Our Magnet Theme: Discovery
Charles Barnum Magnet School is grounded in curiosity, discovery, and authentic expression. I believe these values are the foundation for inspiring lifelong learners and cultivating the kind of innovation that will shape our shared future.
- Stephanie Sawyer, Principal of Charles Barnum Discovery Magnet School
Our Magnet Theme: Discovery
Charles Barnum Magnet School is dedicated to providing educational experiences that foster discovery through creativity, curiosity, and exploration.
Student-led learning experiences help each student find their gifts, talents, and interests. We proudly nurture a learning environment, rooted in optimism where all children can engage, connect, explore, and reach their full potential.
School Highlights
- Meaningful Community Partnerships: Strong partnerships that enhance learning and student well-being, including the Life is Good Playmaker Project and Denison Pequot Nature Center. The Submarine Force Library and Museum provides opportunities for Sailors to share lessons and experiences with students.
- Real-World STEM Connections: Participation in Electric Boat’s Boat for Kids Program, a hands-on STEM experience introducing students to manufacturing and engineering careers.
- Family-Centered Literacy Engagement: Literacy How Partnership offers three evening literacy events each year, bringing students and families together to support reading and learning at home.
- Personalized Learning & Exploration: A weekly Discovery Block (Clusters) that allows students to explore personal interests in small groups, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and choice.
- Enrichment Beyond the School Day: An ever-changing variety of before- and after-school enrichment clubs, giving students opportunities to pursue interests, develop new skills, and build friendships.
- Supporting Military-Connected Students: A student-led Anchored for Life program focused on supporting military-connected students, with an emphasis on transitions, belonging, and peer connection.
Helping Students Discover What They are Good At and What They Like To Do
During a weekly 40 minute Discovery Block, teachers and staff offer a variety of groups for students to self-select based on their interests and curiosity! Students participate in student-led and hands-on learning, where they help to steer the direction of their group.
Many students create projects or products that they can showcase to the school community. Every 8 weeks students get to self-select a new Discover Block group and a new theme they are curious about!
A few of our past Discovery group themes have included:
- CB STOMP where students made music out of everyday objects
- Game On where students created and tested out their own games
- Weaving Wonders where students learned different styles of weaving
- Science Around You where students conducted science experiments inspired by their own wonder.
Meet Our Partners
LIfe is Good Playmaker Project
Charles Barnum works with the Life is Good Kids Foundation as we support the social/emotional learning of each student.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Charles Barnum works with the Nature Center to discover the outdoors, including the trails and pond next to the school property.
