At Selkirk, we believe some of the most powerful learning happens out in the world. Field studies are a key part of our program, giving students the chance to connect what they're learning in the classroom with real experiences in nature and the broader community.
Maria Montessori understood the importance of placing students in natural environments to support their growth. She saw that young people need opportunities to problem-solve, take healthy risks, and build deep connections with the land and with each other. Our field studies carry that philosophy forward.
Why Field Studies Matter
These experiences go well beyond academics. Through shared work projects, outdoor challenges, and time spent together in new settings, students develop the skills and confidence they'll carry into adulthood.
Field studies at Selkirk help students develop independence, self-reliance, and an understanding of their role within a group. They build stronger relationships between students, teachers, and the natural environment. They encourage students to take initiative, adapt to new situations, and grow through experiences that balance freedom with thoughtful guidance. And they connect us all to the wonders of the natural world.
Erdkinder: Our Spring Field Study
Each spring, our Middle Years students take part in an extended field study rooted in Montessori's "Erdkinder" (Children of the Earth) philosophy. This trip integrates our outdoor education program with classroom science curriculum, giving students the chance to apply their learning in a hands-on, immersive setting. It's one of the highlights of the year, and students come back with a stronger sense of community, purpose, and connection to the world around them.