Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

Orion Award for Excellence in Experiential Education

Hamden Hall Grade 4 teacher Emily Schimelman, who is also a Hamden Hall alumna, was named the 2013 recipient of the Mystic Seaport Orion Award for Excellence in Experiential Education.  The Award is bestowed annually by Mystic Seaport on educators who create meaningful and innovative learning experiences for their students by utilizing the Museum’s collections, programs, and learning resources. The Orion Award recognizes teachers who infuse history, math, science, and literature with a maritime focus and are an inspiration to their students and their colleagues.
 
“We chose to honor Emily Schimelman with this Award because she understands that primary sources and hands-on research are more than just a fun experience—they create an opportunity for students to develop and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are integral components of the new Common Core State Standards being implemented in schools today,” said Sarah Cahill, director of Education at Mystic Seaport.

Learning Comes to Life!

Hamden Hall forms partnerships with the best resources in the area to bring learning to life for our students. One of the most innovative and dynamic is our collaboration with Mystic Seaport.
 
In conjunction with Mystic educators, we combine in-class lessons and activities for our fourth- and fifth-graders with onsite travels to the popular maritime history attraction.
 
The results are cross curricular, highly interactive monthly programs that are varied and project-based in areas such as geography, nautical science, American history, technology, and more.
 
As a two-year partnership, content differs by grade. In Grade 4, the focus is "life at Sea," combining simulation activities along with primary source analysis. Meanwhile, in Grade 5, students take part in a very hands-on, yearlong, "Seaport Town Apprenticeship" program. 
 
Hamden Hall established its partnership with Mystic Seaport in the 2012-2013 school year.


News

From Mystic Seaport President Steve White

"Mystic Seaport is proud to be partnering with Hamden hall to provide rigorous and dynamic programming that complements what happens in the classroom. Hamden Hall is leading the way with innovative use of educational resources outside of the classroom."

Hamden Hall Country Day School

About Us

Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.