Leaving to Learn

At Providence: A Christian Montessori Community, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through our Leaving to Learn program, students engage in real-world experiences, beginning as early as elementary school and continuing through graduation. This includes community service, field trips, field studies, job shadowing, and meaningful internships. By the time our students graduate, they’ve completed over 400 hours of internships, giving them a rich portfolio of practical experience.

What sets us apart is that our students take full ownership of the process. From researching opportunities to connecting with mentors, they navigate every step of their internship experience. Each of these experiences contributes to school credit, strengthens their professional networks, and equips them with the confidence to step into the world, ready to make an impact. This experiential learning prepares our students not just academically, but also with the skills, relationships, and mindset to thrive in life.

Our Leaving to Learn program goes above and  beyond offering enriching opportunities through field trips, field studies, community service, job shadows, and internships.

• Field Trips: Held twice a year with parents, our field trips are all about community building and fellowship. These outings provide a chance for students, teachers, and families to bond while exploring the world outside the classroom.
• Field Studies: Designed by the students themselves, field studies are created to enhance something they are learning in the classroom. These can be coordinated during class or outside of school and might involve just a few students or a larger group. This flexibility allows students to dive deeper into topics they are passionate about, learning through hands-on experiences.
• Community Service: From the youngest learners to our high school students, giving back is a vital part of who we are. Community service is encouraged in the early years and becomes a requirement in middle and high school. Earning a significant number of hours counts toward class credit, and students are empowered to serve in ways that align with their passions and values.
• Job Shadows: Our middle schoolers complete four job shadows each year, providing them exposure to every career cluster by the end of 8th grade. This helps them discover their interests and equips them to make informed decisions about their future paths.
• High School Internships & Networking: High school students take this a step further, networking in fields of interest through mentors and internships. These experiences are designed to give them real-world insight and professional connections that will serve them in college and beyond.
• College-Level Learning: Our college students continue this journey of growth with access to college-level courses and certifications, often recommended by local industries. This ensures they leave Providence with both academic excellence and the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s world.

At Providence, we don’t just prepare students for tests—we prepare them for life. Through a blend of academics, real-world experiences, and personal growth, each child is empowered to discover their purpose and reach their full potential.