• Costa Rica

    Through in-field study and hands-on observation, students studied and compared the ecology of Virginia and Costa Rica.

  • 2nd graders with hardhats

    Second Graders learn about key aspects of a construction site, including management of water runoff from the site (so that mud and sediment doesn't travel to bigger bodies of water) and the importance of protecting our creeks, rivers and bays.

  • Water tests

    Collecting data and analyzing it helps illustrate environmental challenges.

  • Butterflies

    The Lower School garden is an outdoor classroom for natural observations.
Responsible Citizenship
“In today’s times, providing a curriculum and programs that allow students and faculty to challenge their assumptions, engage with others in the broader community and push their boundaries of understanding and empathy has never been more important. I am grateful for the JK-12 impact the Powell Institute for Responsible Citizenship has on our learners."
Sara Boisvert
Director, Powell Institute for Responsible Citizenship
Responsible Citizenship Team

Responsible Citizenship

Collegiate aspires to instill responsible citizenship through sustainability, valuing and understanding the interconnectedness of human and natural systems, and taking action so that they may thrive. The Four Guiding Principles of the Center for Ecoliteracy’s “Smart by Nature” framework provide structure for how educators can approach education for sustainability: Nature is our teacher; Sustainability is a community practice; The real world is the optimal learning environment; Sustainable living is rooted in a deep knowledge of place.
  • Lower School
    Lower School students engage in composting by separating compostable lunchroom trash and hauling it to the garden’s compost pile. Students learn about organic gardening concepts and practices, and then actively participate in fertilizing garden beds.
  • Middle School
    6th Grade students participate in the Riparian Area Service Project, designed to reforest the habitat for migratory bird species. Based on the book Wonder, this service learning experience incorporates the themes of care and kindness to all living things.
  • Upper School
    Students in Upper School AP Environmental Science engage in a land use planning project by designing a community, assessing and providing for all needs, while incorporating the most sustainable practices for food production, energy, waste disposal and housing.

Ignite - Sustainability