Olney Friends School

  • 61830 Sandy Ridge Road Barnesville, OH 43713
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Category: Education

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential Learning

Discover how an Olney education fosters experiential learning through hands-on, interdisciplinary education to develop confident thinkers with meaningful lives.

Peace, Presence, and the Outdoors

quaker education outdoor learning ohio

At Olney Friends School, a Quaker boarding and day school in Barnesville, Ohio, students learn something different. Presence. Deep listening. Caring for living things and each other across our 350-acre USDA-certified organic campus. Outdoor learning isn’t a program here. It’s daily life.

How Experiential Learning Prepares Teens for Life Beyond the Classroom

what is experiential learning

Why Experiential Learning Matters More Than Ever More parents are seeking schools that offer experiential learning opportunities, as kids do not all learn the same way. This is why it is so important for parents to identify what type of learner their child is so that they can choose a school that caters to their specific needs. By doing this, parents are giving their teens a solid educational foundation that will carry them through life. What Is Experiential Learning? Experiential learning is an opportunity for students to learn by doing. This can be handled in several ways, but at Olney Friends School, we believe in providing hands-on experience for our students through our farm program. Students join the Farm Team, choosing to take part in our animal or vegetable crews. Through these activities, students have the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, livestock care, organic farming, and food production. Our transdisciplinary curriculum allows students to connect agriculture, science, and mathematics with real-life experiences. They get to witness the topics that they are taught being put into use on our 350-acre campus. We are USDA-certified and grow over 20 certified organic crops. Participating in the Farm Team enables students to see food production from the field to the table, providing them with a deeper understanding of the process of growing and harvesting food. What Do Students Gain From Experiential Learning? Every aspect of our campus provides learning opportunities for students. Teens who learn better through a hands-on approach will greatly benefit when attending Olney. Students benefit in several ways when learning through experiences. Hands-On Education Hands-on learning offers students a skill set that traditional learning does not. Students can connect lessons to real-life scenarios, which means they are gaining a deeper understanding of the curriculum they are being taught. Promoting Curiosity and Exploration The digital age has stifled imagination and curiosity because everything is readily available at our fingertips. Experiential learning promotes curiosity and creativity through exploration. Students will be encouraged to ask questions, conduct experiments, and explore topics more thoroughly outside the classroom. This approach helps enhance independent learning while creating a deeper understanding of the subjects. Personalized Learning Paths Learning through experience is a more flexible way of learning. Students will be more engaged with lessons and be able to explore topics more effectively. By providing students with experiences, they will gain a more personalized learning module. As a result, students will be more engaged in the topics that they are learning. Students will learn in a way that is best suited to their abilities and interests. Future-Ready Skills Gaining real-life experience will greatly help students succeed beyond the classroom. These experiences shine when applying for higher education. Rather than being a passive recipient of the topics that are being taught, students become active participants. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are enhanced and encouraged in an experiential learning environment. Multidisciplinary Learning Experiential learning helps integrate multiple subjects, enabling students to find connections between science, technology, art, social sciences, and many other disciplines. When teens engage in meaningful experiences, they can develop practical skills, as well as a deeper understanding of the topics being taught. Learning Through Experiences Experiences can be created in various ways, including gardening and farming, nature hikes, hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops, and even role-playing activities. Through experiences, students can easily comprehend what they are being taught while fostering essential skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Students are encouraged to become directly involved in the learning process. This type of learning not only promotes engagement but also helps motivate students to learn and enjoy the process. Knowledge Retention  Hands-on experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of the topics being taught, while also encouraging them to retain the information that they learn. When you learn by doing, you have a higher success rate of remembering the information that is taught. Boost Self-Awareness and Confidence Students gain a greater sense of achievement through hands-on learning. This improves their confidence by participating in purposeful work. The greater responsibilities our students have, the prouder they are of the results. This creates individuals who are connected to their work and invested in the outcome, developing a lifelong love of learning. Fostering Experiential Learning At Olney Friends School Olney offers an exceptional learning experience for our students. We present opportunities to immediately apply the knowledge that is learned. This allows students to gain a deeper appreciation for the lessons that are being taught and their community. Schedule your campus tour today to discover how we can provide your teen a high-quality education with our experiential learning methods.

Life at a Quaker Boarding School: Where Community Comes First

quaker boarding school

What Community Means at a Quaker Boarding School A Quaker boarding school is a unique environment cultivating a close-knit, values-based community. Teens who may struggle in a traditional high school quickly find their place in this new setting. Embarking on an alternative school route might seem challenging, but knowing they will have the support of an established community can make this decision easier. Boarding school gives young people the opportunity to join and participate in something bigger than themselves. Academics matter, certainly, but these institutions let your teen become part of a lasting community. Boarding school options seem endless, yet community-focused boarding schools create welcoming spaces where your teen can truly feel at home. When considering sending your child to school away from home, their emotional support and connections are what matter most. Quaker schools provide what many other boarding institutions cannot: authentic community bonds. These Quaker residential institutions blend strong academics with values that can strengthen your teen’s individual sense of purpose. What Exactly is a Quaker Boarding School? Quakers belong to the Religious Society of Friends, a faith community that lives by principles of simplicity and equality, focusing heavily on peace and non-violence. They believe that everyone has goodness with them, which they call an “inner light.” Focusing on this inner light reframes how we see people as we choose to see the positive attributes of those around us. These schools weave Quaker values and principles throughout campus life, creating secure environments for fresh experiences alongside demanding academics. What can you expect from a Quaker boarding school? Quaker boarding schools are open to students and families of any religion, or none. People may think that a Quaker boarding school is only for practicing Quakers, but this is not at all the case.. Learning Quaker values does not ask students to have a specific religion, faith, or belief. Quaker boarding schools are designed with diversity in mind. Allowing room for all religions to practice, engage, and reflect while being a part of a robust academic environment that is heavily focused on community. Why Should Parents Consider a Quaker Boarding School? Community-Based Learning The strong sense of community that a Quaker school offers is the number one reason why most parents consider this type of school over others. A community-based school can provide the support teens need to grow and thrive in all areas of their lives. Community-based learning equips young adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce and beyond. Collaborating with others is a crucial soft skill essential in the home, workplace, and community. This will help shape teens into model citizens who will care for their neighbors and show them kindness when needed. Community-focused schools are highly valuable in today’s world because they enable students to form lifelong bonds. When students work together regularly, they pick up teamwork skills that help them later in jobs and relationships. They learn to help their classmates and be there for each other when things get tough. These bonds can help teens who otherwise struggle to find a place in this world.  Values in Curriculum Values are naturally woven into the heart of lessons. This value-based education helps foster more well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on the world. Creating kind individuals who value others can be achieved with the help of a community-based school that incorporates values into its curriculum. Creativity Creativity is welcomed and valued in Quaker schools. It is not only welcomed but also encouraged, as students explore topics, ask questions, and really learn the curriculum they are being taught. With values woven into every lesson, teens will grow into creative spirits that are kind and accepting of all people. Schedule Your Campus Tour Today Want a school where your teen won’t disappear into the background? Our classes stay small – usually 8 to 12 kids – so teachers can give each student personal attention within a close-knit community. Take a virtual tour, and check out what we’re all about. Schedule your campus tour today and experience firsthand what makes Olney Friends School a leading Quaker boarding school.

What to Consider Before Sending Your Teen to a Private Boarding School

private boarding school education

What You Should Know About Private Boarding School What do you know about private boarding schools? Is this a schooling option that your family has been discussing? Are you feeling a little lost on what to look for and what you should know about this type of schooling? Do not worry, because you are not alone. Most parents start worrying about sending their teen away to school without really diving into the benefits that it has to offer their family. Fully researching your options will allow you to make the most informed decision on whether or not this unique schooling option is best for your teen. 5 Things To Know About Private Boarding Schools Parents face many challenging decisions when it comes to their children’s education, upbringing, and environment. Be sure that you do all your research ahead of time before discussing boarding school options with your teen. 1. Readiness and Willingness All children mature at different rates. It highly depends on the independence they have been given at home and how they handle that independence. You need to be honest with your teen and have open conversations about boarding school. Allow them to ask questions and gauge their willingness towards attending this type of school. If your teen is not ready, they may need more time. On the other hand, boarding school can be a safe and supportive environment where students can develop greater independence before attending college. Many students who initially feel hesitant about attending a private boarding school discover that the structured yet nurturing atmosphere helps them build confidence and maturity at their own pace. 2. Private Boarding School’s Reputation and Track Record Nothing replaces an in-person (or virtual) campus visit. Walk the grounds, sit in on classes when possible, and speak directly with current students and their parents. Schools develop their own personalities over time – something you can only sense by being there. If you can, connect with alumni. Discover how their experiences shaped their college and career paths. Read online reviews and see what other parents and students have to say about their time spent at the school. This approach will give you an inside look at what to expect for your teen. 3. Check Safety and Welfare There are many questions a parent may have about the boarding school’s safety and welfare policies: Understanding all the school’s policies will help ensure that you choose a school that can safely board your teen while gaining a higher-quality education. 4. Academics and Extracurricular Activities A private boarding school education should offer both academic excellence and opportunities for personal growth. Weekends and afternoons matter just as much to your teen’s development. During visits, ask specific questions about activities available outside class hours. Do students have access to music, arts, sports, or special interest clubs? At our private school in Ohio, our transdisciplinary approach means students work on our organic farm while learning vital math skills, participate in community service, and engage in creative pursuits, building well-rounded skills for college and life. 5. Tuition Transparency Private boarding school is a significant investment in your teen’s future. Before committing, understand exactly what tuition covers— and what it does not. Does it include books, activity fees, trips, and special programs? Some schools have separate charges for things you might assume are included. Ask for a comprehensive breakdown of expenses beyond the base tuition to avoid surprises later. More Private Boarding School Considerations Some other things to consider may include: Exploring Private Boarding Schools Finding the right private boarding school for your teen takes time and thoughtful consideration. At Olney Friends School, we understand this is one of the biggest decisions your family will make for your teen’s education, which will help determine their trajectory. We invite you to visit our historic campus in Ohio, meet our faculty (who maintain a remarkable 3:1 student-teacher ratio), and experience our community firsthand. Schedule a personal tour today to discover if our approach to education aligns with your family’s values and your teen’s needs.