Liz's Class Notes

On April 22, our Senior Learners presented their independent projects to a review panel, and what a showcase it was! This year's projects reflected remarkable range and creativity. The students presented with poise and confidence, and one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the Q&A conversation with the panel.

These exchanges gave students the chance to reflect on their learning in real time. Vivian, for example, shared that when she began her project, "A Dystopian Diorama," she was feeling as though she was "living in a dystopian time." By the time she completed it, she told the panel, "I felt more hopeful about the time I'm living in right now." That kind of shift — where the creative process itself changes how a young person sees the world — is exactly what deep, authentic learning looks like.

We have now turned our attention to the Senior Learner Essay, directed this year by Madeline Grabb — an alumna, Stanford University graduate, and former sportswriter for the Stanford Daily. Madeline has given the students two compelling prompts to choose from: “Tell me about something you think is beautiful, and why it is.” and “As AI becomes increasingly prominent, people have debated which human jobs might eventually be taken over by AI — and which might always remain beyond its reach. Are there any human roles you believe AI will never be able to replace? Which ones, and why?” Students are writing independently and will receive Madeline's personalized feedback upon completion.

As always, the end of the year is a whirlwind for our Senior Learners. In addition to their writing, students are eagerly preparing for the upcoming trip to Boston — a wonderful opportunity for learning, laughter, and celebrating the friendships and community they have built together before graduation