How a K-8 school empowers kids to choose their next path.

Founded in the 1950s, Sheridan is an independent, K-8 school in Washington. Sheridan’s philosophy is that the building blocks of lifelong learning are established in the elementary and middle school years. The school’s K-8 environment allows students to engage in age-appropriate activities, without being exposed to the very different social and academic pressures of high school students. In this model, Sheridan believes that children are free to stay “younger” a bit longer.

But too many prospective parents are unfamiliar with the research-proven benefits of the K-8 model. It’s also true that many parents are reluctant to undergo the private school application process a second time, in the search for an appropriate high school.

Sheridan wanted to address these concerns head on with a compelling video. We reviewed existing research about the impact of the K-8 model and conducted a competitive analysis of DC-area independent schools to understand how Sheridan’s “competitors” talk about the middle school years. Finally, we interviewed Sheridan’s leadership team and 8th grade teachers to understand the preparation Sheridan 8th graders undergo to ready themselves for choosing a good fit high school.

As a result of this extensive research, we were able to produce an emotionally driven, but evidence-based film. We demonstrated that by eighth grade, a child’s strengths, learning styles and interests are clearly understood, making it easier to determine the best “match” for high school.

How a K-8 school empowers kids to choose their next path.

Founded in the 1950s, Sheridan is an independent, K-8 school in Washington. Sheridan’s philosophy is that the building blocks of lifelong learning are established in the elementary and middle school years. The school’s K-8 environment allows students to engage in age-appropriate activities, without being exposed to the very different social and academic pressures of high school students. In this model, Sheridan believes that children are free to stay “younger” a bit longer.

But too many prospective parents are unfamiliar with the research-proven benefits of the K-8 model. It’s also true that many parents are reluctant to undergo the private school application process a second time, in the search for an appropriate high school.

Sheridan wanted to address these concerns head on with a compelling video. We reviewed existing research about the impact of the K-8 model and conducted a competitive analysis of DC-area independent schools to understand how Sheridan’s “competitors” talk about the middle school years. Finally, we interviewed Sheridan’s leadership team and 8th grade teachers to understand the preparation Sheridan 8th graders undergo to ready themselves for choosing a good fit high school.

As a result of this extensive research, we were able to produce an emotionally driven, but evidence-based film. We demonstrated that by eighth grade, a child’s strengths, learning styles and interests are clearly understood, making it easier to determine the best “match” for high school.