Graphic representation of many open books on grassy hills outdoors.

Why does our independent school matter in the mission of public education?

As the lab school of Smith College, we welcome student teachers into our classrooms to supplement their education coursework with practical experience. Under our supervising faculty’s careful guidance, these aspiring teachers lead lessons, provide one-on-one instruction, and form affirmative relationships with our students. They learn the art of encouragement, the science of instruction, the importance of engagement, innovation, and exploration—and, most importantly, the transformative potential of truly inspired teaching.

Smith College’s student teachers begin their careers here, setting their professional baselines to Campus School’s high standards. They then carry what they have learned about teaching methods and forging connections to children and schools across the country. Our families and faculty members are proud to play a role in our shared mission to improve education for all students everywhere.

In the arboretum, a young man squats in front of a young girl sitting on a bench with a clipboard in her lap. The girl has her chin resting on her hand and appears to be thinking about something that she and the man are discussing,

“I am proud to teach in a school that prepares educators. We can’t bring every child to the Campus School, but we can prepare teachers to go work in public schools serving cities and small towns across America, and give a little bit of what we do here to the next generation.” - faculty member