Striving to cultivate intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in all of our students, while preparing them to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Beacon provides a flexible alternative to the traditional private or public school structure. With an emphasis on achieving distinct personal goals, our programs are tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. We challenge our students to develop their gifts and discover their passions by engaging them in the individualized educational model for which we are known. Through one-on-one and small-group instruction in a community of inspired learners, Beacon students achieve academic excellence while following their own unique paths. Advanced art and music instruction, comprehensive gifted education, self-directed learning, passionate teachers, research-based strategies for different learning styles, with no limitations on course selection and design — these are only a few of Beacon’s hallmarks.

At Beacon, our students are our focus, and our dedicated team of experienced educators is able to facilitate success through customized academic programs. Our ultimate goal is to equip every student with the tools they need to grow as individuals. We challenge our students to discover their distinct interests, abilities, and ambitions, and we are committed to unlocking and enhancing learning potential. To this end, we engage our students in the learning process, emphasizing advanced study and self-directed education. It is our belief that by involving students in the academic process, we can foster a life-long love of learning. Paramount to the Beacon experience is the expectation that every student will excel academically, thrive socially, and achieve personal success.

Drawing from our diverse staff of subject-area professionals, scholars, and teachers trained in both the public and private sector, Beacon is able to accommodate students of all ages. We provide comprehensive K – 12 programs, as well as modified schedules for athletes, performing artists, international students, and young professionals.

At our school in Stamford, a host of extracurricular activities are also available to our students, including dance, yoga, martial arts, sports, swimming, clubs and community service.

Beacon at a glance:

• Individualized courses of study in a small, supportive community
• One-on-one and small-group instruction
• Customized curricula with virtually unlimited course selection and design
• Comprehensive gifted education
• Research-based strategies for different learning styles
• Advanced art and music instruction
• Flexible schedules for young professionals, athletes and performing artists
• Expert college placement program

Beacon’s rigorous academic programs reflect the goals and values that we set forth as a community of learners. By emphasizing interdisciplinary studies and collaboration across the curriculum, we strive to foster a greater sense of intellectual engagement and discovery in our students. Beacon provides students with a solid academic framework, as well as the freedom to create a personalized intellectual experience.

We believe that by involving students in the academic process, we can foster a resilient love of learning. Students at all grade levels participate in designing their programs and are encouraged to choose courses that inspire them while enriching their core curriculum. Course selection is a dynamic process based on each student’s unique interests, abilities and ambitions.

In the lower school, we employ a core curriculum emphasizing higher order thinking skills and key content areas. Our middle school lays the foundation for secondary education by building a robust academic base, promoting intellectual inquiry, and emphasizing effective study skills. In the upper school, students have a more active role in designing their programs, guided by an awareness of both college requirements and personal goals. Given that our students are preparing for a variety of experiences beyond our Upper School, graduation requirements may vary by program.

At Beacon, we offer three levels of enrichment to enhance students’ improve their thinking skills and broaden their horizons. They are embedded in classes and offered as ongoing opportunities to students outside of their normal course of study.

Type 1: Investigation

Investigation activities introduce students to a wide range of experiences and information. They involve learning about something and often spark a new interest. Investigations include classes and clubs, field trips, museums and galleries, performances, guest speakers, travel abroad and other real-world experiences.

Type 2: Training

Training activities make students better thinkings, teach new skills and provide hands-on learning experiences. They can be general, such as communication or research skills, or specific, such as artistic or technical skills.

Type 3: Master Project

Master projects are long-term projects undertaken by students who want to create a real-world product or service for an authentic audience. In the master project, the student becomes the “master”. There is no correct solution, no predetermined curriculum and no limitation on what students can achieve. They may be aimed at solving a problem in the community, publishing or producing creative work, making an original contribution to a field of study, creating a new business or charitable initiative.

The student advisor helps students identify extracurricular activities to enrich their lives and complement their interests. Beacon also sponsors after school events, community service, classes and clubs that are open to all local students.

2010-2011 Extra-Curricular Calendar Coming Soon!

At Beacon, we view our student body as a vibrant talent pool. Each student brings unique gifts and needs diverse opportunities to develop these gifts. Instead of one-size-fits-all academics, we employ a multi-leveled core curriculum with limitless opportunities for elective study. No two students have the same schedule or course of study. By providing a menu of options for school wide enrichment, we can maintain an active, engaged community.

“Beacon Learning Philosophy: A Talent Pool Approach”