From Shakespeare plays to science fairs, from Black History Month celebration to Grandparents Day, students look forward to a host of celebrations and special events at The Academy. Some are strictly celebratory; others ask students to put their talents to the test; some highlight other cultures or pivotal moments in history. All are designed to give students a rich and layered learning experience. Here are a few more highlights of our many annual traditions:

All-school Talent Show: Students and families show off their skills in music, dance, the martial arts, drama and the visual arts.

Science Fair: Every student in the school participates by formulating a hypothesis and performing an investigation. The emphasis is on asking questions and using scientific methods, rather than giving "the right answer."

Musical Theater: Everyone has the opportunity to sing on stage. Teachers, students and parents help to produce eye-catching and imaginative sets and costumes. Recent productions include Gilbert and Sullivan’s "H.M.S. Pinafore."

Upper School Shakespearean Production: "Let us … upon your imaginary forces work." Students oversee every aspect of a production of one of the bard’s best, from directing to costuming. Student actors speak in the original Elizabethan English, dress in lavish costumes and enjoy the accompaniment of period music.

French Day: With performances and culinary delights, the entire school celebrates the culture of the world’s French-speaking nations.

Science/Environmental Camp: Outdoor education for the Upper School helps to build cohesiveness, self-confidence, teamwork and trust. The natural world becomes our classroom as students learn first-hand about environmental issues. Theory learned in science classes is reinforced and extended by observation in the field.

Holiday fashion show: The fashion scene goes green as students create haute couture using recycled items. Upper School students strut down the catwalk in outfits made out of an array of materials such as sports balls, CDs, soda bottles and duct tape.

Trips to Washington D.C. and to Europe: The Academy takes an educational trip as a group every year during spring recess, alternating between Washington D.C. and Europe. Seventh and eighth graders see U.S. history come alive on their trip to the nation’s capital. The trip to Europe, open to the whole school, immerses students in European culture and gives them a fresh perspective on history and current events.