After graduating Williams College with a BA in Mathematics and Chemistry, Caleb Balderston ‘06 joined Teach for America, teaching math in Chicago public charter schools. Working mainly with low-income students of color, it was there that Balderston developed his passion for equity in education.
This passion continues to animate Balderston today in his work as high school principal at Academy of the Pacific Rim (APR) Charter Public School in Massachusetts. “We not only pursue academic mastery here, we are also explicit about making space for identity work and helping students understand what it means to be a global citizen,” Balderston explains.
This commitment to global citizenship can be seen in the fact that all APR students are expected to learn Mandarin Chinese and (in non-COVID times) have a chance to participate in an exchange program with a sister school in China. “Our link with China is a differentiating feature for us. Yet at its core, APR is about giving students and their families a free education not unlike what they might receive—with a nonzero price tag—at a place like Shipley,” Balderston says. “We give students a chance to build strong relationships with teachers, and get involved in a bunch of different activities.”
Balderston knows something about participating in many activities. During his time at Shipley, he not only served as co-captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams, he also played varsity basketball, sang with the Madriguys, dabbled in Greek, and did so well academically that he received a National Merit Commendation. “I loved the diversity of the Shipley experience, the ability to do a lot in a small community,” he recalls. “That’s what we are doing here at APR as well.”
On the culture side, Balderston is leading a shift at APR away from punitive discipline toward restorative justice. “We believe in repairing harm that occurs in our community,” he explains. “For example, let’s say that a student behaves disrespectfully toward a teacher. The actual harm in that situation is between the student and the adult, so rather than imposing a detention, we provide them both with tools to mend their relationship. Conversations that encourage accountability can be quite powerful in a community where people feel connected to their school and to each other.”
Are people born leaders, or can leadership be taught? What role should educational institutions play in teaching leadership skills? Our Shipley Magazine roundtable feature explores the topic with four leaders in their own fields.
Shipley's Director of Libraries, Jennifer Phiambolis, collaborates with teachers to integrate library research into course projects, fostering students' critical thinking and information literacy skills. This approach empowers students to discern credible information and challenge online misinformation.
"Within this [Summer/Fall 2023] issue of Shipley Magazine, we highlight some of the work that has been done in recent years in support of the goals laid out in Vision 20/26. Our progress would be impressive in any light, but accomplishing what we have while navigating a pandemic is nothing short of remarkable."
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley's strategic plan focuses on equipping students with the essential skills needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. This article delves into how the history curriculum embraces diverse perspectives, promotes global thinking, and offers experiential learning, ultimately fostering students' ability to engage compassionately and lead effectively.
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to become global citizens and compassionate participants in the world. This article explores how Shipley's special programs and partnerships facilitate hands-on, impactful learning opportunities, fostering cross-cultural insights, and making a positive impact in local and global communities.
For over 30 years, Shipley has been at the forefront of nurturing students' social and emotional well-being through its pioneering SEED program. This article explores the program's origins, evolution, and its global influence, highlighting Shipley's commitment to fostering well-rounded, empathetic, and emotionally resilient students in pursuit of educational excellence.
Shipley's commitment to educational excellence extends to cultivating a sense of belonging within its diverse community. This article delves into how Shipley has embraced its DEI Strategic Plan, celebrating diversity, providing professional development, and creating affinity spaces to foster inclusivity and unity.
This exploration of Shipley's Strategic Plan Goal #1: Educational Excellence focuses on enhancing student engagement and leadership by investing in professional development for teachers. This article sheds light on how dedicated educators at Shipley continue to learn and evolve, emphasizing the importance of staying abreast of best practices to provide students with the highest quality education.
At Shipley, a thriving sense of community is central to the School's mission. This article highlights some of the initiatives and events that have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant culture of pride, engagement, and commitment among students, parents, alumni, and friends of the School, all in line with Goal 2 of Shipley's Strategic Plan.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
At the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, Shipley’s commitment to excellence was on full display through the prize-winning work of the Sprouts, Upper School Horticultural Ecology students, and the Middle School Gardening Club. Shipley alumni also made their mark, with Betsy Hastings Block ’83 and Laura Butera '08 contributing in big ways to the event's success.
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams competed in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 22 at Penn State Altoona. Fourteen teams earned medals during the tournament.
Shipley’s Track and Field team made School history by participating for the first time in the historic Penn Relays at Franklin Fields on April 27-29, 2023. The Gators ran with courage and grace, making a memorable first impression at this year's Penn Relay Carnival. Before the races, the team and coaches made a promise to each other: "Focused teammates, committed to run for each other," and that is precisely how they competed.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
The Shipley Honors Combo won first place in the Small Ensemble Division 2 category at the National Jazz Festival, held April 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Trumpeter Aidan Peterson ‘24 won an Outstanding Musician Award and also earned the Judge’s Choice Award.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
Honorary alumnus and former Latin teacher David Rich inspired Shipley students for close to three decades. Since retiring in 2021, he has immersed himself in Great Barrington's artistic community, rekindling his love for the piano and transforming Cicero's 'The Dream of Scipio' into a captivating play.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.