C.H.A.R.M.E.D. Curriculum overview

Computer Science: prepares students to navigate the digital world; enriches their learning experiences; provides foundation for STEAM careers for a future increasingly shaped by technology; fosters essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

History: fosters empathy; teaches students to learn from past mistakes; hopes to emphasize the relevance of local and state history and the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s impact on national history; recognizes the importance of informed citizenship and participation; increases the ability to think critically, question information, and develop informed opinions; recognizes how history is often written from the perspective of the victor and consideration of the viewpoints of marginalized groups is essential; encourages students to analyze different sources, including primary sources like letters and documents, to understand historical events from various perspectives. History education at PVA is important because it fosters historical literacy, critical thinking, promotes civic engagement, and helps students understand the present by examining the past.

Arts: fosters creativity and engagement; builds cognitive skills by providing space for students to explore ideas, make choices, and communicate about art; increases appreciation of different cultures through varied art forms; builds confidence, social skills, and emotional regulation; can provide valuable tools for expressing emotions.

Reading/Writing: strong literacy skills are needed to help students engage in all content/subject areas; increases their ability to communicate in all aspects of their lives; builds strength and independence; practicing reading comprehension skills fosters a student’s ability to develop skills such as researching, making inferences, summarizing, organizing information, etc.; writing for a variety of purposes supports deeper understanding and promotes retention of information that is vital for communication.

Mathematics (including Financial Literacy): promotes logical and critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis of information, and reasoning - all skills necessary for success in any career field; math is needed to build strong foundation for STEAM fields - science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics; supports student understanding of money management for future success and financial independence.

Engineering: nurtures a mindset of innovation and creativity; solves real-world problems; encourages students to communicate, share ideas, and collaborate to find solutions, fostering essential social skills. Engineering instruction offers hands-on opportunities to learn problem-solving, design thinking, and critical analysis, which are valuable regardless of future career paths.

Data Science: aims to equip students with essential skills for navigating a data-driven world, including data literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It also fosters curiosity and encourages students to connect their learning to real-world issues and their own lives.

We implement our C.H.A.R.M.E.D. Curriculum through three key areas:

Community Engagement
We provide a variety of opportunities for our Scholars to engage with the community around them through service learning opportunities. Additionally, as we expand, all upper school students (grades 6th-8th) will be required to meet the state of Maryland’s mandate for service learning hours. Service learning plays a pivotal role in enriching communities and fostering a sense of civic responsibility among its citizens. By integrating community service with academic learning, service learning programs enable individuals to engage actively with local issues and contribute to meaningful projects that address specific needs within their communities. This hands-on approach not only enhances the educational experience by providing real-world context to theoretical knowledge, but also cultivates empathy, social awareness, and leadership skills among participants. Moreover, through collaboration with community members and organizations, service learning fosters stronger connections and mutual understanding, ultimately leading to empowered communities that can better address challenges. The reciprocal nature of service learning creates a dynamic environment where both the community and the learners benefit, resulting in personal growth for individuals while simultaneously driving positive social change.

Experiential Education
Engaging in hands-on activities fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, allowing students to explore their interests and develop a sense of ownership over their learning. The importance of providing school students with time to tinker or participate in maker spaces cannot be overstated. Maker spaces offer a unique environment where students can experiment with various materials and technologies, encouraging innovation and collaboration among peers. These spaces promote a growth mindset, as students learn to embrace failure as a step toward success, refining their ideas and approaches along the way. As a result, students gain valuable skills applicable not only in academics but also in real-world scenarios, preparing them for future challenges in an increasingly complex and technological society. By prioritizing tinkering and maker activities in educational settings, we cultivate a generation of inquisitive thinkers and adept problem solvers ready to contribute positively to the world around them.

Work-Integrated Learning (beginning with Upper School grades 6th-8th in 2026)
Career and technology programs are essential for students as they provide a vital bridge between academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for success in the workforce and beyond. These programs introduce students to a variety of trades and emerging technologies, equipping them with hands-on experience and technical proficiency that are increasingly sought after in today’s job market. By exposing students to real-world scenarios and industry-standard tools, these programs not only enhance their employability but also ignite enthusiasm for fields they might not have considered otherwise. Additionally, they promote critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration—all key competencies that help students navigate an ever-evolving economic landscape. Furthermore, these programs often encourage partnerships with local businesses and industries, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into career pathways. In a world where skilled labor and technological expertise are paramount, career and technology programs serve as a crucial resource for empowering students to achieve their personal and professional goals.