Philosophy & Approach
We live in a world where change and adaptation move at meteoric rates. Education must be similarly adaptive – we do not teach to what was, we teach to what is and what is to come. Balancing a rigorous academic approach with a powerful sense of self and self-direction to the learning process are key elements of a Bennett Day education. Our goal is to help children fully realize their capacity to think, learn, play and create. Here, we foster creativity and innovation.


Our program is based on ideas from those of Reggio Emilia, cognitive understanding inherent to multiple intelligences and global and social awareness central in place-based education. Independent schools are free from the constraints imposed by the public school system, but are by no means reckless with a child’s education. Through constant evaluation of our own practice, those in the United States and around the world, Bennett Day School stays on the forefront of educational best practices. We honor the rich history of progressive education as we carry it forward.
Through constant evaluation of our own practice, those in the United States and around the world, Bennett Day School stays on the forefront of educational best practices.
Bennett Day School is an inquiry-based learning community, where teachers create experiences that stimulate and follow the natural curiosities and intelligences inherent in all children. Teachers work in teams to prepare and discuss the work of the day and the overarching goals for the individual child and the community experience.
Bennett Day School students participate in community-fostering Morning Meetings and have an opportunity to experience our TinkerLab, an incubator for exploration, discovery, questioning, and unfolding ideas.