During unprecedented times when global leadership is requiring social distancing to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus, most educational institutions have been forced to implement heroic efforts to minimize the disruption to students’ educational experiences. During this global crisis, The Knox School in Saint James, New York has risen to the challenges of distance education, taking a whole-school approach to delivering high-quality programs in all academic disciplines (not just core subjects).
While distance learning is not a new educational format, it is very new to the students at The Knox School. However, with the support of well-qualified faculty, students are receiving innovative, synchronous education in subject areas ranging from AP Calculus to Intro to Legal Studies to Ceramics.
While it is unclear when The Knox School will reopen its doors to students on campus, Assistant Head of School Virginia Riccardi states: “Intentional planning coupled with our faculty’s willingness to make this work will ensure that our graduating seniors are ready to move to their competitive college acceptances, and that the rest of the student body will have minimal gaps in their learning.”
The faculty and administration at this small college-preparatory boarding and day school have also maintained connections to students through social media and virtual “hang-outs” to support the mental wellness for students who reside both on the Knox campus and within their homes throughout the world. Club activities are underway, the school Advisory program has continued, Student Council elections for the coming school year are slated to happen, and there are even plans for virtual award ceremonies and commencement exercises, if the campus is unable to open before the end of the school year.
Knox wishes to thank all of the families who are supporting their students while they travel through their distance learning journeys at home. It takes a team effort for the type of education that is being delivered at Knox to be successful.
