Cyborgs, Biomimicry, and Design Thinking: The Evolution of STE(A)M at The Elisabeth Morrow School [dedicated]

With preferred application deadlines for NJ and NY independent schools falling on or before Jan. 28, 2022, many families find themselves making one of the most important decisions for their child's future: choosing a school that aligns with their academic philosophies, goals, and values.

The Elisabeth Morrow School is consistently at the forefront of new ideas in education, reimagining their curriculum to remain fresh and engaging while honoring the ideas and approaches that have brought them to the present. Through projects and approaches that are wholly unique to EMS, students develop into curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens of the future.

What can families expect from the EMS experience? They recently expanded their offerings in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) through a partnership with NuVu Innovation School, the first program of its kind in New Jersey. This unique program leverages a global network of experts on topics such as urban design, hydroponics, systems design, aeronautics, pneumatics, computational modeling, machine making, and prosthetics to further enhance their teaching on design thinking and the iterative process. This fall, eighth-grade students at EMS engaged in "Cyborg Evolution," the first in a three-studio arc continuing throughout the year. The studio introduced students to the creative process while actively investigating the advantages and pitfalls of genetic alterations through their biology curriculum.

Additionally, the humanities programs at The Elisabeth Morrow School allow students to better understand themselves and the world around them, and consider problems from multiple perspectives. Their commitment to social and emotional learning (SEL), combined with an emphasis on leadership and character education, ensures that students have a holistic and child-centered experience throughout their years at EMS.

At The Elisabeth Morrow School, parents and educators are partners. The faculty is devoted to the mission of the school and the care of students and families beyond the classroom. Children thrive at EMS, in a community that both challenges and supports them as they discover their interests and talents. Teachers at EMS help children develop intellectual curiosity, confidence, and social consciousness through interactive learning, and adapt their teaching styles to meet the different developmental needs of each student. The faculty at EMS strives to cultivate good character in children through modeling the 4 C's -- courtesy, consideration, cooperation, and compassion -- and to foster a community where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. Importantly, the teachers help children not only understand but appreciate and celebrate the diversity of the community.

To help cultivate courage and self-worth within its students, The Elisabeth Morrow School uses the N-8 model, which offers leadership opportunities for every age. From the earliest years at EMS, children begin developing skills to lead, while at the same time learning what it means to be an integral part of a group. Leadership involvement culminates in middle school when eighth graders serve as role models for the EMS community and mentor younger students, developing a sense of pride and responsibility that they will carry forward as they grow.

Middle school students are equipped with the tools needed to learn and participate in the world around them, contribute to the school community, and advocate for their own education. In a yearlong partnership that begins in the spring of seventh grade, they work closely with students and their families to investigate the rich diversity of secondary school choices and identify the ideal fit.