OUR MISSION:
Creating academically curious leaders and stewards of tomorrow through academic and outdoor exploration, ethical reasoning, and self-discovery in an intentional community.

WHO WE ARE:

Not all classrooms have four walls. Steward Outdoor School is an outdoor, experiential school for curious learners located in Ivoryton, Connecticut. Our performance-based curriculum complements traditional coursework and particularly focuses on hands-on environmental science, real-world experiences, outdoor adventure, and environmental ethics. With over 740 acres that contain a mile-long private lake, 13 miles of hiking trails, a farm, ropes course and more, Steward Outdoor School students spend most of their days immersed in learning through discovery-based activities and adventures. 

Steward is a program of Incarnation Camp and Conference Center, an Episcopal non-profit with a 133 year legacy of delivering life-changing education, retreat and camping programs to thousands of youth and adults each year. Our beautiful campus spans over 740 acres in coastal Connecticut. Steward is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools.

STEWARD SEMESTER, Grades 6-9

Steward is an environmental science and outdoor education semester school for middle school students. Steward’s rigorous academic curriculum aligns with traditional middle school courses while particularly focusing on hands-on environmental science and ethics. Students spend at least four weeks of each semester on outdoor adventure expeditions. Learning how to create an intentional community with a focus on sustainable practices is at the core of our program. Students leave Steward with a stronger sense of self and are prepared to think critically, communicate effectively, organize themselves independently, and to become the leaders and stewards of tomorrow.

STEWARD OUTDOOR DAY SCHOOL, Grades K-8

Steward Outdoor Day School is an educational experience for elementary aged students, engaging learners through a holistic approach with the teachings of nature as our guide. Through play, exploration, and discovery, students will learn and retain  life-long lessons that will help them excel in all aspects of their education and more. Planned, and the unplanned, experiences enhance academic lessons and expectations. The NGSS and CT Core Standards developed for each grade level naturally flow into daily teachings and adventures. When students come to Steward Outdoor Day School, they grow academically through critical thinking and collaboration while also discovering more about themselves through confidence-boosting activities and participating in lessons that will stay with them for years to come.  The Social Emotional component of the curriculum, inspired by the Responsive Classroom model, is woven throughout all activities and lessons. By building a small and supportive learning community, students not only are more willing to take risks in their own learning, but they also cheer on their peers, celebrating in others’ achievements as much as in their own. They become a team of individuals who each have their own goals, but who also recognize that communication, cooperation, and collaboration helps everyone be successful. Our supportive learning community provides a safe environment to practice, reflect, and persist in the core skills that they’ll need to be successful in school and beyond.