Harpeth Hall cultivates leaders and inspires a life-long tradition of service. Unlike other schools, our service-learning program is voluntary, yet in the last nine years, 100 percent of Harpeth Hall students have participated in service projects by partnering with agencies in Nashville and abroad, contributing more than 17,000 service hours last year. In 2012, 52 girls received the Presidential Service Award.

PHILOSOPY OF SERVICE: Through involvement in service-learning activities, each student is given the opportunity to lead confidently, think critically, and live honorably while learning about herself and the unique skills, talents, and passions she can share with her community and the world. She is challenged to work effectively with others while exploring ideas such as empathy and reciprocity. She develops a deeper understanding of social responsibility and an appreciation for the diversity of the world by engaging in meaningful service. Ultimately, she is inspired and inspires others to a life-long commitment of learning and service.

• Middle School students participate in organized service-learning/leadership days once a semester as a class. The 5th, 6th, and 7th grades are partnered with 3 different community agencies that allow them to be exposed to various social issues. 8th grade students are given choice in the social issues they wish to explore by offering 7 different areas of service to choose from that match with their skills, talents, and passions. Students are led through the service-learning process by investigating their area of service and preparing service activities that will result in meaningful action. Students are encouraged to reflect on their actions and given the opportunity to demonstrate to others what they have learned. Exercising leadership and making academic connections is a common thread through out the day.

• Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in the Middle School After School Service Club on Wednesdays during the school year. Students are empowered to make a better world through hands-on service-learning projects every month (or so) by researching and discussing issues and coming up with creative, simple ways to help out the school, community, and world.

• Middle School Advisory Groups are encouraged to complete one service project a year, particularly focusing service efforts within the Harpeth Hall community.

• Middle School students are invited to participate in several Upper School led projects throughout the year; as well as lead the entire school in a drive for the charity of choice each May.

• Service in the Upper School is group driven as clubs, classes, teams, and advisory groups are led and encouraged by the Service-Learning Leadership Council to exercise their leadership skills by coordinating service projects that match with their skills, talents, and passions.

• The Service-Learning Leadership Council includes Officers and a Service Representative from each group on campus and coordinates various service project opportunities throughout the year for everyone to participate in service. Often these projects collaborate with other schools such as MBA. They also offer learning opportunities concerning various community issues and agencies, as well as provide service reflection and celebration activities.

• Winterim is a great place to experience service as many classes contain a service-learning component. Non-profit internships, as well as opportunities for service on international trips, are available to older girls.

For more information about service-learning at Harpeth Hall School, contact:

Kimee Shideler, Director of Service-Learning
shideler@harpethhall.org or 615-346-0111