Beyond Westridge



Though the Westridge School (WS) campus is an intentional space for focused learning, from the youngest age WS ask its students to look outward; to think about their role and agency in the world around them; to soak up educational opportunities outside of Madeline Drive; and, to make connections between what they are learning in class to the world around them. Westridge School’s curriculum provides age-appropriate opportunities for learning beyond Westridge—experiential education opportunities for deep learning that engages the hearts, as well as the minds, of students.

Program Highlights

Research in Science
The Research in Science elective provides seniors with hands-on research opportunities with universities and research institutions including California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Children’s Hospital, complemented with weekly on-campus seminar classes on scientific writing and presentation and other topics relevant to pursuing further education and careers in science. In the past five years, 58 Westridge seniors have worked alongside top academics and professional scientists conducting research in such areas as cancer biology, economic theory, control and dynamical systems engineering, astrophysics, and organic chemistry.

Outdoor Education
Done right, outdoor education is a transformative way of learning. Removed from familiar environments and technology, students interact with each other in new ways, gain confidence by flexing totally new muscles, and learn to perceive the physical world differently. Students in each division take part in outdoor education programs. Where possible, it is woven into the core curriculum, like our Upper School Field Studies in Geology course. We also offer summer trips, most recently an 11-day backpacking trip to Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains.

 

Westridge Global Initiative

“This program is student-centered pedagogy that connects Westridge student-learning to the world at large.” ~ Brittany Coker (Global Initiative Committee Chair)

The Westridge Global Initiative allows Upper School students to create their own interdisciplinary study of a modern-day global issue. Students propose a selection of Westridge classes relevant to their area of focus and over two years complete coursework, conduct informational interviews and other research, and participate in related experiential learning such as internships and volunteering. Upon completing their project senior year, students defend their final portfolio and present their work before a committee of Westridge faculty and staff. The program provides an in-depth learning opportunity for students interested in global studies, instilling in them an awareness of their role in the wider world and how their actions can contribute to a broader community of real change. Participating students receive a Global Fellow distinction at Commencement.

 

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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