Experiential Learning
Learning at Newark Academy transcends the traditional classroom. Our various experiential learning experiences allow students to embrace and develop a growth mindset while taking risks, questioning the status quo and exploring their passions.
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Immersion Experiences
Immersion Experiences are a signature part of the Newark Academy educational experience. All Upper School students must complete an Immersion experience during their time at Newark Academy, but many choose to go on multiple trips. During these language, service, and wilderness immersions, students lean into discomfort and learn to adapt to unfamiliar situations as they embark on trips that emphasize independent thinking, cultural understanding and global stewardship.
Ways to Meet the Immersion Requirement:
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Join a group trip organized and led by members of the NA faculty
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Embark on an approved trip offered by an outside organization
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Propose a self-designed experience for approval
Newark Academy makes every effort to offer students and their families with affordable options for fulfilling the Immersion Experience requirement. Students receiving financial aid from Newark Academy will receive a level of aid in covering trip costs commensurate with the percentage of their overall annual award.
Director of Immersion Experiences
Off-Campus Study
For students who want to even further escape their comfort zones, Newark Academy partners with some of the world’s most highly respected semester-long travel and study programs.
Off-Campus Study Coordinator
June Term & Capstone Experiences
At Newark Academy, the final two weeks of the school year are a time for immersive, hands-on discovery in both NA’s Upper and Middle School.
Senior Projects
During the last month of school, Grade 12 students partake in Senior Projects — a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a passion they have always wanted to pursue, learn a new skill or gain real-world experience in a workplace, under the guidance of a mentor. Past Senior Projects have included learning how to fly fish, getting scuba diving certified, working as a mechanic’s apprentice, backpacking Yosemite’s North Rim, volunteering in a marine lab, working as a prep cook, interning in social media marketing and learning how to sew clothes. Upon conclusion, students will write a reflection and present about their experience to faculty members and peers.
Associate Director of Student Life
Service-Learning
Service-learning, in which students combine community service with learning objectives, happens during various curricular courses at NA. Most notably, service-learning is the guiding principle of the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Projects, as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. However, service-learning also takes place through various avenues outside of the classroom including during the planning and reflecting stages of community service events, through student-led club activities and in select June Term courses, Immersion Experiences and Off-Campus Study programs.
