The Village School believes in a well-rounded education that nurtures the whole child. Students benefit from weekly instruction in art, library and technology, music, and physical education as part of the school’s “Specials” programming. Additional Enrichment Programming is also provided throughout the year.
ART
Immersing our students in the joy and creativity art inspires.
Art and creativity play an integral role in our students’ education. Thanks to a strong partnership with the Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE), all Village School students (Pre-K through Sixth Grade) have the opportunity to participate in art. The art program consists of a lead teacher, an assistant, and several Bennington College students allowing for individual attention to students. Each grade enjoys an hour of art each week in the school’s dedicated art room using a variety of mediums and materials. The art program works with students to create unique artwork and develop their skills as artists, thinkers, and problem solvers. Students use paint, clay, sculpture, and found materials to create artwork while developing motor skills, social skills, and personal responsibility. Students participate in several arts shows throughout the year to share their work with the community and create a sense of belonging. Posted on our website are photos from two recent exhibits (The All Student Art Show at the Left Bank in North Bennington and Art from the Schools at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester).
The Village School was awarded second-place in a 2018 statewide Education Innovator Awards competition for a video it created highlighting the school’s partnership with the Vermont Arts Exchange. You can read more about the award here or view the video below:
LIBRARY & TECHNOLOGY
Teaching kids to think critically and creatively, and giving them a space for wonder and curiosity to inspire a love of learning.
The Village School library truly is the “community” space in our school. Students use it not only in the traditional sense of book borrowing, but also as a place to sit, read and study; meet with a teacher for help; collaborate with other students; work on projects; or simply contemplate. In addition to a rich and diverse collection of excellent books for students of all ages and reading levels, educational board games, and multimedia resources, the library also features a smart board and an Apple TV, enabling teachers to use this space creatively.
The goals of our library and technology instruction include instilling a love of reading; enhancing classroom lessons; teaching research and media skills; and teaching information literacy and digital citizenship. A highlight for many students is checking out books at the end of library class!
MUSIC
Vocally and instrumentally, music enlightens young minds and helps fulfill them.
The Village School actively promotes and embraces music as a fundamental educational and cultural activity for our students. Weekly music classes and activities are designed to immerse our children in all the joy and enlightenment that music brings. In addition to learning to use their voice as an instrument, they are also taught how to read music, and have exposure to a wide variety of instruments and musical genres.
In the fall and spring of each school year, the school sponsors concert performances that give all our young musicians a chance to demonstrate everything they’ve learned in the music program. Click here to see some examples of what students learn in Music Class.
Students additionally have the opportunity to participate in chorus, band, or the Strings Program, all of which culminate in performances.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Healthy physical activity to build young bodies, minds and spirits.
Village School students benefit from Physical Education twice a week with instructor Laura Cary. She is passionate about lifelong fitness and focusing attention on the critical role that fitness, movement and activity play in students’ development. At the Village School, we emphasize cooperative games and teamwork, focusing on sportsmanship, positive communication, trust and understanding, and what it means to be a good, respectful and kind teammate. Throughout the year, Ms. Cary strives to introduce her students a wide variety of activities and sports skills. Her creative obstacle courses are especially
popular.
