Traditions
Annual Traditions
Renaissance School has developed many beloved annual traditions since our founding in 1999. The Renaissance School academic year takes on a rhythm that students and faculty look forward to each and every season. Our many annual traditions are part of what makes an RS school experience unlike any other!
Ninth Week
Each semester the entire school takes a week-long trip off campus that integrates real-world experiences with the classroom curriculum. Ninth Week trips in the fall take place in Virginia and go farther afield in the spring. At the beginning of Renaissance School’s history this would happen during the ninth week of each semester, and although that is no longer the case, the name “Ninth Week” stuck! Ninth Week is a paragon of the Renaissance School approach to an interdisciplinary, project-based, college-prep education.Winter Show
It’s dinner and a show that’s fun for the whole family! In our Head of School’s favorite event of the year, students show off talents from singing and dancing to magic and comedy, with a secret skit by the Student Government! Faculty provide the potluck dinner and everyone kicks off Winter Break with a big smile.Senior Thesis Presentations
After two years of research, public speaking training, and writing a 20+ page academic paper, our Seniors take the stage to share with the school community the culmination of what they’ve learned in the Independent Studies Program and the unique expertise they have developed in a wide variety of disciplines.
Spring Science Competitions, including the Renaissance School Middle School Art & Science Contest
Our scientists in physical, life, and social sciences participate in a huge variety of spring competitions, including the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium at JMU, submitting BioTrek publications, and regional science fairs. This is also when the previous year’s winners act as judges for the contest we host for area Middle Schoolers!
Arts Practicum
Wednesday afternoons at Renaissance School are a regular time where the arts intersect with the real world – Arts Practicum! Our focus throughout the four years rotates. We explore practical life skills (basic car maintenance, for example), student health (nutrition, exercise, mental health, and healthy relationships), civic engagements (government, policies, and politics), and hands-on skills (gardening, knitting, etc). We also embrace our downtown community through partnerships that provide a more immersive arts experience (Light House Studio, Music Resource Center, IX Park, just to name a few!).Spring Show & Art Auction
Every student participates in our biggest production of the year! Actors, musicians, playwrights, composers, librettists, lights, costumes, make-up, sound, stage management, playbill production, marketing, ushering – every student has a role! The Spring Show also coincides wtih our big fundraiser, the fabulous Art Auction, hosted by our wonderful Parent Council.
Junior Independent Study Presentations
During the month of May, Juniors take over the daily all-school Assembly to present to the school on their topics of research for the year. Students have practiced different speech techniques and rehearsed with slides throughout the year, and this is the moment for them to shine.
Senior Thesis Defense
The first Wednesday in May is the time for our Academic Dean’s favorite event of the year, the Senior Thesis Defense. With papers printed and presentations delivered, it is the moment of truth and glory after two years of very hard work. Each Senior stands before the full school community and fields unrehearsed questions from the faculty about their research. It is the culmination of an RHS student’s high school career.
Art & Science Show
On the first Friday in May, in conjunction with Charlottesville’s First Fridays, the whole school displays both science posters and demonstrations from the year’s work, as well as paintings, sculpture, photography, animations, and other artwork. Scientists and artists from throughout central Virginia are invited as judges to this very Renaissance event.
Portfolio Shows
In April and May, Portfolio Art students put on formal gallery evening shows, including proper art display plans, informative description cards, and the opportunity to make pieces available for sale to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and music round out these wonderful events!Field Day
Each year before final exams, Renaissance School students and faculty come together for an afternoon of competition at the park! This event is organized by the seniors and embodies the spirit of community and fun! We’ve had swimming, hikes, water balloon fights, and epic games of capture the flag! It’s great to get some fresh air and sunshine after a long semester of hard work.Awards Night & Coffeehouse
The Friday night before graduation, the whole school community gathers to celebrate the year’s crowning achievements. The school has annual awards in different academic and arts categories, for lifelong learning, citizenship within the school and the community, and many others. “Coffeehouse” is a top-secret tribute planned by the Junior class each year to honor the Seniors!
Sixth Day
Sixth Day was formed in March of 2020 by the Academic Dean and Head of School as an opportunity to allow students and faculty to take a break from remote classes and embrace the many ways in which online learning can strengthen a community. Sixth Day began as an at-home community project or lesson occurring on every Sixth Day of school. Sixth day of school, but was such a hit with the school community that we decided to keep it on our calendar, though much less frequently!Follow Us On Instagram - @renschool
may, 2024
