Raising Ethical and Curious Citizens

Providing children with an incredible foundation in core academic subjects has always been the essence of an Old Trail education. It is the springboard that enables our teachers to dive deeply into topics and challenge students in equally enriching and supportive ways.

But the true Old Trail experience extends further in its commitment to promoting an intellectual curiosity that gives students an appreciation of others and an understanding of complex global issues. Graduating globally competent students is part of our mission, and one that enriches students, families and the entire Old Trail community as children develop a love of learning that shapes their lives well beyond graduation.

As an extension of this philosophy, OTS announced the creation of its Center for Global Understanding, directed by Associate Head of School Joe Vogel, shortly before the start of the pandemic. At its core, the goal of global education is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, critical thinking and empathetic orientation required to understand multiple perspectives and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

While the work of the Center was slowed significantly as schools recalibrated to the constraints of the COVID virus, Old Trail’s progress continued and is now poised to fully recommit to this initiative with innovative programs across multiple divisions.

“Driven by a love for the complexity of the world and a desire to understand, I have explored nearly all corners of the globe and spent extensive time in places where few visit. I truly became a student for life during my interactions with people whose lives were in so many ways similar and dissimilar to my own. The desire to understand is incredibly powerful.”

Through these programs, Old Trail hopes to spark this same intellectual curiosity in each student while preparing them for the multifaceted global issues and challenges their generation will undoubtedly face.

“It is critically important for Old Trail to foster students who have social and cultural awareness,” Vogel said. “The emphasis on global citizenship is a continuation of our promise to nurture a strong sense of ethics, awareness and character in every child.”

Kindergarten Global Explorers

At Old Trail, learning about other people and places is much more than a mere complement to traditional instruction. Rather, it’s fundamental to what it means to be an OTS student. This point of emphasis begins with our youngest students and remains critical until graduation.

The new Kindergarten Global Explorers program launched in the winter and allows young students to travel the world in their classrooms with their Middle School “apprentice teachers.” Through the mentorship of veteran educators— including Primary School Director Amanda Irwin, Kindergarten teachers Kara Kristoff and Kristen Fearson, Kindergarten Assistant Ashley Dennison and Librarian Kaethine Hartrich—Middle School students learn the art of teaching younger children about a particular culture, country or people.

Embracing Social Entrepreneurship

Under the guidance of Social Studies Department Chair Claire McGowan and input from new Director of Teaching and Learning Jonathan Wanders, the traditional Intermediate School Craft Fair has been reimagined as “Social Entrepreneurship: Project 345”. The new name, which was chosen by a committee of Middle School students who helped share the program, reflected both the intent of the project and the engagement of children in Grades 3-5.

While being introduced to entrepreneurism, students will be challenged to develop a product—from creation to commercialization—and sell it to members of the OTS community. Proceeds raised will benefit an international non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to noteworthy work around the world. Through this project, students will develop a better understanding of self and others, learn about financial literacy and how NGOs operate, as well as dive into the language and rich culture of the country the NGO supports.

“Students learn best by doing,” McGowan said. “Social Entrepreneurship: Project 345 provides them a valuable experiential learning opportunity that deals with real world problems. Through the project, students will learn a variety of skill sets that contribute to an entrepreneurial mindset while demonstrating a real and meaningful commitment to help and engage with others around the world.”

Beginning in 2024, Old Trail’s global reach will grow significantly with a scheduled program abroad to Italy, where Middle School students will experience a rural and less-visited part of the country—Atri, Abruzzo. There, students will explore and gain an understanding of Italy’s national park system, study the endangered Marsican brown bear, spend meaningful time with local children and learn how to cook Abruzzo food. Other global programs are tentatively scheduled for Panama (2025), Asia (2026) and Europe (2027).

Expanding Horizons In Middle School

For the past five years, Vogel has taught Global Explorers, a Middle School elective that allows students to gain an understanding and appreciation of diverse countries, cultures and international topics.

“The Global Explorers class further opened my perspective on vastly different cultures from nations across the globe,” said OTS graduate Stephen Kosco ’20, currently a junior at Western Reserve Academy. “Mr. Vogel’s class sparked a deeper interest in my desire to learn more about the widely diverse world that we live in. It was definitely a highlight of my middle school career at OTS. ”

Much can be learned in the classroom, but giving students an opportunity to spend meaningful time abroad can be profound for many. It’s the blending of traditional and innovative instruction with non-traditional experiences that can be most impactful to a young mind. This is the basis of Old Trail’s new sixth grade class trip to Toronto, Canada, one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic global cities, which will launch in May. As an added benefit of the trip, students will now matriculate from Old Trail with a U.S. Passport, ready to explore the world long after they graduate.

Beginning in March 2024, Old Trail’s global reach will grow significantly with a scheduled program abroad to Panama where Middle School students will be immersed in the natural world, experience a diverse culture and language, and learn first-hand about the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. Other gloabl programs are tentatively planned for France (March 2025) and Japan (March 2026).

“The goal is to enhance the Old Trail experience, complement existing programs and help students develop a deeper understanding of oneself and the world,” Vogel said. “Since each program is unique, each will resonate differently with every student.”

HEAR, HERE SPEAKER SERIES

Supported by the OTS George T. Parry Speaker Fund, Old Trail’s Hear, Here speaker series is an important part of the school’s global initiatives, featuring scholars who seek to challenge and broaden our perspectives on contemporary issues, both globally and domestic, through intimate, moderated conversations.

OTS Abroad Programs

Former Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court was our inaugural speaker in 2019 and discussed the role of the courts and judicial reform. Last year, acclaimed scholar and writer Orville Schell spoke about the United State’s changing relationship with China and the rise of Xi Jinping in China. On February 8, 2023, it was our honor to welcome preeminent Middle East scholar and negotiator Aaaron David Miller to Old Trail. Hear, Here is a testament to the caliber of nationally recognized scholars visiting Old Trail to engage our larger community in meaningful conversation.

For more than 100 years, Old Trail has challenged and supported students to be seekers of knowledge and lifelong learners. Through the Center for Global Understanding and its programs, this mission continues.

Italy

To study the natural park system, native species, culture and food

Panama

Asia

To gain a better understanding of ancient and modern societies by exploring urban and rural areas

Tentative Plans for 2024–28 2024 2026 2028 2025 2027

To study the natural world, culture, language and UN Sustainable Development Goals

To explore the intersection of food and culture