Experiential education lies at the core of our curriculum. With a deliberate focus on direct experiences and reflective practices, our students actively engage in their learning journey to expand their understanding, refine their abilities, and gain clarity into their core values. Students are encouraged to explore and interact with their environment, solving real-world problems, and applying theoretical concepts to arrive at practical solutions.

For example, instead of merely reading about ecosystems in a textbook, students venture into our Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning and the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden. They observe various organisms, analyze the distribution of various flora and fauna, and collect data to understand the ecosystem's dynamics. Back in the classroom, they collaborate on habitat assessment surveys and conduct soil studies that analyze pH levels and nutrient content to understand the effects of soil health on plant growth. What emerges in the process is a deepened understanding of ecological concepts that foster a sense of connection and responsibility towards the natural world.

Our commitment to service learning is a reflection of our dedication to nurturing socially responsible and compassionate global citizens. Through this component of our academic program, students develop a strong moral compass and emerge as well-rounded individuals ready to tackle real-world challenges with purpose and empathy.

By blending education with community engagement, we strive to empower our students to become proactive agents of positive change in the world. This is more than a mere curricular component; it is a transformative process that enriches the lives of our students and the communities they serve.

Whether by arranging flower bouquets for nearby nursing homes, lobbying on Capitol Hill for climate funding, or painting a school building alongside the Dominican Republic Education & Mentoring Project, our approach to service learning instills a strong social consciousness within every FSW student.

We are dedicated to nurturing the whole child. Our social-emotional learning frameworks recognize that students' overall well-being is essential for their growth and success within and beyond the classroom. Through evidence-based practices and age-appropriate activities, students develop a keen sense of self-awareness, understanding their unique strengths as well as opportunities for growth. Students learn effective communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills, empowering them to build positive relationships and navigate interpersonal challenges with confidence.

We also emphasize responsible decision making by exploring ethical dilemmas and critical thinking exercises, encouraging students to make sound choices aligned with their core values. By weaving social-emotional learning lessons seamlessly into the fabric of our school community, we create an environment that supports students' whole-child growth and fosters a welcoming atmosphere. When students feel supported, understood, and emotionally secure, they are more likely to thrive academically, build meaningful relationships, and develop a sense of purpose.

Our immersive, integrated Environmental Education (EE) curriculum is a cutting-edge program that takes students on a thorough exploration of the natural world. At our 3-acre Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning, led by EE Coordinator, Karen Linehan, students learn to identify local flora and fauna, understand ecological principles, and witness firsthand the impact of human actions on our environment. They get up close and personal with diverse ecosystems—from lush forests to thriving wetlands—igniting a passion for conservation and sustainability.

Students develop practical skills to lead eco-friendly initiatives, from recycling and waste reduction to water conservation and renewable energy projects. We also collaborate with local conservation organizations, like Garbage to Gardens and Plastic Ocean Project, so that students actively participate in community-driven projects that measurably impact the Cape Fear Region. From restoring habitats to organizing awareness campaigns, our students graduate with a profound understanding of their role as caretakers of the earth, equipped to preserve and protect the natural world for generations to come.