Signature Programs
Experiential Learning/Trips
A Sterne education isn't contained within the classroom walls. Our academic calendar includes days and weeks devoted to experiential trips and community service opportunities. Expect to learn new skills; explore possible careers; have hands-on, project-based engagement; apply your classroom learning to real life; and have time for self-reflection and exploration.
Experiential Week
Experiential Week is an annual spring event that includes opportunities for students to engage in projects both on and off campus or to join a national or international trip.
Local off-campus adventures are based on student interests and range from zero cost to around $250. Students who receive tuition assistance will have the same TA percentage applied to their trip. No student will be turned away from participating due to finances.
Recent local adventures have included a Chinatown tour, hands-on culinary classes, mural artist workshops, and community service projects with Surfrider Foundation, SF Community Food Bank, the I-Hotel, and more.
National and International Trips
When you go on an Experiential trip, expect cultural and language immersion, connections to your academic studies (science in nature, arts integration, historical studies), career exploration and connections, and service learning.
Past national trips have included Utah national parks, the Grand Canyon, Washington D.C., the American South, and more.
International trips have included:
- Costa Rica
- Spain
- Greece
- Germany
- Iceland
- Puerto Rico
- Kenya
- Panama
These trips are available for additional cost. Students who receive tuition assistance will receive the same TA percentage applied to their trip. The school makes every effort to ensure that anyone who wishes to participate in national or international travel may do so.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Student-led and supported affinity groups, and a Diversity Council, provide safe spaces for students to gather for civic engagement, discussion, and the identification development needs and opportunities at Sterne.
Diversity Council is available for all interested high school students. Affinity groups exist across grade levels and divisions; students in grades 4–8 and 9–12 are invited to create and participate in these groups.
Participation in community service, civic engagement projects and activities, and local parades and celebrations is vital to the success of DEIB at Sterne school at the student-level.
For more on Sterne's DEIB initiatives, click here.
Senior Project
The Sterne senior project, called "Passages" is a project based on student interests, strengths, and career path interest. The seniors work on a Passages project throughout their senior year and give a formal presentation in the Spring.
Some examples include: event planning internship; researching and building an art portfolio; and creating and teaching an elementary school debate curriculum.
Learn more about the Senior Project
Service Learning
Every Sterne student puts in 100 hours of community service before they graduate. We take this commitment very seriously and connect them with extensive activities throughout the year. We kick off the school year with a full day of service, and each class volunteers with a different organization. Past service days have included Refuse Refuse, beach cleanup, park restoration, and more.
Social Emotional Learning
Sterne High School utilizes the CASEL framework where we help students identify the five areas of social emotional competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
These skills are developed on a daily basis and integrated throughout the curriculum, including in athletics and student life. Twice a year Sterne offers a Prep Week that helps students focus on self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision making. The High School Counselor additionally runs groups in all areas of SEL, as well as provides individual and group sessions for students emphasizing social awareness and relationship skills.
SEL Competencies
Our SEL program supports students' learning and growth through the development of these five competencies, which are rooted in the competencies laid out by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
Self-Awareness
- Recognize and understand emotions, strengths, and areas for growth, and their impact on behavior
- Develop a growth mindset
- Engage in the metacognitive process of consistent self-reflection
- Apply self-awareness to grow and succeed
Self Management
- Productively manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations using a variety of tools
- Build focus, resilience, perseverance, and mindfulness
- Set and work toward appropriate goals
- Learn and apply the tools of organization and time management
Social Awareness
- Develop and demonstrate empathy for others and practice taking their perspective
- Recognize dynamics of social justice and inequality
- Embrace diversity and difference
- Understand impact of actions on others
- Recognize and utilize resources in the community
Relationship Skills
- Establish and maintain healthy relationships
- Communicate respectfully and clearly and listen actively
- Prevent and negotiate conflict constructively
- Seek and offer support as helpful
- Practice compassion and forgiveness
Responsible Decision-Making
- Make constructive decisions about personal behavior
- Evaluate possible options
- Consider consequences for self and others
- Align behavior with values, ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms
- Solve problems creatively
Eye to Eye
Eye to Eye is a national mentoring organization for students with learning disabilities. Our High School students apply to be mentors and are paired with Lower and Middle School students (mentees).
The goal of the program is to develop robust social and emotional skills, create supportive environments, cultivate advocacy and leadership skills, and provide a path out of stigma and self-doubt.
Learn more about Eye to Eye (external site)
Prep Week
Prep Week aims to ensure each student is on track to reach their version of greatness by arming them with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to find success at Sterne, in college, and beyond. This is a time for assessment, reflection, and planning, with intensive support from teachers and our college counseling department.
Prep Week fosters a culture of informed and empowered students who are highly engaged in their high school experience.