Imagine a classroom where students are preparing to thrive in a world that changes daily. At Ross School, an independent Nursery–Grade 12 school located on the East End of Long Island, this vision is more than just an idea—it’s a promise. It’s about reshaping education to make it meaningful and future-proof. Tom Sturtevant, Head of School at Ross, often says, “Changing the way education meets the future means actively adapting and rethinking traditional learning models to prepare students for an ever-evolving world.” This mission comes to life through an educational approach designed to inspire adaptability, critical thinking, and empathy.
Take the Spiral Curriculum, for example. Rather than compartmentalizing subjects, this approach weaves disciplines together. Picture students learning history, science, music, tech, art and more in a way that reveals how these fields connect and influence one another. This interdisciplinary method gives students a deeper understanding of complex issues. “While we are equipping students with knowledge,” Sturtevant emphasizes, “we’re giving them the skills to navigate a world that continuously generates new opportunities for leadership, scholarship, and service.”
Preparing for a Dynamic Future
Ross School’s vision is driven by an awareness of the rapid developments happening around us: emerging technologies, environmental change, and globalization. The curriculum addresses these forces head-on, ensuring students are ready to adapt and lead. From hands-on experience in Innovation/STEAM labs to a continuous integration of technology in everyday learning, Ross encourages students to see tech not as a distraction but as a tool for problem-solving and creativity. “We want students to be able to adopt emerging technologies for the pursuit of knowledge and meaningful solutions,” Sturtevant explains.
It’s more than technology. The school has embedded sustainability into every grade level, from preschool to high school. Environmental studies are not confined to the classroom—they’re lived experiences. Through initiatives like responsible food sourcing, effective waste management, and thoughtful energy and water conservation, Ross students are immersed in sustainable practices. It’s about developing a sense of responsibility for the world around them. They learn from local environmental experts like Carl Safina, participate in hands-on fieldwork with organizations such as Peconic Baykeeper and Shinnecock Bay Research, and even tackle campus projects like restoring gardens and wildlife habitats.
This isn’t just education; it’s preparation for a future where students will have the technical knowledge and a genuine connection to the environment. “We’re giving them the tools to work on sustainability in meaningful ways,” says Sturtevant. And in a school where over 20 nations are represented, Ross students learn about the world, and they experience it. Through the Field Academy, world language programs, and cross-cultural studies embedded in the Spiral Curriculum, they gain a global perspective essential for the future. They are ready to adapt, lead, and develop solutions with a profound understanding of integrated, global challenges.
Educating the Whole Child for the Whole World
Picture a place where education is more than grades or test scores, it is about growing into a well-rounded person ready to impact the world. At Ross School, this philosophy drives every decision, every program, and every classroom experience. The goal is to produce successful students and to nurture global citizens who are intellectually curious, socially responsible, and emotionally well.
Ross’s curriculum breaks the mold by integrating the arts, sciences, humanities, music, performing arts and wellness in a way that makes learning feel meaningful and connected. “We believe in educating the whole child,” says Sturtevant, “and that means balancing academic excellence with wellness, creativity, and care.” Take a typical day at Ross: students might start with yoga or mindfulness exercises, which prepare them for a day of focused, engaged learning. Nutrition and mental health support are woven into daily life, ensuring students feel cared for and empowered.
Hands-on projects are a big part of the learning experience here. Students collaborate, problem-solve, and build emotional intelligence. They work on real-world challenges, learning how to be thoughtful, responsible leaders and active citizens. This approach is about teaching how to think, feel, and lead.
The beauty and intentional design of each campus—a Lower School in Bridgehampton and an Upper School in East Hampton—inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. Classrooms incorporate an array of art and artifacts tied to grade-level curricula, immersing students in an environment that reinforces learning. Nature is also interwoven into the learning experience, with many spaces opening to the outside, numerous large-scale windows with views to the outdoors, and serene areas designed for quiet study and reflection. The integration of sustainability, natural beauty, and interdisciplinary spaces ensures that the campus itself nurtures well-being and fosters a deep appreciation for the world around us.
The World as a Classroom
When it comes to learning, Ross School believes in taking it beyond four walls. Their Field Academy turns the world into a classroom. This intensive, two-week program bridges the Winter and Spring terms, allowing students to immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences alongside teachers, mentors, and experts. From the striking landscapes of Iceland to the vibrant ecosystems of Thailand, students dive into experiences that ignite passion and purpose. Sturtevant shares, “Whether they’re studying marine ecology or capturing breathtaking landscapes through photography, every experience is designed to challenge, inspire, and enlighten.”
The Field Academy is about deep, rigorous learning in real-world settings. Students apply what they’ve studied in class to new environments, growing academically and personally. They’re exposed to different cultures and perspectives, which makes them more empathetic and globally aware. They are able to explore interests as diverse as marine biology in the crystal waters of Bali or film and photography in the historic cities of Spain.
“Travel transforms our students,” Sturtevant explains. “They come back with new insights, greater self-awareness, and a better understanding of how they fit into the world.” The impact is lasting, as students use these experiences to inform their academic and personal growth.
The Power of the Spiral Curriculum
Ross School’s educational approach is built around a unique idea called the Spiral Curriculum. It’s a narrative of cultural history that guides students through the development of human consciousness and innovation. Here’s what it looks like: as students learn about early riverine civilizations, they don’t just memorize dates or names. They explore how technological advancements, like irrigation, led to social and cultural shifts, sparking connections between past and present. “It’s about understanding the intersection of technology and society, both then and now,” Sturtevant emphasizes.
This way of learning makes students think big. They practice metacognitive thinking and develop the ability to see how ideas and systems evolve over time. It’s interdisciplinary learning at its best, tying together history, science, and art. By understanding the dynamics of cultural development, students build a toolkit of critical thinking skills that prepare them for successful leadership in the future.
The curriculum encourages students to ask questions about how past innovations impact today and how today’s actions shape tomorrow. Throughout their study of history; they use it as a lens to understand and influence the world. “Cultural history ties together humanity’s shared past,” Sturtevant explains, “and gives students a framework for contemplating the future.”
Pursuing Passions Through Independent Study
One of the most empowering aspects of a Ross education is the opportunity for independent study. Here, students take charge of their learning, pursuing topics they’re passionate about. It’s a chance to dig deep, innovate, and create meaningful projects that make an impact. A student interested in sustainability might design a project measuring the environmental footprint of campus activities and propose solutions. Another might work on a complex philosophy project or explore artificial intelligence, with guidance from a faculty mentor.
“Independent study is where students grow the most,” says Sturtevant. “They become self-motivated, innovative, and confident in their ability to lead.” These experiences don’t just look good on college applications; they shape students into thinkers and doers.
Ross alumni often credit their independent projects as pivotal moments. Samanthe Rubell, an early graduate, built a mini-Guggenheim-inspired museum for her senior project. Today, she’s President of Pace Galleries, one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions. Another recent graduate, now studying foreign policy at Yale, developed a policy guide on US-China relations for the US State Department. The seeds planted at Ross continue to grow and bear fruit in remarkable ways.
Teachers Who Inspire and Guide
Ross School seeks educators passionate about mentoring and inspiring students. Faculty members come from diverse international backgrounds and bring a global perspective to the classroom. They’re dedicated to developing each student’s unique talents and fostering creativity, intellectual curiosity, and ethical awareness.
“Our teachers are guides,” Sturtevant says. “They don’t just lecture. They mentor, inspire, and help students discover their best selves.” Faculty members often step into a “guide on the side” role, especially during student-generated projects. They offer feedback, ask thoughtful questions, and let students take the lead. This approach nurtures independence and confidence.
Because the student body is intentionally small, each student receives a highly personalized educational experience. Advisors, teachers, and support staff know every student by name, tailoring lessons to fit individual interests and goals. From academics to wellness and artistic pursuits, each student is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. “We’re not just teaching subjects; we’re mentoring human beings,” Sturtevant shares.
Offering a Balanced Approach to Growth
Life at Ross School extends well beyond the classroom. The school provides a variety of extracurricular activities that inspire students to explore and develop their unique talents. From competitive athletics that build teamwork and resilience to visual and performing arts that foster creativity and self-expression, these programs offer more than just entertainment. They are essential to the Ross experience, teaching students to stretch their potential, discover new passions, and never underestimate their capacity for growth.
Wellness is also a comprehensive focus at Ross. The school integrates physical, emotional, nutritional, and mental well-being into everyday life, featuring yoga, mindfulness practices, and a robust emphasis on nutrition. “Our approach is holistic,” Sturtevant explains. “It’s about addressing every dimension of a student’s growth so they can excel in all aspects of life.” The Ross Café plays a key role in this wellness initiative, serving meals crafted from regional, organic, seasonal, and sustainable (R.O.S.S.) ingredients. Many of these ingredients are sourced from the school’s Spiral Garden, an on-campus educational resource where students learn about sustainable gardening and healthy food choices.
Core Values that Shape Future Leaders
Character development is a fundamental part of the Ross School experience. The institution’s core values—Responsibility, Gratitude, Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Mindfulness, and Respect—are embedded into everyday life. The school’s motto, “Know Thyself in Order to Serve,” is a guiding principle that encourages students to understand their unique strengths and use them to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Ross emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, collaboration, and effort through co-curricular programs that span sports, arts, and community service. The academic curriculum further reinforces social responsibility, urging students to engage in projects that address significant social and environmental challenges. These initiatives ensure that Ross graduates are not just academically accomplished but also well-rounded, conscientious individuals ready to lead in various fields.
The school’s commitment to innovation is evident in its forward-thinking programs. With expanded opportunities in environmental sustainability, STEAM, and entrepreneurship, Ross is preparing students for careers that are yet to be defined. The diverse boarding community, comprising students from over 20 countries, fosters an environment where global awareness and cultural exchange are part of daily life.
The impact of a Ross education extends far beyond graduation. Alumni leave with the confidence, critical thinking skills, and empathy needed to thrive in their careers and contribute positively to their communities. Ross School helps shape future scholars; and it is nurturing compassionate, adaptable leaders who are equipped to make a difference and build a better world for generations to come.
For More Info: https://www.ross.org/