Ross School pitches interdisciplinary model for a changing world

Ross School says its Hamptons campus is preparing students from the U.S. and 25 countries through interdisciplinary academics, global learning and family-style boarding. The school is positioning its approach as an alternative to one-size-fits-all schooling as families look for rigor, flexibility and individual attention.

Why it matters: - Ross School is selling a clear education thesis: students need more than a fixed academic track to thrive in a world that keeps changing. - The school says its model blends academic rigor, individual attention and global exposure in a way that prepares students for college, careers and complex problem-solving. - The approach may resonate with families looking for schools that value both achievement and personal growth.

What happened: - Ross School outlined its educational model in East Hampton, New York, describing an interdisciplinary program built around global understanding, independent scholarship and rigorous inquiry. - The school serves day and boarding students from the U.S. and 25 countries. - The Hamptons campus is about two hours east of New York City. - Tom Sturtevant, Head of School, said families increasingly value the school’s combination of rigor, relevance and individual attention.

The details: - Ross School says many independent schools follow a single prescribed academic path, while Ross supports students as they pursue different interests and build on individual strengths. - The curriculum combines STEAM and STEM coursework with independent work such as the Upper School Senior Project. - Field Academy sends students to countries and communities to study cultures, ecosystems and economies firsthand. - Teachers are described as knowing students well and helping them pursue interests, strengthen skills and take on meaningful challenges. - Sturtevant said two Ross students can have very different academic experiences and both be successful. - He pointed to examples including high-level visual art, climate-focused study of local ecosystems, Field Academy and athletics. - Ross says international students live in small, family-style residences shared with faculty rather than a conventional dormitory. - The boarding setup is designed to create a close-knit community while giving students access to the academic, cultural and recreational opportunities of the Hamptons and proximity to New York City. - Parent Shirley Roseman said Ross feels like an extension of her family and described the school’s care as rare. - Roseman said teachers know and care for her children even when they have not taught them directly. - Ross says the school’s environment helps children feel seen, known and safe.

Between the lines: - Ross is differentiating itself from traditional independent schools by emphasizing flexibility over uniformity. - The school is also using its boarding model as a community feature, not just housing. - The message is aimed at families that want both academic seriousness and a more personalized student experience.

What's next: - Ross School says it will continue to focus on an education model centered on curiosity, confidence and purpose. - The school expects its interdisciplinary and experiential approach to keep preparing students for a world that will continue to evolve. - More information is available through the school’s social channels, including Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - Ross School is framing its future around a simple idea: the best preparation for change is an education built on adaptability, inquiry and community.