harbor’ s keystone species. In the process, they come to see their city not just as a place to live, but as an environment to understand, protect, and help rebuild.
Pocono Environmental Education Center( PEEC). In the beautiful Delaware River region, Saint David’ s seventh graders also spend three days immersed in the natural world. As visiting field researchers, they collect water and specimen samples, traverse hiking trails, monitor pond and stream ecosystems by canoe, and study forest and stream ecology firsthand. They also explore the geologic and cultural history of the region— and practice“ leave no trace” living, connecting the principles of environmental stewardship to their own lives back home.
DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor. The study of DNA at Saint David’ s is more than textbook science— it’ s an inquiry into life itself. Through a partnership with the Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center, fifth grade boys apply the scientific method to DNA extraction. In eighth grade, they continue their work with DNALC’ s Ph. D. geneticists, conducting independent research and barcoding DNA. Their work blends precision, curiosity, and discovery. Just as important, it introduces boys to the ethical dimensions of science and the power of close observation— lessons that extend well beyond the microscope.
The Frick Collection. During their study of portraiture, Saint David’ s sixth graders visit The Frick Collection— a museum housed in the former residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and known for its exceptional European paintings and decorative arts. In this intimate setting, boys observe and sketch masterworks firsthand, sharpening their eye for composition, character, and detail while deepening their appreciation for one of art’ s most enduring forms.
Frost Valley YMCA. Each fall, Saint David’ s sixth graders head to Frost Valley YMCA— an outdoor education center in the Catskills— for a multi-day experience that blends adventure with reflection and team building. Immersed in nature and away from routine, boys take on high-ropes challenges and group problem-solving tasks. The experience stretches them in meaningful ways, building resilience, cooperation, and the quiet confidence that comes from stepping beyond their comfort zones— together.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Through a partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute, Saint David’ s fifth and sixth graders engage directly with one of the nation’ s most extensive archives of primary source materials. As they examine original letters, maps, pamphlets, and photographs— especially during their study of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars— boys learn to interpret history through the words and images that shaped it. The experience sharpens their analytical thinking and deepens their connection to the American story, helping them see the past with fresh eyes.
Manhattan Childrens Center( MCC). Over six visits across fall and winter, Saint David’ s second graders build friendships with students at the MCC— a school on the Upper West Side serving children with autism spectrum disorder and related challenges. As they play and engage in verbal and nonverbal communication, the boys come to better understand both the differences and the common ground between and among them. It’ s a formative experience— one that nurtures empathy, patience, and a deeper appreciation for others.
Central Park Conservancy. Central Park is our backyard— and our fifth graders help care for it. In partnership with the Central Park Conservancy, students take part in hands-on service projects that support the park’ s ongoing maintenance and renewal. From planting and mulching to litter collection and landscape care, their work cultivates not just cleaner pathways and healthier gardens, but also a deeper sense of civic responsibility.
Common Sense Media. At Saint David’ s, digital citizenship is a core part of character education. That’ s why the school draws on Common Sense Media ' s acclaimed curriculum to help boys navigate their online lives with the same thoughtfulness and integrity expected of them offline. Integrated into the Sophrosyne program, these lessons challenge boys to think critically, communicate responsibly, and make principled choices in a digital world that rarely rewards restraint.
14 • Saint David’ s Magazine • 75th Anniversary Edition