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Public Purpose

At Greensboro Day School, we believe that learning should have a public purpose. Our students are involved in the community and are encouraged to connect classroom learning with real-world issues in Greensboro and beyond.

Our Public Purpose initiatives are designed to help students develop key public purpose competencies. 

Public Purpose Competencies

Public Purpose Initiatives

Kay R. Hagan Center for Public Purpose Global Goals, Local Impact Program

The Global Goals, Local Impact Program uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework. Each grade level from K–12 focuses on a single UN Sustainable Development Goal. Students learn about a global issue and take action by developing a sustainable solution for a local community partner.

UN Global Goals

Grade-Level Projects

Kindergarten Home Gardening Project

To address the goal of Zero Hunger, kindergartners will harvest soil and seedlings from the Andreve Teaching Garden and maintain student home gardens.

UN Global Goals - Kindergarten
First Grade Recycled Art Exhibit

To address the goal of Life Below Water, first graders will produce an annual Recycled Visual Art Exhibit.

Second Grade Composting Program

To address the goal of Zero Hunger, second graders will lead a schoolwide composting program to fertilize the Andreve Teaching Garden.

Third Grade Rain Catcher Project

To address the goal of Clean Water and Sanitation, third graders will design and build rain catchers to recycle rainwater at home.

Fourth Grade Recycled Goods Shop

To address the goal of Climate Action, fourth graders will make and sell recycled products at the Lower School Pop Up Shop.

Fifth Grade Friday Farmers Market

To address the goal of Zero Hunger, fifth graders will operate a Friday Farmers Market exchanging produce harvested from the Andreve Teaching Garden for canned goods to supply to Backpack Beginnings.

Sixth Grade Water Filter Project

To address the goal of Clean Water, sixth graders will build water filters and donate them to communities through the Water for Life global charity.

Seventh Grade Native Plant Project

To address the goal of Life on Land, seventh graders will grow and harvest native plants on campus to support the inhabitants of the butterfly exhibit at the Greensboro Science Center.

Eighth Grade Book Exchange

To address the goal of Quality Education, eighth graders will design, build, and install Bengal Book Exchanges in Greensboro and use sponsorship proceeds to sponsor one student enrolled at the School of St Jude in Tanzania.

Ninth Grade Community Blood Drive

To address the goal of Good Health and Well-Being, ninth graders will plan and manage a Red Cross Community Blood Drive on campus. 

Tenth Grade Tiny House Project

To address the goal of Sustainable Cities and Communities, tenth graders will design, build, and donate a tiny house to the local Tiny House Community Development.

Eleventh Grade Kindergarten Readiness Camp

To address the goal of Quality Education Design, eleventh graders will plan and implement a free, annual, weeklong kindergarten readiness summer skills camp for public school students.

 

Independent Senior Projects

Seniors work independently on individualized public purpose projects.

Our Program

Preschool

Ages 2–5

Nurturing the joys of learning and independence

Lower School

Grades K–4

Encouraging curiosity and love of learning

Middle School

Grades 5–8

Guiding young people from childhood to adolescence

Upper School

Grades 9–12

Helping students discover their passions and prepare for college

Greensboro Day School Upper School
GDS Public Purpose
Bengal Paws for Service