Signature Programs & Social-Emotional Learning
Barnhart School’s signature programs are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence while providing students with meaningful opportunities to discover and develop their unique strengths. Through a combination of innovative academic enrichment, personalized learning, environmental education, collaborative problem-solving, and opportunities for leadership, Barnhart creates an educational experience that extends beyond traditional academics. These programs encourage students to think critically, embrace challenges, explore their passions, and develop the skills needed to become lifelong learners and engaged members of their communities.
At Barnhart School, social-emotional learning is an essential part of the student experience. Through intentional character development and emotional intelligence programming, students learn the importance of self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and positive relationships. By integrating social-emotional growth into daily learning, Barnhart fosters a supportive environment where students feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential—academically, personally, and socially.
Barnhart's Gifted Learning Program is designed to support students who would benefit from additional academic challenge, deeper exploration, and enriched learning experiences. Through a balanced approach, students will continue their core instruction in the classroom while also participating in small-group, deeper learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Learn more about our Gifted Learning Program here.
The Virtues Project focuses on the common threads and the universal values found in all cultures. Barnhart uses the Virtues Project as a way of creating a culture of character in ourselves and our school. Specific virtues are presented in our weekly chapels and further developed in the classrooms. Each week the students are presented with the Virtue of The Week at chapel and it is reinforced in the classroom through teachable moments, specific instruction, and lessons surrounding the topic.
RULER is an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. It helps school communities understand emotions, enhance emotional Intelligence skills, and create a positive school climate.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, and public speaking. It is designed to help students at all learning levels grow as learners, develop their teamwork skills, and reach their full potential.
MindPrint Learning assesses cognitive skills to better support our students in learning more efficiently and personalizing their instruction by understanding their strengths and needs.
Green Our Planet uses gardens and hydroponic labs to teach STEM, conservation, nutrition, and entrepreneurship in engaging ways. This hands-on learning sparks curiosity and connects students to the natural world.