Data Science, Guts, and Asking the “Why”

“This is an example of using data science to understand other peoples’ perspectives and solve problems. The foundational understanding that I’m building of farmers’ perspectives will enable our team to more effectively communicate with our farming clients…”

At the Heart of the Watershed Experience

“May Term is one of the best parts of Watershed! I return each time with a whole new layer of perspective on the world and having developed new and lasting friendships. Every May Term has put me in some kind of uncomfortable situation, but with the support I’ve needed to really grow from that discomfort…”

The Third Purpose of Independent Schools

I appreciate the clarity of this article and accept the challenge to articulate and live toward a purpose that goes beyond “advancing the interests of those who already have privilege.” Watershed is a school that was founded with just such a purpose…

Global Learning During a Pandemic

Watershed students reported lots of different ‘wins’ from this year’s G20 experience. Some were fascinated to learn how to think about climate change issues from a non-U.S. perspective, others developed lasting connections with kids from around the world, and some students viewed the experience as relevant to their future goals…

Finding Empathy Through Graphic Storytelling

“The potential for multiple layers of empathy is an exciting aspect of this course and this project. I empathize whenever I read or hear someone else’s story, but that feeling only expands when I work to honestly adapt that story into a graphic format…”

Featured Alumna Erin Lewis ‘13 - The Power of Questions

Watershed is a place that encourages you to ask your own questions and I would urge students to pursue things that they find interesting or that they are curious about. Getting into a habit of pursuing your own questions is such a valuable skill and a benefit in any field.

Student Perspectives on the World's Great Challenges

In a culture where we hear so much about the selfishness of adolescents, I feel lucky to be at a school where young people truly care about challenges in the world around them -- and where educators support students to think deeply, practice compassion, and voice their truths.

"...To Take on the World's Greatest Challenges."

Today I want to share a few thoughts about the last phrase of our mission statement. It is a bold commitment — preparing students to take on the world’s greatest challenges — for it acknowledges both an uncomfortable truth, and a hopeful commitment.

On the Election and our Community Values

As I write today, we still do not know the outcome of this week’s presidential election. We do know that it was the highest turnout in perhaps a century — good news for our democracy. We also know that there are some deep divisions in our country, and one of the great challenges ahead is to forge common understandings — of each other, of our hopes for the future.