Our Ethos

Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Out-performing within perfectly controlled environments is not our aim

As founder of Springwell, I deeply contemplate — on a daily basis — what students (and humans) need in order to thrive, not just in the future, but right now, in this very moment.

In my early youth, I was an excellent student, an identity that led me to Harvard Law. I learned to out-perform within controlled environments.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Is our moral arch actually bending toward justice?

Dr. King said that the “arc of the moral universe is long but bends toward justice.” I often wonder, is that true?

Are we actually bending toward justice? When I have doubt, though, I look closely at the Springwell community. I see peace, I see belonging, I see love.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

How Curriculum Emerges: Egyptology

Curiosity peaked from a Pharoah Halloween costume leads to weeks of Egyptology study in our Upper Elementary classroom. With emergent curriculum, our teachers observe the students and skillfully weave the student interests together with science, cultural studies, language arts and math curriculum.

Interested in a Springwell education full of fascination and engagement for your child? Apply today.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

We Celebrate our Unicorns

To be a Springwell Teacher, well, you must be a unicorn! The teacher that is attuned to the Springwell Way is quite a unique person that walks in this world indeed.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! We celebrate with song, appreciation, art, composting, waste reduction and more!

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

The Sound of Glass Shattering

At Springwell, we celebrate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her confirmation makes more space for all of our students to become themselves, authentically and heroically, no matter where they come from and no matter where their paths and efforts may take them.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Middle School Loser

How can we help our middle schoolers navigate this awful and awesome time of growth, change, and development in more empowering ways?

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Happy Pride Month! Spotlight on Springwell Mom: Rachael Rose-Stern

Rachael Rose-Stern has been a champion for LGBTQ people since she was old enough to teach workshops on heterosexism in middle school. Luckily, she went to an independent school based on diversity and social justice and spent her formative years immersed in concepts that would fuel her career — much like what she hopes to give her daughter Delaney (and later twins Ruby and Saige) at Springwell.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Runt of the Litter: a chance to lead

In a mixed-aged classroom, you are never always the youngest or oldest. Mixed-aged classrooms give students the opportunity to hold a diversity of roles throughout their school experience.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Math in Mixed-Age Classrooms at Springwell

How exactly do you teach math in a mixed-age classroom? Can one teacher support multiple levels of learning in one setting? The answer is yes, absolutely! Learn more about mixed-level learning here.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Earth Day, Every Day

Springwell happily celebrates Earth Day every day! Learn about Springwell’s Gardening, Cooking and Compost programs. 2021 Spring Programs are partially supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

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Gloria Chan Gloria Chan

Chauvin Guilty Verdict

Communities across the country are breathing a sigh of relief and celebration after former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd. For families and educators seeking resources on how to discuss these issues with our young students, read more here.

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