At Carmel Academy, learning is more than what takes place within the four walls of a classroom, which is why our students are encouraged to pursue a variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities offered at the school.
Each trimester, Carmel Academy/s Middle School students delve into topics such as forensic science, ceramics, dance, musical performance, digital film editing, comic book creation, creative writing and fitness training to name a few. The middle school elective courses meet weekly and culminate at the end of the trimester with a Electives Fair, at which students present a group project stemming from their studies.
Carmel Academy offers Math Olympiad to our Upper School students. Created in 1977 by Dr. George Lenchner, an internationally known math educator, Math Olympiad's goals are:
* To stimulate enthusiasm and a love for mathematics * To introduce important mathematical concepts * To teach major strategies for problem solving * To develop mathematical flexibility in solving problems * To strengthen mathematical intuition * To foster mathematical creativity and ingenuity * To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges
All of these goals are aligned with the goals of Carmel Academy's math curriculum, which focuses on problem solving, authentic application of skills, and developing a love of mathematics, perseverance and stamina among our students.
Carmel Academy's Student Council teaches important lessons in leadership, cooperation and the inner workings of a democratic governing body. Made up of representatives from each of the Upper School grades, the Student Council, which includes five officers, meets weekly throughout the school year. Just a few of the group's long list of accomplishments include organizing school-wide spirit days and chesed (kindness) projects, and spearheading the annual Purim Carnival.
Theater not only teaches students to trust one another and to work cooperatively towards a common goal, but also how to trust oneself and allow for comfortable self-expression. This afterschool course for 5th - 8th grade students introduces them to various theatrical techniques and methods, focusing of the Meisner technique that stresses the actor's ability to do instead of act, work together with the scene partners, and “live from one unanticipated moment to the next” on stage. Students practice stage presence, body language and basic vocal training. The students also perform a play which is open to school members, students, and families.
This after-school course, offered to 5th-8th graders, is ideal for students who are considering taking a Spanish class in high school or for students who simply have an interest in learning the basics of a foreign language. Some of the topics covered include pronunciation of vowels, common words and greetings, colors, numbers, and basic exchanges in conversation. The course also includes reading, writing, and speaking components in order to best prepare students for the next stage in their language learning
Carmel Academy proudly has two Middle School rock bands. The band members practice weekly and lead a Lower School gathering each Friday to usher in Shabbat with community song. Our bands play at all major school events and community concerts.
Carmel Academy is a private school for children of all Jewish affiliations, serving children from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade.
Carmel Academy is a recipient of UJA Greenwich, the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County and The UJA Federation on New York.