Global Connections

To be prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st Century, Hawken students must be able to navigate and forge meaningful connections with people from different cultures, countries, and communities. 

With Global Connections, Hawken builds on its long standing tradition of international programs with travel-based courses, innovative educational technology and international exchange programs that enrich our community.

Our curriculum and program incorporate, in age appropriate steps, the skills, knowledge, and character development that students will need to in order to thrive in our interconnected world. The following are some examples of this incorporation.

Culture & Language
The dual half-year study of Spanish and Mandarin Chinese begins in Prekindergarten and continues through 3rd grade. At the end of grade 3, students select either Spanish or Chinese to study during their 4th and 5th grade years. At the end of 5th grade, students indicate a preference to study French, Latin, Spanish or Chinese for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. In the Upper School, all students are required to finish through level 3 of a language – Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish; 95% continue language study through grade 12. 

Doorways Trips
Each April, the Middle School takes a curriculum-based trip that completes a focus of study and serves as an age appropriate stepping stone to developing a student’s openness, comfort and confidence for more expansive travel.

• 6th grade-Williamsburg, VA 
• 7th grade-Washington, D.C.  
• 8th grade-New York City-Urban Outward Bound Experience

Heifer Ranch Summer Action
This one week, service-based trip to Heifer International in Perryville, Arkansas, engages students in serving others through interactive learning, community building and agricultural work projects. The primary goal of Summer Action is to involve individuals in Heifer International’s mission to actively work to end hunger and poverty through sustainable development and access to livestock for people around the world. 

Haibara Exchange Program  
Hawken’s oldest exchange program expands students’ view of the world and its diversity-- connecting students and families to Japanese families in ways that often result in lifelong friendships.

Upper School Global Programs

• Intensive courses with a focus on language and cultural immersion in Chile, Nicaragua, France, China, and Italy; and Marine Science at the Island School in the Bahamas
• Summer travel opportunities in cultural immersion, service learning, and outdoor expeditions
• International students cultural exchange program with ASSIST, Inc. that allows for two or more students to attend the Upper School each year 
• Affliation with School Year Abroad (Spain, France, China, Italy, China)