Early Education • Elementary School • Middle School
Student Life & Auxiliary Programs
Student Life at our school extends learning beyond academics and helps us live our mission: to cultivate an inclusive community founded on relationships that nurture the whole child and inspire creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking through challenging and collaborative learning experiences, empowering every student to grow as an engaged citizen and critical thinker.
Our student life and auxiliary programs provide students with varied pathways to explore interests, build essential skills, develop confidence and resilience, and practice collaboration and leadership. We regularly reflect on whether these experiences remain mission-aligned by considering student engagement and belonging, whole-child benefits (social-emotional, physical, and creative growth), equity and access for families, and the ways programming strengthens community and deepens learning across the school.
“Diversity of learning ensures that unique perspectives are valued, turning differences into strengths for deeper understanding and innovation. Embracing varied learning styles creates a rich, inclusive environment where everyone thrives”
— Maya Angelou
Student Life — Elementary
The Greenbrier Community School creates a rich, whole-child learning experience that extends beyond the classroom through meaningful connections, creative exploration, and real-world engagement. Multi-age programs like Book Buddies and Kids’ Club foster leadership, empathy, and collaboration, while school-wide Gatherings build a strong sense of belonging and shared identity. Students develop confidence and expression through art, music, theatre, and language, while physical education and daily recess support well-being, teamwork, and resilience. Service projects nurture empathy and purpose, and field trips bring learning to life through hands-on experiences. Together, these programs cultivate curious, capable, and connected learners within a vibrant and supportive community.
Book Buddies builds relationships and community across ages by pairing older and younger students—approximately 18 months through 4th grade—twice a month. Older students practice leadership, empathy, and reading fluency, while younger students experience joyful literacy, connection, and belonging. This multi-age partnership reinforces our mission through collaboration, student voice, and meaningful community traditions.
Kids’ Club gives Pre-K through 4th grade students choice-based opportunities to explore interests and discover new strengths through mixed-age clubs such as art, candle making, games, and more (twice a month). Clubs promote creativity, cooperation, and confidence while creating a welcoming space where every child can participate, contribute, and feel connected.
Gathering is a school-wide community meeting that strengthens relationships and shared identity through birthday celebrations, announcements, and collective moments of connection. Gathering also serves as the launch point for Book Buddies and Kids’ Club, reinforcing school culture, inclusivity, and the sense that every child belongs to a larger learning community.
Elementary Art nurtures creativity, expression, and perseverance through hands-on studio experiences. Students develop foundational artistic skills while learning to observe carefully, revise work, and share ideas, supporting problem solving, confidence, and pride in craftsmanship.
Elementary Music inspires creativity and community through singing, rhythm, listening, and performance experiences. Students develop foundational musical skills and confidence while practicing collaboration, focus, and expressive communication.
Elementary French provides developmentally appropriate exposure to language and culture through songs, games, and conversation routines. The program builds curiosity, listening skills, and cultural awareness while supporting students’ confidence and willingness to try new challenges.
Elementary PE supports the whole child through movement, cooperation, and healthy habits. Students build coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience through structured games and skill practice, strengthening both physical well-being and community-minded participation.
In partnership with Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Elementary Theatre provides students with opportunities to practice performance skills, teamwork, and public speaking through fall and spring rehearsals that culminate in a short production. Theatre strengthens confidence, creativity, empathy, and collaboration in a supportive, joyful setting.
Daily recess prioritizes outdoor time, free play, and social development as essential components of whole-child learning. Students build relationships, creativity, conflict-resolution skills, and self-regulation through active play and shared community time outdoors.
Service learning empowers students to grow as engaged citizens by participating in developmentally appropriate projects such as collecting food for blessing boxes or supporting the humane society through donations or fundraisers. These experiences cultivate empathy, responsibility, and a sense of purpose within the broader community.
Field trips extend learning beyond the classroom through hands-on, experiential opportunities that deepen academic concepts and build curiosity. Trips such as visits to the Clay Center, the Fish Hatchery, and middle school travel experiences (including Williamsburg) connect learning to real-world contexts and strengthen relationships through shared experiences.
Student Life — Middle School
The Greenbrier Community School’s middle school program deepens learning through a balance of academic growth, creative expression, and real-world engagement. Students develop skill and voice in art, music, and theatre while building language proficiency in French and strengthening physical and personal well-being through PE and health. Programs like debate cultivate critical thinking, confident communication, and respectful discourse, while daily recess continues to support social development and self-regulation. Service projects encourage students to grow as engaged, empathetic citizens, and field trips extend learning beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences that connect ideas to the real world. Together, these experiences prepare students to think independently, collaborate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Middle School Art develops skill, voice, and creative risk-taking through more advanced studio practice. Students strengthen observation, problem solving, and revision habits while engaging in artistic inquiry and reflective critique.
Middle School Health includes learning experiences supported by parent and community volunteers who share expertise and real-world perspectives. The program supports whole-child development by promoting informed decision-making, wellness, and practical life skills.
Middle School Music strengthens creative expression, discipline, and collaboration through skill development, ensemble experiences, and performance opportunities. Students grow as expressive communicators while practicing focus, teamwork, and perseverance.
Middle School Debate develops public speaking, critical thinking, and civil discourse. Students learn to present ideas clearly, use evidence, listen actively, and disagree respectfully, building confidence and strengthening the mission’s emphasis on independent thinking and engaged citizenship.
Middle School French supports students in building toward an A1 proficiency level by the end of the year. Students develop beginner vocabulary, core phrases, and present-tense verb foundations, with an emphasis on basic conversation, comprehension, and confidence using language in meaningful contexts.
Field trips extend learning beyond the classroom through hands-on, experiential opportunities that deepen academic concepts and build curiosity. Trips such as visits to the Clay Center, the Fish Hatchery, and middle school travel experiences (including Williamsburg) connect learning to real-world contexts and strengthen relationships through shared experiences.
Middle School PE promotes physical health and lifelong wellness habits through fitness, skill-building, and team-based activities. Students practice leadership, sportsmanship, collaboration, and resilience through structured games and cooperative challenges.
In partnership with Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Middle School Theatre offers fall and spring rehearsal cycles culminating in a short production. Students build confidence, communication, and teamwork while applying creativity and responsibility in a collaborative, performance-based environment.
Daily recess prioritizes outdoor time, free play, and social development as essential components of whole-child learning. Students build relationships, creativity, conflict-resolution skills, and self-regulation through active play and shared community time outdoors.
Service learning empowers students to grow as engaged citizens by participating in developmentally appropriate projects such as collecting food for blessing boxes or supporting the humane society through donations or fundraisers. These experiences cultivate empathy, responsibility, and a sense of purpose within the broader community.
Auxiliary Programs
The Greenbrier Community School offers thoughtfully designed extended-day and summer programs that support families while continuing a whole-child approach to care and learning. Sleepy Town provides a developmentally appropriate rest period for younger students, while Busy Town offers enrichment through play, creativity, and hands-on exploration in a nurturing environment. After Care extends the school day for all students with time for play, homework support, and connection in a safe, relationship-centered setting. During the summer, Play Days keep students engaged through meaningful activities that foster relationships, curiosity, and joyful learning beyond the academic year.
Sleepy Town supports Nido and Monarch students with a developmentally appropriate rest period after the academic day until 3:00. This program meets family needs while honoring young children’s well-being and supporting healthy routines.
After Care is open to all students from 3:00–5:00 and provides a consistent, supportive extension of the school day. Students have time for play, homework help, and snack, supporting family schedules while maintaining a safe, relationship-centered space for students to unwind and connect.
Busy Town provides Nido and Monarch students with enrichment-based experiences after the academic day until 3:00. Students engage in play, creative exploration, and hands-on activities that support social-emotional growth and whole-child development in a nurturing environment.
Summer Play Days offer two days a week of enrichment experiences that continue our mission-driven approach beyond the school year. Through engaging activities, students build relationships, explore interests, and stay connected to joyful, whole-child learning during the summer months.
