiences on an

Last weekend, Bennett Theater took audiences on an eerie and imaginative journey with their production of 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵!✨

In this Halloween-inspired show, our talented students explored the idea of fear, featuring three lesser-known Brothers Grimm tales brought to life with creative staging, live music, and puppetry.

From the quirky tale of “Hans-My-Hedgehog” to the dark twists of “The Juniper Tree,” 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 invited viewers to ponder what thrills and chills us, and why some of us like to be scared 😱

Thanks to everyone who made this show possible - our Director, Steven Slaughter, the cast & crew and their incredible parents/guardians, Bennett faculty, and the larger community who continue to support our growing theater program.

Last but not least, we want to give a big shout-out to Nella & Ehlery, our first-ever middle school student directors! These two capable and creative young thespians asked Mr. Slaughter directly for this opportunity and took the lead on directing Acts 1 & 2. 🩵

#discoverbennettday #bennetttheater #grimgrimmergrimmest #grimmerest #brothersgrimm #middleschool #bennettdayschool #hansmyhedgehog #thejunipertree #thethreesnakeleaves

Did you know that our Upper Schoolers go on a retr

Did you know that our Upper Schoolers go on a retreat at the beginning of every school year? ✨ This overnight experience is always a highlight of the year, packed with fun, bonding, and personal growth!

Last month, our students spent two nights at @campmanitowa where they embraced new experiences, made new connections, and worked together as a team — key parts of our advisory program. Students enjoyed the thrill of zip lining, got creative with arts and crafts, tested their skills in archery, and graced the stage during the talent show. The annual game of capture the flag provided some friendly competition - shout out to the juniors for taking home the W!

These retreats are all about strengthening sense of self, building trust, and fostering friendships across grade levels. We can’t wait to keep this tradition going! 🩵

#discoverbennettday #bennettdayupperschool #retreat #campmanitowa #projectbasedlearning #learnbydoing #socialemotionallearning #teambuilding #progressiveeducation #bennettbluejays

POV: It’s STEAM Friday in 3rd Grade ✨ Our thi

POV: It’s STEAM Friday in 3rd Grade ✨

Our third graders end each week with hands-on exploration! Last Friday, students had the chance to make bracelets & bookmarks with cardboard looms, test their skills in an interactive math computer game, and learn about liquid density through a sugar water experiment.

These STEAM stations (which change every week) spark curiosity and give our students a variety of fun ways to engage with science, technology, engineering, art, and math. We can’t wait to see what this Friday brings! 🩵

#discoverbennettday #handsonlearning #projectbasedlearning #reggioinspired #learnbydoing #progressiveeducation #STEAM #STEAMFriday

We’re still feeling energized from last week’s

We’re still feeling energized from last week’s Homecoming celebrations, especially the students vs. faculty volleyball game! 🏐

It was a nail-biter right up to the end, but our faculty managed to walk away with the W. Our Blue Jays have some serious volleyball skills - check out this reel to see for yourself! 🩵

#discoverbennettday #homecoming #bennettbluejays #studentsvsfaculty #peprally #bennettdayschool #prek12

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