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Real Boys, R.E.A.L. (Relational, Experiential, Active & Life-long) Learning

We're passionate about educating boys. Boys learn differently; this is reflected in the way in which we educate our students, shape our curriculum, our residential program, and our philosophy as an institution. We understand that shaping the young leaders of our future is centered around educating the whole boy; this is a lofty goal, that's why we're continually examining the changing landscape of education to determine what works best for our boys.

R.E.A.L. Learning is a systematic methodology that Avon Old Farms has established to guide and support our mission of educating our students—our boys. The tenants of R.E.A.L. Learning—Relational, Experiential, Active, and Lifelong—establish a foundation that wholly aid not only in how we educate boys, but also why we educate boys. How we educate is important, but why we educate boys is paramount.

 

Real Boys, R.E.A.L. (Relational, Experiential, Active & Life-long) Learning

We're passionate about educating boys. Boys learn differently; this is reflected in the way in which we educate our students, shape our curriculum, our residential program, and our philosophy as an institution. We understand that shaping the young leaders of our future is centered around educating the whole boy; this is a lofty goal, that's why we're continually examining the changing landscape of education to determine what works best for our boys.

R.E.A.L. Learning is a systematic methodology that Avon Old Farms has established to guide and support our mission of educating our students—our boys. The tenants of R.E.A.L. Learning—Relational, Experiential, Active, and Lifelong—establish a foundation that wholly aid not only in how we educate boys, but also why we educate boys. How we educate is important, but why we educate boys is paramount.

 

CHARACTER AND WELLNESS EDUCATION

Our boys attend weekly classes and workshops in Character, Masculinity, Brotherhood, Health, Wellness, DEI, and College Preparedness...

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Our academic program is designed to be student centered and to instill a curiosity in learning across the disciplines.

Boys are relational Learners

Boys are relational learners. At Avon Old Farms, our students establish lasting and meaningful relationships with teachers. With opportunities to interact with faculty members in the classroom, during extracurricular activities, at residential programs, and in the refectory for family-style meals, our students build important relationships with adults in the community that help them feel encouraged and supported. These relationships and those among students are critical to an enriching and challenging experience in the classrooms. Contemplating the complex morality of Shelley’s Frankenstein or the definition of a derivative is no easy task, yet there is a camaraderie in the Avon Old Farms classrooms that allows students to feel comfortable to take risks and find support when it is needed.

Boys learn best through experience

Boys learn deeply through experience. More traditional methods of classroom teaching hold value; however, boys find enormous meaning and lasting knowledge through relevant experiences that extend and apply classroom content and instruction. Whether U.S. History students are in the Oak Grove by a fire with legendary teacher and Civil War reenactor Art Custer, or they are throwing harpoons at the Mystic Seaport after reading Moby Dick in Dr. Stern’s Literature of the Sea course, the visible impact of experiential learning is apparent. The boys physically engage with the experience. They lean into it. They respond. At Avon Old Farms, faculty work hard to identify experiential learning opportunities for boys to create their own personal relationship to learning.

Boys learn best through experience

Boys learn deeply through experience. More traditional methods of classroom teaching hold value; however, boys find enormous meaning and lasting knowledge through relevant experiences that extend and apply classroom content and instruction. Whether U.S. History students are in the Oak Grove by a fire with legendary teacher and Civil War reenactor Art Custer, or they are throwing harpoons at the Mystic Seaport after reading Moby Dick in Dr. Stern’s Literature of the Sea course, the visible impact of experiential learning is apparent. The boys physically engage with the experience. They lean into it. They respond. At Avon Old Farms, faculty work hard to identify experiential learning opportunities for boys to create their own personal relationship to learning.

Boys need to be active in class

Boys need to be active in class. Sitting in class for extended periods of time can be exhausting, and naturally, when the body is stagnant, focus can fade. So, it’s incredibly important for students to be moving around during class whenever it is appropriate. Lab work in science naturally lends itself to active collaboration, but so do competitive proofs at the board when a class is divided into teams to see which team can complete the proof first with each team member solving a step.  Furthermore, students must be active in their own learning, meaning that they need to take ownership over their studies. They cannot be bystanders to their education, and this agency and ownership makes for a transformational educational experience, not a transactional one.

Boys need to appreciate the importance of life-long education.

Boys need to appreciate the importance of life-long education. Understanding that there is always something to learn is essential to leading a life of purpose—a rewarding life of consequence. If we do our job well, students will become lifelong learners—driven by curiosity, looking for and finding ways to grow and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Boys need to appreciate the importance of life-long education.

Boys need to appreciate the importance of life-long education. Understanding that there is always something to learn is essential to leading a life of purpose—a rewarding life of consequence. If we do our job well, students will become lifelong learners—driven by curiosity, looking for and finding ways to grow and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

 

Read About The Boys

"Prep4ward is fundamentally educational and information-based. Understanding good information empowers students to be leaders in their own lives at a time when many may feel that things are out of their hands." 

- Rob Whitty, Associate Headmaster

Read about how boys benefit from leading in The Boys School Blog:

A Campus Alive with Opportunities to be Healthy & Well

We don't just teach boys how to be healthy and well at Avon, our very campus breathes life and wholeness. Each boy wakes daily to breathtaking views of the mountains and is encouraged to hike, fish, garden, and generally be mindful of where he stands. 

Explore #mindfulnessatavon on our Instagram account!

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Our academic program is designed to be student centered and to instill a curiosity in learning across the disciplines.