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THE PIONEER EXPERIENCE · KINDERGARTEN–GRADE 8
Big discoveries.Lasting memories.
From a first field trip to a final-year adventure, explore the experiences that bring learning to life at Strawberry Hill.
Download the full guide (PDF, 1.3 MB)
A whole community of possibilities
Purposeful learning beyond the classroom Supported by our faculty & PTO A journey that grows with your child
If cost is a concern, please reach out.
Contact Mirel Roig Govea, the school’s parent facilitator, to talk through a plan for your family.
Costs & support ↓
Choose a program and grade
Find your child’s next discovery.
Choose a program, then a grade to see what’s planned.
PYPGrades K–4 MYPGrades 5–8
The Primary Years Program builds curiosity, encourages inquiry, and connects classroom learning to the world beyond school.
Choose a PYP grade Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
Kindergarten
First discoveries, growing curiosity, and new traditions.
The Royal Ball From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
Stamford Museum & Nature Center Keeler Tavern – Colonial Life Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes Mad Science Thanksgiving Placemats Celebration Gingerbread Cookie Decorating The Royal Ball Field Day End-of-year celebration · in school
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
Grade 1
Bring classroom curiosity into the world around us.
Beardsley Zoo From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
Beardsley Zoo Stamford Museum & Nature Center Ridgefield Playhouse Atria Thanksgiving Performance Animal Wax Museum Field Day End-of-year celebration · in school
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
Grade 2
Discover nature, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
Silverman’s Farm Stamford Museum & Nature Center and Planetarium Ridgefield Playhouse Hatching Chickens Green Food Fest Flapjacks & Folk Tales Field Day End-of-year celebration · in school
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
Grade 3
Explore new perspectives through history, the arts, and inquiry.
Ellis Island From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
Fairfield University Center for the Arts Maritime Aquarium Inquiry to Ink: A Publishing Celebration Ellis Island Kindness in Bloom Field Day End-of-year celebration · West Beach
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
Grade 4
Celebrate the PYP journey and prepare for a new chapter.
Fairfield Museum From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
SoundWaters Fairfield Museum Marvels of Motion Hall of Inquirers PYP Exhibition Field Day End-of-year celebration · Barrett Park Moving Up Ceremony
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
The Middle Years Program builds independence through experiences in science, the arts, leadership, service, and team-building, culminating in Grade 8 celebrations and the transition to high school.
Choose an MYP grade Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
Grade 5
Build independence and connection as the MYP journey begins.
Outdoor Classroom From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
Outdoor Classroom Signature trip Artist in Residence Hard Hat Math: Volume & Perimeter Poetry Slam Native Voices, Living History Math Missions: Thanksgiving Field Day
A note on contributions: Outdoor Classroom is a signature experience with a larger suggested family contribution. Please reach out if cost is a concern.
Grade 6
Connect academics with adventure, teamwork, and the arts.
Adventure Park Ropes Course From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
Adventure Park Ropes Course SoundWaters Science Frog Dissection March MAThness Author Spotlight: Virtual Visit End-of-year celebration · in school
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
Grade 7
Broaden perspectives through culture, science, and global connections.
United Nations From the Pioneer Experience guide
Planned experiences
United Nations Ridgefield Playhouse Mill River Park Case of the Tell Tale Heart Globalization Debate Adaptation Outreach Program End-of-year celebration · in school
A note on contributions: For most grades, suggested family contributions are approximately $25–$80 per student for the year. PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising and available grants help offset costs.
Grade 8
A culminating year of discovery, service, and celebration.
Washington, D.C. From the Pioneer Experience guide
Another moment: MYP Graduation
Planned experiences
Washington, D.C. Signature trip Holiday Hill Judge Flynn’s Trial by Jury Energy in Motion Black-out Poetry MYP Community Project MYP Graduation
A note on contributions: Washington, D.C. is a signature experience with a larger suggested family contribution. Please reach out if cost is a concern.
Experiences and contribution estimates reflect current planning and are subject to change.
More experiences. Shared support.
How it comes together
$25–$80
Suggested annual contribution
Per student for most grades, or roughly 14–45 cents per school day. Some faculty-led experiences have no additional cost.
29%
Offset by community support
Of planned experience costs, through PTO subsidies, grade-level fundraising, and available grants.
80 / 20
Where typical field-trip costs go
About 80% supports admission, programs, and venues; about 20% covers transportation. Excludes larger marquee trips.
If cost is a concern
If the suggested contribution is difficult for your family, Mirel Roig Govea, the school’s parent facilitator, can work with you on a plan: mroiggovea@stamfordpublicschools.org .
Signature experiences: Outdoor Classroom in Grade 5 and Washington, D.C. in Grade 8 involve extended travel or overnight stays and require larger suggested family contributions.
All amounts are estimates and may change as transportation, admission, program, and other costs are finalized.
A whole community of possibilities
