Pine School

Overview

The Pine School is an independent, college preparatory day school that offers an academically rigorous program to students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Arts and athletics are integrated into the program for all students. The enrollment is around 375 and includes students of all faiths. The student/faculty ratio is 9 to 1. The Pine School is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is governed by a Board of Trustees.

History

The Pine School was founded in 1969 by a group led by Harold Potsdam.

In 1975, the school changed its name to St. Michael’s School and became affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese. In 1994, that affiliation ended and the school became St. Michael’s Independent School. In 2006, the school returned to its original name of The Pine School to reflect its status as an independent school that accepts students of all faiths.

The school graduated its first 12th grade class in 2009. Since then, TPS graduates have been accepted to the finest colleges in the nation, including Yale University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, Boston College, Pomona College, Swarthmore College, Davidson College, Tufts University, Vanderbilt University, Wesleyan University, and more.

Campus

In 2007, the Middle School and Upper School moved to a new 142 acres (57 ha) campus in Hobe Sound. The campus serves as an environmental studies classroom. There are classrooms equipped with computers and Smart Board technology, a multi-media center, athletic fields, art and performing arts areas, science labs, a gym, and a dining hall.

In the Fall of 2015 the school's Stuart campus was sold (Early Learning 3-6 were located on 10th Avenue in Stuart, Florida from 1969 until 2015) and the classes and faculty were move to the Hobe Sound Campus.

Community service

In addition to academic requirements, graduation requirements include 120 hours of service learning and a project that demonstrates environmental stewardship. Internships, opportunities for multicultural exchanges, encounters with entrepreneurs and critical thinkers, and seminars with artists and scientists advance the philosophy of the Upper School in connecting students with a wider world and preparing them for leadership positions.

Campus Life

The Pine School is situated on 142 acres (57 ha) of fine sugar sand. The site is of historical and ecological significance, housing Indian middens and native flora and fauna. A glass-encased library connects cantilevered classroom buildings. There are facilities on campus for athletics and the arts, a production studio and computer lab, science labs, and seminar rooms.

Formal Instruction

Students from kindergarten through eighth grade receive formal instruction in art. They study the basic elements of line, shape, color, form, and texture while working in paints, pastels, clay, papier mache, pencils and ink. Art is also incorporated across the curriculum, particularly in Lower School classes as students learn to express ideas in a variety of ways. Middle and Upper School students participate in an art studio environment, with an open flow of ideas and hands-on instruction in graphic design, digital art, drawing, painting, ceramics, computer graphics, AP Studio art and art appreciation. Students work in a variety of mediums such as tempera, acrylic and watercolor paint, ceramics and printmaking. They have opportunities to enter arts competitions throughout the year and display their work during Gallery Knights in the school gallery on the Hobe Sound campus.

Music is integrated into all classes and assemblies. It is studied formally by students in Kindergarten through fourth grade. The emphasis in these classes is active musical participation: playing instruments such as drums, xylophones and recorders and singing a variety of folk, contemporary and patriotic songs. By the fifth and sixth grades, students are eligible to take classes in Band and Chorus, where they learn music fundamentals, performance skills, responsibility to the group, and the joy of making music. These opportunities continue in the Middle School and Upper School, where Band, Jazz Band, and Chorus are popular choices for Encore or Elective classes.

Dance and movement are integrated into the school program in the Lower School.

Co-curricular Activities

Middle and Upper School students are involved in Drama, and produce two dramatic presentations each year. One of these is typically a musical with opportunities for performing and learning backstage production. Students with musical talent are encouraged to take private lessons either at the school or in the community.

Opportunities for Performance

Throughout the year students participate in numerous assemblies and performances to exhibit their abilities and to give them confidence in speaking and performing before an audience.

In addition to school assemblies and celebrations, there are certain traditions at The Pine School that call for student performances. In the fall, there are Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving programs, including the Thanksgiving Festival by Early Learning and Kindergarten children. The Holiday concert features the band and chorus on both campuses. In spring the students present the annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day concert. The Evening of the Arts celebrates individual performers who are selected by audition to perform in a special evening concert on each campus. An art show spills out onto the entire campus, as students display the best of their year's work. Middle School and Upper School students present a drama in the winter months and a musical in the spring.

Arts on Campus

The Pine School brings musical performers to the campus through a collaboration with The Treasure Coast Concert Association and Women Supporting the Arts. Local schools and home schooled children have been invited to the campus to share in performances by guests such as Joshua Bell, The 5 Browns, Salvatore Licitra, Nestor Torres and Regina Carter. Master classes are offered during the year by national and internationally-known musicians to teach musical appreciation and improve performance skills. Working painters, sculptors, and artists have been invited to teach so that students can interact with those actually earning a living.

Athletics

Beginning with the Early Learning Program, all students are required to take part in classes taught by the Physical Education Department. In the Lower School, a skill development intramural program develops basic skills in Lacrosse, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and Cheerleading. Interscholastic competition begins in 5th Grade. Middle School and Upper School students are expected to participate in at least one sport during the year. Because of the "no cut" policy practiced by the school, all students have the opportunity to compete.

The Pine School has an interscholastic program. Teams include Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Cross Country, Sailing, Golf, Tennis, Crew, Baseball, Softball, Cheerleading and Swimming. The Pine School is a member of the Treasure Coast Athletic Association, the Palm Treasure Private School Conference and the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Every student who plays on any team must sign a Code of Conduct and is required to demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play.