In addition to our adopted American standards, the core of our curriculum has several elements that focus on developing the whole child. These elements include global citizenship, approaches to learning, international mindedness, service learning, building character, and social-emotional skills. These elements are crucial to fostering successful individuals to achieve both academic success and real-world skills. As life outside the classroom requires individuals to work across a broad range of skills and subject areas when solving problems, we use a cross-curricular approach to allow students to combine multiple skills and areas of knowledge. Hands-on project-based learning not only engages learners but allows skill application rather than just testing content memory.
As an IB world school, our curriculum is broad and balanced. Students study a range of specialist subjects, including a Modern Language (Mandarin or Spanish), visual arts, drama, music, and physical and health education, providing excellent preparation for our three graduation diploma options. Unique to Stamford, our pioneering STEMinn Program develops students with the technology skills needed to excel in the careers of today. Our students gain hands-on experience working with industry professionals for course credit in our Cornerstones Program in high school.
We are most proud that our students have exceeded their growth targets by up to 25%* while being happy and eager to come to school. How do we know this? In a recent survey of parents, 60% said the top reason to reenroll at Stamford was their child was happy. Our student’s achievements come as no surprise as we know happy children learn better. The Social-Emotional Programs used at Stamford are proven to achieve an 11% academic gain for students**.