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Experiential Learning

Battle Ground Academy's students lined up in the field during experiential learning
Battle Ground Academy recognizes the importance of connecting classroom lessons with real-world experiences to deepen understanding and reinforce learning. This commitment to experiential education spans every grade level and subject, ensuring that students are consistently engaged in meaningful and relevant learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Hands-on Learning

At BGA, hands-on learning is an integral part of our approach to education. From kindergarten math to eleventh-grade macroeconomics, our teachers design opportunities for students to actively engage with the material. By manipulating physical objects, conducting experiments, or applying concepts in real-world scenarios, students gain a deeper, more practical understanding of their subjects.

Community Service

Developing thoughtful, responsible citizens is at the heart of BGA’s mission. Beginning in the Lower School, students are introduced to service learning, which continues throughout their time at BGA. In Middle and Upper School, students fulfill annual service hour requirements through a combination of on-campus projects and student-led initiatives with nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond. These experiences not only foster a sense of community responsibility but also allow students to see the impact of their contributions on a local and global scale. 

Field Experiences

BGA takes learning beyond the classroom with dynamic field experiences that bring students face-to-face with professionals and experts across a range of fields. Whether on campus or in the broader community, students interact with scientists, engineers, artists, historians, agriculturists, authors, and even FBI agents. These experiences provide students with a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their education through practical engagement.

Class Trips and Travel Opportunities

In Middle School, students embark on class trips that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom environment, fostering independence and a deeper understanding of the world around them. As they advance to the Upper School, students have access to study abroad programs and other travel opportunities through our world languages programming and Global Studies concentration. These experiences expose students to diverse cultures and global perspectives, broadening their horizons and preparing them for the interconnected world they will enter after graduation. By integrating these varied experiences into the curriculum, BGA ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills and global awareness necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.