by Ivan Johnson, Middle School Program Head

In two weeks, Friends School’s 5th-8th grade students will participate in our Immersion Program, a week-long, immersive, interdisciplinary, and experiential program where students will engage in a variety of educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. During this time, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them through exploring nature, engaging in interdisciplinary learning, and building community. The program aims to empower students to think critically, develop independence and responsibility, and enhance their love of learning.

Having designed immersive experiences for students for many years, I know firsthand how powerful programs like these can be in offering an antidote to a gamification mindset. Over the course of a week, our 5th-8th grade students will dive into experiences that prioritize genuine engagement, critical thinking, and the transformative process of moving from “I don’t know” to “I understand.”

There’s something truly remarkable about this approach. Instead of the traditional model—where content is taught over long stretches and assessed in a single summative test—our students will experience a concentrated week of exploration, discovery, and mastery. They’ll go from curiosity to comprehension, not through rote memorization or point-earning, but through real-world experiences and hands-on learning. It’s this shift from passive to active learning that makes the Immersion Program so powerful and sets the Friends School approach apart.

March is often a challenging time for schools, with energy levels dipping and traditional classrooms struggling to maintain focus and engagement. Instead of defaulting to busywork or filler activities, we’re giving our students a chance to think independently, reflect on their beliefs, and explore new environments. This initiative has resulted in heightened academic engagement and personal growth for students and teachers, decreased classroom management issues, and strengthened community bonds.

We are so excited to see our students thrive in this unique learning opportunity, where authentic learning and personal growth take center stage. Let’s go!