Grade-level retreats begin in grade 5 and continue through grade 12, the capstone of the program. Retreats are an important, highly-anticipated part of the student experience creating a fun, safe and rewarding passage for each class to come together in unique opportunities for character education, service learning, leadership, teambuilding, personal challenge and reflection, and foster social interaction, friendship and community among the classes and within advisory groups.
St. Margaret’s carefully plans retreats, including areas of focus, learning objectives, activities and locales to reflect student age, readiness for increasing responsibility and independence, as well as grade-level studies and areas of focus. Retreats typically occur in the fall, in camp settings, destination locations, and on campus as a kickoff to the school year. Retreats also allow for students and the professional community to work together in unique environments and contexts, often as an entire class and within advisory groups. These outside-the-classroom experiences facilitate applied and service learning experiences, in areas of ecology, sustainability, underserved communities, STEAM and design thinking.