by Kerri Consalvo | Oct 14, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
What can students learn from an apple? At The Phoenix School, quite a lot!
Last week, our whole school spent the day at Russell Orchards in Ipswich with Daisy, enjoying a beautiful fall day filled with music and exploration. Students went on a hayride to pick apples, learned about how apple trees grow, sang songs with Daisy and Captain Stan, visited the farm animals, and explored the farm store. We also enjoyed lunch together and had some delicious cider donuts!
But the learning began before we ever arrived at the farm and continued long after we returned to school.
Looking Closer: The Science of Apples
As part of their apple study, students created journal spreads exploring apples through scientific observation, drawing, reading, and writing. Working with partners, they selected apples from a variety of types, including Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady, and practiced scientific drawing.
Rather than outlining their drawings first, students focused on observing the apples closely and capturing what they saw. This encouraged them to slow down, notice details, and represent their observations as accurately as possible.
Students then watched a video about grafting and read an article to learn how growers can join parts of different apple trees to produce desired varieties. They drew diagrams illustrating the grafting process and wrote explanations of how it works.
Connecting Classroom Learning to the Real World
Experiences like our visit to Russell Orchards are an important part of learning at Phoenix. Students aren’t simply memorizing facts about apples or reading about how fruit grows. They’re observing, asking questions, exploring ideas, and making connections between what they learn and the world around them.
The apple study also shows how learning naturally crosses subject areas. Science connects with reading and writing. Drawing becomes a tool for careful observation. A farm visit brings classroom questions to life.
We’re grateful to Daisy and everyone at Russell Orchards for welcoming our Phoenix community and giving our students another opportunity to learn through experience. It was a wonderful day at the farm and one that will continue to inspire learning back in the classroom!
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 | Mar 19, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
At The Phoenix School, learning is an adventure — and sometimes that adventure begins with a simple walk down the street.
A few weeks ago, our students visited the Peabody Essex Museum, one of Salem’s greatest cultural treasures. Because we are intentionally small and deeply rooted in our community, opportunities like this are not rare field trips or special occasions. They are a natural extension of our classroom.
Close Looking, Deep Thinking
During our visit, students explored exhibits featuring glass blowing, woodworking, ceramics, and fashion. Rather than simply observing, they were invited to engage as thinkers and interpreters.
In one gallery activity, each student received a single adjective, words like “earthy” or “simple.” Their challenge was to search the gallery for a work of art that embodied that description. Students looked around, studying textures, shapes, materials, and colors. They discussed their reasoning with one another and made thoughtful decisions about which piece best matched their word.
They then sketched their chosen artwork in their wonder journals. This kind of exercise builds depth of understanding — encouraging students to look carefully, think critically, and trust their own perspective.
Materials, Craft, and Curiosity
In another interactive challenge, students examined pieces in the gallery and worked to determine whether each was made from wood or glass. What clues could they find? How did the material influence the form? What techniques might the artist have used?
These conversations extended naturally from our studies back at school, connecting art, science, craftsmanship, and design.
We concluded our visit in the museum’s Create Space, where students used Model Magic to design original pieces inspired by what they had seen. Some focused on texture, others on form or material. Each creation reflected careful observation and personal expression.
Why This Matters
Experiences like this exemplify what experiential, individualized education looks like in action.
At Phoenix, students don’t just learn about art — they analyze it, interpret it, question it, and create in response to it. They develop real-world skills: observation, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. They learn that their voice and perspective matter.
Our ongoing relationship with the Peabody Essex Museum allows students to return again and again, building familiarity, confidence, and increasingly sophisticated thinking over time. The museum becomes not just a destination, but a partner in learning.
And perhaps most importantly, students come to see their city as a place of possibility: a living classroom filled with resources, inspiration, and connection.
When learning extends beyond four walls, curiosity expands. That is the power of a Phoenix education.
by Kerri Consalvo | Feb 25, 2026 | Blog, Educational Philosophy
This year, our students have been volunteering regularly at the Salem Pantry, where they sort food, support distribution, and learn about food access right here in our local community. These experiences are not only about helping others, they are about developing a deeper understanding of the systems that shape people’s lives.
What stands out most is not just what our students are doing, but how they are doing it: with care, curiosity, and a genuine sense of responsibility for others.
As one student reflected after a recent visit: “We were there for two hours? It felt like 30 minutes!”
That sense of joyful engagement is at the heart of a Phoenix education. When students are immersed in meaningful, real-world work, they don’t just learn, they connect. They ask questions. They reflect. And they begin to understand their role in a larger community.
Learning Through Real-World Experience
Community service at Phoenix is a powerful extension of our project-based approach to learning. Through their work, students are:
- Building compassionate hearts by living empathy, not just talking about it
- Developing a global perspective grounded in real-world understanding
- Practicing responsibility, teamwork, and initiative
- Discovering that meaningful change begins with showing up
These are the kinds of experiences that lead to a depth of understanding that lasts.
Growing Compassionate Global Citizens
At Phoenix, we often talk about preparing students to be global citizens. That journey begins close to home. By working alongside organizations like the Salem Pantry, students see how communities support one another. They begin to understand that the world is full of diverse experiences and that their actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. This is how empathy grows — not from a lesson, but from experience.
Learning That Lasts a Lifetime
Whether our students are just beginning their journey or our alumni are carrying these experiences into high school, college, and beyond, the lessons of community engagement stay with them. They leave Phoenix not only with strong academic skills, but with a sense of purpose and a belief that they can contribute and make an impact.
