--- title: Experiential Learning --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#main-content) - [APPLY](https://lw-va.client.renweb.com/oa/index.cfm?memberid=782) - [VISIT](https://www.lorienwood.org/school-tours) - [FAMILY PORTAL](https://sis.factsmgt.com/family-portal?DistrictCode=LW-VA) - [GIVE](https://www.lorienwood.org/giving) [![Lorien Wood School\_Reverse Horizontal](https://www.lorienwood.org/hubfs/Lorien%20Wood%20School_Reverse%20Horizontal.svg "Lorien Wood School_Reverse Horizontal")](https://www.lorienwood.org/?hsLang=en) [![Lorien Wood School\_Reverse Horizontal](https://www.lorienwood.org/hubfs/Lorien%20Wood%20School_Reverse%20Horizontal.svg "Lorien Wood School_Reverse Horizontal")](https://www.lorienwood.org/?hsLang=en) - ABOUT US - [Mission, Vision, & History](https://www.lorienwood.org/mission-vision-history) - [Our Distinctives](https://www.lorienwood.org/distinctives) - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.lorienwood.org/faculty-staff) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.lorienwood.org/board-of-trustees) - 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[Form 4: Middle School](https://www.lorienwood.org/form-4) - [High School](https://www.lorienwood.org/high-school) - [Experiential Learning](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning) - ADMISSIONS - [Admissions Process](https://www.lorienwood.org/admissions) - [Visit Us](https://www.lorienwood.org/school-tours) - [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.lorienwood.org/tuition) - [Our Blog](https://www.lorienwood.org/the-fellowship-of-learning-adventures-in-education-at-lorien-wood) - [Request Information](https://www.lorienwood.org/request-information) - STUDENT LIFE - [Athletics](https://www.lorienwood.org/athletics) - [Outdoor Learning](https://www.lorienwood.org/outdoor-learning) - [Studio Art](https://www.lorienwood.org/studio-art) - [Reading Lists](https://www.lorienwood.org/student-reading-page) - PARENTS - [Parental Service](https://www.lorienwood.org/parents) - [Calendar](https://www.lorienwood.org/calendar) - [TRIP](https://www.lorienwood.org/trip) - [Uniforms](https://www.lorienwood.org/parents#uniforms) - [Family Portal](https://sis.factsmgt.com/accounts/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Faccounts%2Fconnect%2Fauthorize%2Fcallback%3Fclient_id%3DidsrvCode%26response_type%3Dcode%26scope%3Dopenid%2520profile%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fsis.factsmgt.com%252Faccounts%252Fdashboard%252Fcallback%26state%3DztBQXdsyN_H1zTJ2FXNjiH6IZ6yg2A0XjAqlfkXJ_z8%26nonce%3DEtDDEDRjzyCOE1tnRLIYqWVzdh_PYdfKsPW8Bl7AbJw%26response_mode%3Dform_post%26code_challenge%3Dp247BKfCnPnJxw2txWmZt4e8pynTIox1yv2mpzgdaEI%253D%26code_challenge_method%3DS256) - [School Forms](https://www.lorienwood.org/parents#School_Forms) - [Parent Reading List](https://www.lorienwood.org/parents#Parent_Reading_List) - GIVING - [How to Give](https://www.lorienwood.org/giving) [Facebook](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#0) [Instagram](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#0) [Linkedin](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#0) [X](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#0) [YouTube](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#0) [Medium](https://www.lorienwood.org/experiential-learning#0) # Experiential Learning ##### We engage children as whole persons through experiential learning! We value hands-on experiences, living books, recitation, and nature study—hallmarks of Charlotte Mason. Guided by Scripture’s call to “taste and see,” we blend experiential learning with our teaching methods for a rich, dynamic education.   ## Immersive Learning Across All Forms #### We believe that children are whole persons and as you engage their minds, you must also engage their hearts and bodies. ##### **Field Trips:** At Lorien Wood, we believe in the transformative power of field trips, as they provide hands-on learning experiences that enrich our curriculum and ignite curiosity in our students. Through exploration beyond the classroom, we cultivate a deeper understanding of the world and foster a love for lifelong learning.  ##### **Frequency: ** We believe that hands-on learning should be an integral part of every child's educational journey at Lorien Wood. As such, each Form participates in 8-10 field trips and in-school experiences throughout the year. Read more about these experiences on each Form's page.  [Learn More About our Form System](https://www.lorienwood.org/form-system-curriculum?hsLang=en) ##### Hands-On Experiences: Our dedicated teachers at Lorien Wood enjoy crafting immersive experiences like the Historic Ball and Immigration Day for Middle Schoolers. During the elementary years, students participate in a variety of in-school experiences including: Depression Day, Middle East Festival, Medieval Festival, and the Asian Market. These experiences foster deep engagement and meaningful connections to history, culture, and real-world concepts. Through these hands-on encounters, students develop a rich understanding of diverse subjects and cultivate a love for experiential learning. ## Explore Examples of Experiential Learning at Lorien Wood ![Students visiting the Capitol](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Trips/IMG_6516-min.jpeg?width=2000&height=1125&name=IMG_6516-min.jpeg) ### U.S. Capitol Building Middle School students on an in-depth tour of the U.S. Capitol Building during their Humanities study of the Revolutions Unit.  ![Form 1 at Hidden Oaks](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Trips/Form%201%20at%20Hidden%20Oaks-min.jpeg?height=2000&name=Form%201%20at%20Hidden%20Oaks-min.jpeg) ### Hidden Oaks Nature Center The Junior Kindergarten exploring the frog pond at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, VA.  ![students and teachers dressed in pioneer clothes](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/In-school%20experiences/20230420-1K2A9697.jpg?width=2000&name=20230420-1K2A9697.jpg) ### "Push West!" Form 2 stepped back in time to the 1840's to image life as pioneers as they wrapped up their "Push West" unit with a fun in-school experience. Some of their adventures included the pioneer schoolroom and Oregon Train simulations, unit-integral snacks (jerky and cornbread muffins), panning for gold, and pioneer dancing and games. ![students at the Shenandoah National Park](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Trips/PXL_20230914_152756200-min.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=PXL_20230914_152756200-min.jpg) ### Shenandoah National Park Watershed (6th grade) enjoying the panoramic views during an overnight camping trip to the Shenandoah National Park.  ![Students dancing at the historic ball](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/In-school%20experiences/IMG_6540-min.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=IMG_6540-min.jpg) ### The Historic Ball The Historic Ball is a unique opportunity for Middle School students to adopt a character and learn the social etiquette and dances of the Revolutionary time period. ![students in front of a painting at the NGA](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NGA%2020%20percent/2024-04-11_RVP_LW_Art_Museum_Field_Trip_smaller-052-1.jpg?width=1344&height=896&name=2024-04-11_RVP_LW_Art_Museum_Field_Trip_smaller-052-1.jpg) ### The Quest for Beauty Form 2 (2nd & 3rd grade) visit the Modern and Contemporary collections of the National Gallery of Art during their study of the Quest for Beauty. ![Middle East feast plate](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/In-school%20experiences/2023-11-16_RVP_LW_Middle_East_Feast-016-min.jpg?width=2000&name=2023-11-16_RVP_LW_Middle_East_Feast-016-min.jpg) ### The Middle East Feast Form 3 students (4th and 5th grade) feast on Middle Eastern delights during the in-school simulation of a Middle East Festival.  ![Students posing with Rosie the Riveter](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Trips/IMG_2770-min.jpeg?width=2000&height=1500&name=IMG_2770-min.jpeg) ### Rosie Riveter High School ladies pose with Rosie Riveter at the Smithsonian American History Museum.  ![botanical gardens form 1](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Trips/botanical%20gardens%20form%201.jpeg?width=624&height=686&name=botanical%20gardens%20form%201.jpeg) ### Legend of the Poinsettia Form 1 (K and 1st grade) learn about the legend of the Poinsettia at the National Botanical Gardens.  ![Ellis island passengers](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/In-school%20experiences/Ellis%20island%20passengers-min.jpeg?width=2000&name=Ellis%20island%20passengers-min.jpeg) ### The Immigration Simulation Middle school students prepare to "board the ship" during the Immigration Simulation, an immersive experience of immigrants entering the United States at Ellis Island.  ![students at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center](https://www.lorienwood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Trips/20231012_102935-min.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=20231012_102935-min.jpg) ### The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center Form 3 (4th and 5th grade) explore the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in their World Studies Unit on the Middle East.  [Learn more on our blog!](https://www.lorienwood.org/the-fellowship-of-learning-adventures-in-education-at-lorien-wood?hsLang=en) Academics Academics - 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