For fifteen years I have been privileged to teach in middle school at CHDS. Our emphasis on the process of learning is evident in our short and long-term projects.  Students once exhibited family stories, personal objects, and poems at the Museum of the Americas, as part of the Spanish class.


The field education program, as a standard aspect of the curriculum, is not simply a supplement to the curriculum, but an essential part of it.  One of the greatest assets of the school is its independence from standardized testing; it allows for the investigation of issues in depth, which helps to strengthen and develop critical thinking and analysis skills in the students.


One on one tutorial sessions with every student in the 7th grade for every formal essay they write and then revise-- the cornerstone of the writing program.


I appreciate how CHDS creates conditions under which I can get to know my students and attend to their individual learning needs, by keeping class sizes small and providing ample time for planning and grading.  Schools that show this type of commitment to their teachers are, of course, also showing commitment to their students.


Student-led conferences provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their progress throughout the trimester.  In their reflections, students are asked to identify specific concepts with which they feel confident and areas of growth.


One of Capitol Hill Day School's greatest gifts to me has been the freedom to be the best teacher I can.  My suggestions for updating the curriculum in unique and exciting ways have always been met here with open arms.  The administration encourages and supports us when we seek out professional development opportunities.  My colleagues serve as resources, sounding boards, and friends on any given day.  The school is there for me so I can be there for the children.