by Kerri Consalvo | Jul 1, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
Graduation is always a special moment at The Phoenix School, but one of the most meaningful traditions is hearing our eighth graders reflect on their journeys. As we listened to the Class of 2026 share their speeches, a common theme emerged: growth.
Not just academic growth, but growth in confidence, leadership, resilience, and self-discovery.
Fiona reflected on how much she has changed since arriving at Phoenix as a quiet second grader during the pandemic.
“I’ve grown from a timid, reserved, and inflexible girl to a now confident, expressive, and empathetic student.”
She spoke about learning to embrace challenges, support younger students, and recognize her own potential. Her journey is a powerful reminder that growth often happens gradually, through encouragement, reflection, and perseverance.
Gavin shared how Phoenix transformed his understanding of learning. Through choice-based projects, multiage partnerships, and real-world experiences, he discovered new passions and developed the confidence to pursue them.
“Choice has given me the chance to enjoy much more of my learning, and through that increase the quality of my learning.”
His reflections highlighted the value of student agency and the unique opportunities that come from learning alongside students of different ages.
For Alfie, growth came through challenge. Whether learning to lead younger partners, accepting feedback on his work, or stepping outside his comfort zone during school trips, he discovered confidence by doing things that once felt impossible.
“Leadership wasn’t about getting my partner to listen. It was about learning how to support someone else.”
Looking back on his time at Phoenix, he recognized just how much he had changed. “If my fifth-grade self could see me standing at this podium today, they wouldn’t recognize the confident eighth grader I’ve become.”
Each graduate’s story is unique, but together they reflect what we hope every student gains from their time at Phoenix: the confidence to take risks, the ability to lead with empathy, the courage to embrace challenges, and the curiosity to keep learning.
To Fiona, Gavin, and Alfie: thank you for sharing your voices and your stories. We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your journeys take you next.
by Kerri Consalvo | Jun 12, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
Our graduation ceremony is one of the most cherished traditions at The Phoenix School. More than just a celebration of moving on to the next grade or graduating from middle school, it is a reflection of each student’s unique journey, growth, and accomplishments throughout the year.
At Phoenix, every student has a moment to shine. One of the highlights of the ceremony is hearing each child share their proudest moment from the year. Their reflections remind us of the many ways learning happens—not just through academics, but through creativity, perseverance, friendship, and personal growth.
The ceremony also features heartfelt speeches from our graduating 8th graders. Their words often bring laughter, tears, and gratitude as they look back on their years at Phoenix and share their hopes for the future.
Music is another special part of the celebration. Students have the opportunity to perform with the orchestra or band and join Daisy in song, showcasing the confidence and talents they have developed throughout the year.
A favorite Phoenix tradition is our personalized student awards. Each child receives a special award that recognizes the qualities, strengths, and achievements that made them stand out during the year. These awards celebrate the unique gifts every student brings to our community.
The creativity of our graduating class is also on full display. The 8th graders’ artwork is exhibited throughout the venue, alongside their impressive 3D self-portraits. These projects offer a glimpse into who they are as artists, thinkers, and individuals at this moment in their lives.
Graduation is always a beautiful reminder of what makes Phoenix so special: a community that knows each child deeply, celebrates their individuality, and honors their growth. We are incredibly proud of all our students and especially our graduating 8th graders. Congratulations to each and every one of them on an unforgettable year.
by Kerri Consalvo | May 21, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
There’s something powerful about sharing your voice—not just in a classroom, but out in the world.
At our recent Poetry Slam at Gulu-Gulu Café, Phoenix students did just that. After spending time writing their own poetry, each student selected a piece to read in front of an audience of families, friends, and even café patrons. It was a brave step, and one they met with creativity and heart.
Students collaborated on group poems before stepping up to share their own individual work. Their writing reflected the depth and range of their learning experiences, with poems inspired by topics like Artemis II, our Global Wildlife Center trip, birds, and personal “I Am” reflections.
We were especially moved by the way our community showed up for one another. Some of our younger students felt nervous, but they weren’t alone. Older students stepped in as leaders, offering encouragement and standing beside them as they presented. It was a beautiful example of the multi-age connections that make Phoenix so special.
Students explored a variety of poetic forms, including cinquain, limerick, villanelle, abecedarian, and tanka. Experiences like this reflect what we value most at Phoenix: empowering students to take risks, express themselves authentically, and support one another along the way. Watching them stand in front of an audience and share their voices was truly something special.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 27, 2026 | Uncategorized
As we wrap up our look back at this incredible experience, we’re grateful for the moments of curiosity, growth, and connection our students experienced:
Mysterious murky bayous beckon to us and we cannot refuse the call. We board our boat at Honey Island Swamp for today’s adventure. Our captain takes us deep into the bayou, past a settlement of houses perched at water’s edge. The river is their highway, and boats are their sole means of transport to work, school, and fun.
Moving on, we begin to spy young alligators sheltering in plants and lily pads near the shore. They know they are food for every other creature in the swamp so are careful about where they hide. Older ‘gators are easier to spot as they laze about. A small water snake resting on a broken limb just above the water slides gracefully away upon our approach. Turtles sun along logs, all in a row until our appearance causes some to slide silently into the water until we pass. A single osprey swoops over us on its way to join its mate on a limb above its massive nest. They watch over a teeming bayou that holds us in its embrace, allowing us to forget civilization for a short time.
Phoenix travelers are lured back to New Orleans to wander among the French Quarter’s streets that they found so fascinating on their first day. Music and aromas of fresh beignets accompany us on our explorations. We find a soulful group of musicians playing jazz on the street, wind through narrow streets of colorful doors and ironwork, ride a streetcar into modern New Orleans and find fresh, sweet beignets that we eat overlooking the mighty Mississippi River before heading back to Bogue Chitto.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 23, 2026 | Uncategorized
Our 6–8 students’ learning adventure at the Global Wildlife Center continued to unfold in new and exciting ways. Each day brought new opportunities for discovery, connection, and real-world learning:
This morning at Global, Cali transports us into the world of the long leaf pine savannah, first through a digital presentation in the tree house (our outdoor classroom perched above the pastures), then in the field among the pines. We examine needle bundles, pine cones, and bark to differentiate each species. Cali’s enthusiasm for saving milkweed for monarch butterflies before the pasture gets mown leads us to helping her dig up milkweed for replanting elsewhere. To reach the pasture, we are treated to a private ride through the pastures. With our feeding cups full, we attract crowds of hungry critters, hoping for a mouthful of nutritious treats.
Global’s capybaras have been tugging at our hearts since our first day when we watched them grazing along the pond’s edge and swimming group laps around the water’s edge across from our “tree house” where we meet each day with our naturalists. Mikayla and McKale introduce us to the family, supplying branches of delicious leaves, according to the capybaras, so we can feed the gentle creatures. They love their treat and us petting them and rubbing their bellies. How do we know that? Capybara whistles and grunts tell us “Please don’t stop! We love this!”
After lunch the Center’s two tortoises decide to make an appearance, moving slowly and steadily from their shelter onto the grass. McKale allows us to go into the enclosure to meet the girls, who, thinking we might have tortoise treats, follow us around.
Before dinner, we plunge into the Bogue Chitto River and float, pushed by its current until we cool off and shed the dust of the Global fields and pastures. Splashing and carousing together, both in the river and water park, we end our adventures today wet and joyful.
