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Community Corner

Beacon Introduces New After School Enrichment Program: A Gifted Ed Approach Motivates and Inspires Students

Beacon, an accredited, independent, day school on the Greenwich–Stamford border is launching a new after-school enrichment program. Beacon Enrichment, BE, is designed for students in grades 3 through 5 who could benefit from additional challenge and creative engagement in a unique after school program.

Meredith Hafer, Head of School, explains, "Too often, students who are identified as gifted don't get what they need to thrive. What's more, so many students are not identified or eligible for existing advanced learning programs but are bright, motivated, curious learners who would benefit hugely from more rigor and enrichment. Ours is an inclusive approach that champions both excellence and equity. "Whether students are grade levels ahead of their peers, or on grade level but brimming with creativity and excitement, we can find the right placement for them to shine at Beacon Enrichment." Utilizing a high quality gifted ed curriculum and an individualized approach, Beacon's expert faculty guides students towards discovery and intellectual growth in small-group classes with 1:1 attention. BE is open to all students who are on or above grade level and motivated to go farther. Students are grouped based on ability to accommodate even the most advanced learners.

A varied selection of courses will stimulate young minds. Courses range from Math Challenge, Robotics & Programming and Junior Great Books Workshop to Acting & Improv, Artist’s Studio and Puppet Masters. The program offers a choice of days, Tuesdays or Thursdays, or a student may participate both days. The winter session begins Tuesday, January 14th and runs through March 20th.  A spring session will follow, beginning Tuesday, April 1st, running through May 29th. Transportation from area schools may be available; please contact the school for more details. Beacon also offers tuition assistance for students who are in the free or reduced lunch programs in their local schools.  "It's important to remember that academic and arts enrichment is not just for the elite," says Hafer. "Students who are not appropriately challenged and engaged have higher rates of underachievement and school failure, regardless of IQ. With the support of Greenwich Education Group, Beacon is proud to offer a free and reduced tuition program that enables us to reach more kids and make a difference in their lives."

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