Research & Service

The Research and Service Program at Vermont Commons School is an integral part of the school's mission. The Research and Service Program allows the faculty and students to use skills learned in the classroom setting to better understand and serve their community and environment. The program provides students the opportunity to draw upon interdisciplinary connections to effect real change in their community.

At the center of the mission of the Vermont Commons School lies the idea that knowledge should be used to solve real world problems in our local and global communities. We believe that service to the community, however broadly defined, should be informed by research, and that no research should be attempted without a clearly stated benefit to the community. Ultimately, Research and Service teaches students that with knowledge comes responsibility. The Vermont Commons School's mission statement is very clear about our need to contribute positively to our community as we foster our sense of citizenship, both locally and globally. The Research and Service program combines research methodologies and community service applications in a multi-aged setting that encourages leadership and fosters group skills.

Research and Service classes do not receive a traditional letter grade, however teachers send written comments home each quarter. Students are evaluated on their active participation, preparedness, attitude, mastery of project specific content, and leadership. R&S courses are offered for one semester during the fall (8^th, 10^th & 12 grade) and spring (7^th, 9^th & 11^th grade).

The Research and Service courses for the 2009-2010 school year include:

Backyard Beetniks (fall)

Some examples of our past Research & Service offerings include: