When students talk about what they get from Watershed, they talk about real-world experiences that matter — and a supportive culture that helps them grow into who they are. Yes, our students are challenged academically, but what they truly walk away with is something deeper: a sense of identity, independence, purpose, and belonging. And it’s within that sense of belonging that the power of community comes to life.
What Happens When You Trust Young People With Real Problems?
Watershed Head of School Tim Breen, Ph.D., and Upper School Division Head Bridget Collins recently contributed a guest blog to the Getting Smart Collective, a leading voice in education innovation. In their piece, "What Happens When You Trust Young People with Real Problems?", they explore how Watershed empowers students through real-world challenges and authentic agency—highlighting how this approach fosters deeper learning, hope, and a sense of purpose.
Why Middle School at Watershed?
Why Small Schools?
On Thinking Big About Educational Change
Tim Breen writes, “By engaging students in what we, at Watershed, call ‘work that matters’ – academic work that is meaningful to students, has real-world applications, and makes a contribution to our communities – we can help students develop a commitment to the common good. What kind of society do we want to build, and how can we craft an educational experience that aligns with this vision?”
