The Marshall School’s mission has always been to empower students to become comfortable, independent learners.  But we also recognize that life reaches beyond the classroom walls.  Students must learn to be good citizens of their family, school, and community.  The Marshall School encourages students to look outside themselves and find opportunities to serve others.  Community Service + Learning  is the perfect partner to accomplish this goal and is of special significance to the struggling and gifted learner.  Through Community Service + Learning, students feel their schoolwork is significant and valuable, creating a high level of engagement and pride of work.  It also provides students greater choice and allows them to focus on their strengths and build confidence while making a meaningful contribution to the community. 

          We believe all students should engage in community based projects to introduce them to the benefits and ideals of public service.  This belief is put into action through our Community Service + Learning curriculum, which was authored by the founding educators at the school.  This two-year program is taught school wide.   The program is broken into 8 modules which include the following topics:

Getting to know our community, The Rappahannock River Region

Community Leadership

Public Service and Public Servants

Change: How does it happen?

American Heroes

The Life and Contributions of Thurgood Marshall

Community Service Project  I

Community Service Project II

For older students, the focus becomes more specific and provides exploration in the public service fields of health, law, and education.