At Suffield Academy, service isn’t something students do, it’s something they live. The local boarding and day school places an emphasis on the development of character and community, reflected within their holistic approach to service. The school has three key areas that reflect this philosophy locally: The Leadership Program, Community Outreach, and various student clubs.
In 2002 Suffield Academy created a formal educational program with the goal of helping “develop human beings with integrity who wish to make a significant and positive impact on society.” The novel curriculum blossomed into the Leadership Program—a holistic series of courses aimed at emphasizing skills and habits reflecting the ambitious goal.
Students at Suffield Academy progress through the structured leadership curriculum, beginning with “personal mastery” in freshman year, where they develop foundational skills, habits, and thought processes. In sophomore year the focus shifts to group dynamics and service learning. Juniors refine their values and leadership goals, preparing for senior year, where they apply these skills in roles including student government, teaching assistants, and as peer tutors.
As a sophomore this year at the academy, my class focused on a service-learning project at Suffield by the River, the local unassisted and assisted living center. During our visits we were prompted to learn from the seniors, share our personal stories, and ultimately build meaningful connections that bridged generations and reminded us of the power of empathy and presence.
The school provides further opportunities for students to engage in service through formal programs such as Community Outreach, and various school-wide student clubs. Instead of choosing a sport for the winter term, students can participate in the school’s Community Outreach Program each afternoon.
Here students volunteer and serve the local community in various ways, notably at Loaves and Fishes, a soup kitchen. Owen Tereso described this experience as, “a feeling that cannot be realized anywhere else.” Another group volunteered at the local senior center, and Suffield Academy students have also visited and assisted at the local intermediate school McAlister. The Community Outreach Program partnered with the Leadership Program to facilitate a Valentine’s Day delivery service, where the group packaged and hand-delivered meals to 48 seniors, connecting with community members at their homes. Phoebe Tucker described the initiative as, “such a special and unique experience to spread love.”
Alongside the Community Outreach Program, a service-based club on campus called Sparrow Crew runs year-round volunteer opportunities. They have raised funds and spread awareness for local causes, while facilitating volunteer opportunities at places like Christina’s House and other local establishments.
Sparrow Crew, in collaboration with the Community Outreach Program and the larger Suffield Academy community worked with Suffield Community Aid — providing supplies, participating in the Holiday Food Basket Program, and organizing events including this year’s jacket and spring sports drives.
Not only do we interact with the community—the community interacts with us.
Finally, Suffield Academy’s Political Action Club educates the student body on the local government while facilitating civic discussion. The club recently hosted Suffield First Selectman Colin Moll, conversing with him about what his position entails and the inner workings of local government. The club fosters civic engagement, reflecting Suffield’s commitment to building a foundation for lifelong leadership.
Together, these programs form an umbrella under which service is seamlessly woven into the fabric of student life—from structured classes to afternoon activities and club initiatives. Whether students realize it or not, Suffield Academy cultivates a culture where service becomes second nature—reflected not only in what students do, but in who they become.