Signature Programs

Experiential Learning/Trips

Experiential Learning/Trips

A Sterne education isn’t contained within the classroom walls. Our academic calendar includes days and weeks devoted to experiential trips and community service opportunities. Expect to learn new skills; explore possible careers; have hands-on, project-based engagement; apply your classroom learning to real life; and have time for self-reflection and exploration.

Experiential Week

Experiential Week is an annual spring event that includes opportunities for students to engage in projects both on and off campus or to join a national or international trip.

Local off-campus adventures are based on student interests and range from zero cost to around $250. Students who receive tuition assistance will have the same TA percentage applied to their trip. No student will be turned away from participating due to finances.

Recent local adventures have included a Chinatown tour, hands-on culinary classes, mural artist workshops, and community service projects with Surfrider Foundation, SF Community Food Bank, the I-Hotel, and more.

National and International Trips

When you go on an Experiential trip, expect cultural and language immersion, connections to your academic studies (science in nature, arts integration, historical studies), career exploration and connections, and service learning.

Past national trips have included Utah national parks, the Grand Canyon, Washington D.C., the American South, and more.

International trips have included:

Costa Rica
Spain
Greece
Germany
Iceland
Puerto Rico
Kenya
Panama

These trips are available for additional cost. Students who receive tuition assistance will receive the same TA percentage applied to their trip. The school makes every effort to ensure that anyone who wishes to participate in national or international travel may do so.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Student-led and supported affinity groups, and a Diversity Council, provide safe spaces for students to gather for civic engagement, discussion, and the identification development needs and opportunities at Sterne.

Diversity Council is available for all interested high school students. Affinity groups exist across grade levels and divisions; students in grades 4–8 and 9–12 are invited to create and participate in these groups.

Participation in community service, civic engagement projects and activities, and local parades and celebrations is vital to the success of DEIB at Sterne school at the student-level.

For more on Sterne's DEIB initiatives, click here.

Senior Project

Senior Project

The Sterne senior project, called "Passages" is a project based on student interests, strengths, and career path interest. The seniors work on a Passages project throughout their senior year and give a formal presentation in the Spring.

Some examples include: event planning internship; researching and building an art portfolio; and creating and teaching an elementary school debate curriculum.

Learn more about the Senior Project

Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning

Sterne High School utilizes the CASEL framework where we help students identify the five areas of social emotional competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

These skills are developed on a daily basis and integrated throughout the curriculum, including in athletics and student life. Twice a year Sterne offers a Prep Week that helps students focus on self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision making. The High School Counselor additionally runs groups in all areas of SEL, as well as provides individual and group sessions for students emphasizing social awareness and relationship skills.

SEL Competencies

Our SEL program supports students' learning and growth through the development of these five competencies, which are rooted in the competencies laid out by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Self-Awareness

Recognize and understand emotions, strengths, and areas for growth, and their impact on behavior
Develop a growth mindset
Engage in the metacognitive process of consistent self-reflection
Apply self-awareness to grow and succeed

Self Management

Productively manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations using a variety of tools
Build focus, resilience, perseverance, and mindfulness
Set and work toward appropriate goals
Learn and apply the tools of organization and time management

Social Awareness

Develop and demonstrate empathy for others and practice taking their perspective
Recognize dynamics of social justice and inequality
Embrace diversity and difference
Understand impact of actions on others
Recognize and utilize resources in the community

Relationship Skills

Establish and maintain healthy relationships
Communicate respectfully and clearly and listen actively
Prevent and negotiate conflict constructively
Seek and offer support as helpful
Practice compassion and forgiveness

Responsible Decision-Making

Make constructive decisions about personal behavior
Evaluate possible options
Consider consequences for self and others
Align behavior with values, ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms
Solve problems creatively

Eye to Eye

Eye to Eye

Eye to Eye is a national mentoring organization for students with learning disabilities. Our High School students apply to be mentors and are paired with Lower and Middle School students (mentees).

The goal of the program is to develop robust social and emotional skills, create supportive environments, cultivate advocacy and leadership skills, and provide a path out of stigma and self-doubt.

Learn more about Eye to Eye (external site)

Prep Week

Prep Week

Prep Week aims to ensure each student is on track to reach their version of greatness by arming them with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to find success at Sterne, in college, and beyond. This is a time for assessment, reflection, and planning, with intensive support from teachers and our college counseling department.

Prep Week fosters a culture of informed and empowered students who are highly engaged in their high school experience.

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