Our unique co-curricular program
For more than 60 years, IDS has been at the forefront of educating the whole-child, and we have established a unique and exciting co-curricular program called “The Centers of Excellence.” The four Centers allow us to build bridges between content-areas, form partnerships across grade levels, and develop community events and programs that transcend beyond the classroom walls. Most importantly, the Centers allow us to expand programming that aligns with our mission of supporting our students to take risks in the joyful pursuit of learning in an everchanging world.
Center for Environmental Literacy
Stewardship of the Earth’s resources is one of the most important issues of our time. Our campus is a perfect place for students to experience nature first-hand through a variety of lenses and disciplines. Children who learn to appreciate the natural world develop analytical skills to inquire about environmental issues and build awareness of society’s impact on the environment often become environmental scientists, entrepreneurs, poets, and activists of the 21st century.
Center for Creative Studies
Creativity is at the core of student growth and development. The process of exploring, discovering, and learning is about making connections across disciplines. Thus, the creative process is not only an integral part of our visual art, music, and theater programs, but is a core element of a student’s daily experience. At IDS, we encourage our students to “find their voice” and develop their own unique aesthetic that they can bring with them after they leave IDS.
Center for Innovation & Design Thinking
The ability to ideate solutions is an essential part of being an independent, confident, and resilient student. Students learn how to identify problems, brainstorm strategies, use resources, and revise approaches so that they can arrive at the best solutions and outcomes. This design-thinking process is the core of an innovator’s mindset, and at IDS, we use this approach across classes and projects. Whether building a model, choosing a subject to paint, thinking about a new piece of literature or history, or even resolving a conflict in class or with a friend, we encourage students to apply these steps to any challenges they face.
Center for Global & Cultural Citizenship
Empathy, compassion, and respect are core values of IDS. As students develop self-awareness and identity, they expand their understanding of and relationship with others. By knowing ourselves, our community, and our world, we can connect with others in a spirit of collaboration, appreciation, and belonging. The more we learn about and with people from diverse cultures and experiences, the better prepared we are to contribute to making the world a better place. IDS students are preparing to be change-agents in our global society to make a meaningful impact on future generations.
