At Breakwater we want for our students to explore the world confident in themselves, with a sense of purpose and compassion, belief in their own agency, and the resilience to embrace mistakes. We affirm the integrity of childhood by placing high value on play, balancing the education of the heart and the mind equally. Breakwater's ability to succeed in this is made possible by a talented, enthusiastic, and loving faculty who live these same aspirations in their everyday lives. Our teachers and staff are recruited and retained based on their professional skills, their willingness to model our mission in every respect, and their commitment to professional and personal growth. Check back every month to learn more about our amazing Breakwater faculty

At Breakwater we want for our students to explore the world confident in themselves, with a sense of purpose and compassion, belief in their own agency, and the resilience to embrace mistakes. We affirm the integrity of childhood by placing high value on play, balancing the education of the heart and the mind equally. Breakwater's ability to succeed in this is made possible by a talented, enthusiastic, and loving faculty who live these same aspirations in their everyday lives. Our teachers and staff are recruited and retained based on their professional skills, their willingness to model our mission in every respect, and their commitment to professional and personal growth. Check back every month to learn more about our amazing Breakwater faculty

Mt. Cardigan is typically one of the adventure trips that is most often mentioned in 8th grade speeches, in memories of Breakwater by alumni, and by parents as one of the most character building, inspiring and memorable trips at Breakwater. Fifth grade students spent nearly eight hours hiking through the fresh fallen snow 3,155 feet to the summit of Mt. Cardigan or just below to PJ Ledge. Some went on a hike to Welton Falls while others went sledding down a nearby hill. They cooked several meals, put on a memorable talent show and found so many ways to connect with each other, with their teachers, and with the natural world. They pushed themselves and were well rewarded with spectacular views, some hot cocoa, and new personal stories of strength, resilience and pride.

One of the guiding principles of our unique teaching model is the integration of subjects across the curriculum. Educators know that children learn best when approaching a subject the same way grown ups do: with all lenses wide open. Young children are naturally integrated learners as they are full of questions and wonder about everything having to do with a subject. For their integrated studies this fall, students in third and fourth grade have chosen six countries that they have found interesting. The six countries of interest are: Greece, Morocco, Peru, China, New Zealand and Canada. Just after Thanksgiving break Jesse, who is one of our third and fourth grade teachers, began an integrated unit with his students that involved a mythical creature, storytelling, graphing, foreign language and geography.

Take a look at our beloved Earth Week that teaches young children to continue to seek wonder in the natural world, love and care for our land and sea, and play and learn using the beautiful coast of Maine as their classroom. We love Earth Week at Breakwater. Read more to learn about all the magical experiences we have planned!

September at Breakwater is such a magical time of year. Teachers and students alike are creating and strengthening the essential bonds needed to help support each other while they grow, learn, explore, and create together. Making these important connections early on promote self regulation, encourage students to take risks, strengthen problem solving skills and create a positive and collaborative environment in which students can best learn and play.