Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School (MELS) offers a distinctive educational experience in the heart of Queens, New York City, moving beyond traditional textbook-focused learning. Founded by co-principals Pat Finley and Damon McCord, MELS provides middle and high school students with an engaging, project-based curriculum rooted in the principles of expeditionary learning. As a partnership school within the NYC Outward Bound network, MELS emphasizes hands-on experiences and real-world applications to foster deep understanding and character development.
Project-Based Learning: Diving Deep into Real-World Challenges
At Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School, learning transcends the classroom walls. The curriculum is designed around interdisciplinary projects that encourage students to apply knowledge and skills across various subjects. For instance, 6th graders engaged in a project focused on improving taxicabs, seamlessly integrating math and science. They collected pollution data to hone their mathematical abilities and explored different engine types to grasp scientific concepts. This project culminated in students designing their own engines with guidance from Cooper Union students, providing a practical, collaborative learning experience.
Another compelling example is the “Invaders” project, where students delved into social studies and science through the lens of invasion. They studied Genghis Khan in social studies, examining historical invasions, and invasive species in science, learning about ecological disruptions. Applying their knowledge directly, students mapped and trapped the invasive Asian longhorn beetle in local parks, contributing to real-world environmental efforts while solidifying their understanding of both historical and scientific concepts.
Depth Over Breadth: A Long-Term View of Learning
MELS distinguishes itself as a 6th-to-12th-grade school, allowing teachers to prioritize in-depth exploration over superficial coverage of vast amounts of material. Principal Finley emphasizes, “We try to structure everything in our curriculum with a long-term view of learning.” This approach allows educators to delve into subjects thoroughly, fostering a deeper and more lasting understanding among students, moving away from the pressure to simply cover content for standardized tests.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an integral component of the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School experience. Recognizing that learning happens everywhere, MELS incorporates real-world explorations into various subjects. Algebra II & Trigonometry students might find themselves on Wall Street, observing mathematical principles in financial markets. To understand workspace design, students might visit innovative companies like Google, experiencing firsthand how environment shapes productivity and creativity. Before visiting an immigration center, English classes prepare by conducting mock interviews with immigrants, building empathy and practical interview skills before engaging in real-world interactions.
Character Development: Building Crew and Community
Character development is central to the MELS philosophy. Every student is part of a “crew,” a daily meeting group of about 16 students and a teacher. This consistent group fosters a strong sense of community and provides a supportive environment for personal growth. A highlight of the 6th-grade experience is a four-day backpacking trip, featuring ropes courses and an overnight hike. These expeditions challenge students physically and mentally, promoting teamwork, resilience, and self-discovery.
Diversity and Success: A School for All Learners
Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School prides itself on its diverse student body, representing Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White students from various backgrounds. Finley notes, “I don’t think there’s an unscreened school that is more diverse.” This inclusive environment enriches the learning experience for all students, exposing them to different perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. MELS also demonstrates a strong track record of student retention and success, with over 90 percent of 8th graders choosing to stay for high school, even when presented with options at screened schools.
Addressing Parental Considerations: Balancing Innovation and Tradition
While the expeditionary learning model offers significant benefits, MELS acknowledges that some parents might have concerns about the emphasis on fieldwork compared to traditional classroom work, particularly regarding standardized test scores. While middle school math scores might reflect a different approach to learning, MELS believes its model is effective for a wide range of students. However, they recognize it might not suit families seeking a purely traditional, test-score-focused education.
College and Career Readiness: Preparing Students for the Future
MELS’s commitment to literacy and in-depth learning across subjects like science and history prepares graduates for college-level work and beyond. Instead of narrowly focusing on tested subjects in middle school, MELS aims to cultivate students who think critically as historians and scientists. Graduates have gained admission to a diverse range of colleges, reflecting the broad academic strengths of the student body, from highly selective institutions to specialized programs.
Integrating Advanced Placement and Regents Requirements
Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School navigates the balance between its expeditionary approach and the requirements of Regents exams and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. While recognizing the differing philosophies between AP’s structured curriculum and expeditionary learning, MELS strives to integrate both, ensuring students are well-prepared for both college-level academics and real-world challenges. High school students engage in slightly less fieldwork than middle schoolers to accommodate the demands of AP coursework.
Extracurricular Enrichment: Sports, Arts, and Debate
Beyond academics, MELS offers a vibrant extracurricular life, including a range of sports and arts programs. Notably, the school boasts an award-winning high school speech and debate team that has achieved recognition at state and national levels, further enriching the student experience.
A Welcoming Campus in Forest Hills
Located on the Queens Metropolitan campus in Forest Hills, Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School provides a bright and inviting learning environment. Sharing the campus with Queens Metropolitan High School and a District 75 school, MELS is part of a larger educational community.
Serving All Types of Learners: Special Education at MELS
MELS is committed to serving diverse learners, including students with special education needs. The school offers team teaching classes and integrated services within regular classrooms. Students in self-contained classes are included in crew, art, physical education, and some expeditions with general education students, fostering an inclusive and supportive school community for everyone.
Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School offers a compelling alternative to traditional education, fostering a love of learning through experience, community, and real-world engagement, preparing students for success in college and life.
