Inside Look: Auxiliary Program Trends (2023)

Hands-On Experience

One of the most popular trends in auxiliary programs at private and independent schools is the focus on experiential learning. Experiential learning is a type of learning that focuses on hands-on activities and real-world experiences.

This type of learning has been shown to be more effective than traditional classroom instruction, and it is becoming increasingly popular in auxiliary programs. Types of experiential learning activities include gardening and cooking.

For example, one afterschool activity might challenge students to grow their own food in the school garden over the course of springtime. Another experiential auxiliary program might educate students on how to cook food harvested from that garden.

A Personalized Approach

Another trend in auxiliary programming is personalized learning. Personalized learning is a type of instruction that is tailored to the individual needs of each student. This type of learning is becoming increasingly popular in auxiliary programs as it allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

It might also mean taking a more specialized approach to how you structure the activities for the day. In keeping with the example above, understanding each child’s interests can help identify how to break the class into smaller groups that can work together on their goals.

Diversity of Programming

Offering more diverse auxiliary programs is growing in popularity, too. Private and independent schools are increasingly offering afterschool programs that cater to a variety of interests and abilities. This includes classes such as robotics, coding, chess, and music, to name a few.

These types of auxiliary programs are trending because they provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills.

Digital Technology

Lastly, technology is becoming increasingly important in auxiliary programs. With programs growing rapidly and more families enrolling, schools are opting to find ways to use enrichment software to save time for their staff and alleviate the demands of organizing programs. At the same time, afterschool software can improve the registration experience for families—and also signal that a school takes its auxiliary programming seriously.

Conclusion

Auxiliary programs at private and independent schools are highly appreciated by families and contribute to the overall success of the school. To ensure programs remain relevant and effective, consider incorporating experiential learning, personalized learning, technology, and activity diversity. By prioritizing these key factors, schools can offer innovative auxiliary programs that cater to the unique needs and interests of their students.