Problem solvers are always in demand: on teams, in business or industry, and in the job market . . . any valuable endeavor requires active critical thinkers. Research shows that building the unique skill set of an innovative thinker requires a specific sort of education.
“With the opening of the Arts & Innovation Hub, in memory of Dianne Chase Monroe, Chesapeake Academy has the laboratory space and tools needed to reap the benefits of a vigorous design-based program connected to a traditional curriculum. Innovation and design are among the most powerful building blocks that develop flexible, critical thinkers,” explained Chesapeake Academy Head of School Julianne Duvall. “Design learning increases student motivation, develops resilience, and promotes deeper more meaningful curricular connections.
“This Arts & Innovation Hub, which anchors the center of Chesapeake Academy’s Rowe Campus, is the outgrowth of rigorous research, extensive faculty development and collaboration, and the generosity of donors who responded to the passion behind this project,” Duvall continued.
The new A&I Hub will house technological equipment, such as a 3D printer, robotics, and laser cutter along with power and hand tools. In addition, a broadcasting studio for video and audio, plus arts and design supplies will live side by side with software design tools such as Adobe Creator. Simultaneously, the James Library has been redesigned and expanded to flexibly address a wide variety of curricular needs.
While the Hub will be staffed by technology coordinator Kimberly Dynia, teachers from across the school will use the space as initiatives in STEAM and project-based learning mature and develop. “Learning has always been, at its heart, about doing. Supported by a collaboratively developed Integrated Skills Curriculum, our students and teachers will use our curricular standards to underwrite innovation and design. The Chesapeake Academy faculty will be supporting each other as we discover all the ways innovation and design will engage our students in our curriculum and create confident and competent students,” said academic dean John Baker.
Celebrating together, parents, students, teachers, community enthusiasts and donors recently marked the opening of the A&I Hub with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and tour.
The A&I Hub was designed by Randall Kipp Architecture and built by Connemara Corporation. This vital central space in the school will reflect Chesapeake Academy’s focus on the deep academic development for students involved in design and innovation.
Chesapeake Academy is an accredited, independent pre-kindergarten 3&4 through eighth grade school located in Irvington that values and embraces cultural and economic diversity. Extended care is available till 5:30 p.m., and 47 percent of current families access the financial aid that is available. For more information, contact Hilary Scott, director of admission, at hscott@chesapeakeacademy.org or call the school at 804-438-5575.
