CHARLESTON, S.C., March 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ashley Hall, the only independent girls' school in South Carolina, is launching a new global learning center in Spoleto, Italy, as part of a national initiative with The Culver Academies and Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and under the umbrella of Spoleto Study Abroad. Led by Ashley Hall, whose students recently returned from the inaugural trip to the new campus, the collaboration is an educational partnership model enabling all three independent schools to provide students, teachers, and alumnae with an immersive education in languages, the arts, and the sciences on the historic shared campus throughout the year.
The Spoleto global learning center will benefit students by providing access to a uniquely cultural, artistic, and social education, and faculty will be offered professional development opportunities. Dating from pre-Roman times, the ancient walled city of Spoleto is known today as a center of creativity where people come together to study and explore ideas that influence thought leadership.
"This groundbreaking initiative will provide our students and faculty with the global education and mindset that are vital to their futures. There has never been a more important time for young voices to be heard, and Ashley Hall's dynamic education in Charleston and abroad prepares our girls to be self-reliant, independent thinkers in a complex world," said Jill Muti, Head of School at Ashley Hall.
Illustrating the initiative's cross-curricular immersive education is Ashley Hall's recently completed session abroad, part of a year-long Amalthea Scholars course exploring historic, artistic, and scientific sites in Italy. The program represents the School's long-standing commitment to a classical education, grounded in the Humanities and innovated for 21st century learning.
"The Spoleto campus will provide our students from across the country with an unmatched opportunity to learn languages and achieve a cultural competency that will carry them throughout their lives," said Anthony H. Sgro, Board President of Spoleto Study Abroad and Headmaster at Rabun Gap-Nachoochee School, a globally diverse, co-educational independent school in Georgia founded on the mission of service.
With 75 percent of its student body receiving financial aid and 460 students from around the world, Rabun Gap-Nachoochee School will use the Spoleto campus collaboration to offer students access to unique cultural connections.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with other schools in a way that will make a lasting impact on individual students. Our mission is to educate for leadership, and the Spoleto campus gives students the chance to learn deeply about themselves so that they can lead others," said Dr. Kevin MacNeil, Assistant Head of Schools for Learning and Leadership at Culver Academies, a coeducational boarding high school in Northern Indiana with a focus on leadership and whole person education that emphasizes the cultivation of character.
As Board members of Spoleto Study Abroad, Muti, Sgro, and MacNeil worked together on the strategic plan for the Spoleto campus. Spoleto Study Abroad is a non-profit organization that supports the interdisciplinary study of arts and the humanities for adults and secondary school students. Based in Spoleto, Italy, during the past 22 years, over 900 students and 300 faculty worldwide have taken advantage of this interdisciplinary arts and humanities program for high school students and adults.
The campus entails a restored 16th century property that offers study spaces, dorm rooms, and shared community areas, including a Renaissance garden. Positioned between Rome and Florence, Spoleto is also a departure point for some of the most important artistic, cultural, and archeological projects in Central Italy.
About Ashley Hall
Ashley Hall, a premier independent school in the Southeast for girls, is dedicated to deep learning, healthy development, high achievement, and community impact. With its proven foundation in classical education—enriched by inquiry-based, experiential learning—Ashley Hall provides a unique environment in which girls become self-reliant, independent thinkers at each stage of their development. Founded 110 years ago as a groundbreaking college preparatory school for women, Ashley Hall is at the forefront of girls' education and leadership, with local and global expansion, proven curriculum, and meaningful community connections. Against the backdrop of women's growing voices, Ashley Hall today is demonstrating that its enduring brand of girls' education is more relevant than ever. http://www.ashleyhall.org
About The Culver Academies
Located on a 1,700 acre lakeside campus in north-central Indiana, Culver Academies is arguably the nation's premier leadership school. Its students come to the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee from 40 states and 25 countries and are selected for their potential to meet the school's high academic standards and contribute to its internationally-recognized leadership and extracurricular programs. Culver's mission grows out of the simple but powerful notion that young people learn important leadership and life lessons when tasks are challenging, expectations clear, and accountability routine. https://www.culver.org/
About Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
Located on a 1600 acre campus in the Appalachian Mountains, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School serves over 600 boys and girls in grades PK-12. The school provides educational opportunities for day students in grades PK-6. Boarding is offered beginning in 7th grade. Students at Rabun Gap come from over 15 states and 52 nations. http://www.rabungap.org
SOURCE Ashley Hall
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