Harkness Learning

ACS is excited to embark on a new and transformative initiative: the phased introduction of Harkness Learning in the High School and Middle School.

By adopting Harkness Learning, ACS is building upon its already prevalent use of inquiry-based learning, such as the Provocations pedagogical approach in Early Childhood and NASA Engineering Design Process utilized in the middle school science curriculum. Harkness Learning represents the fusion, at the highest level, of ACS’s core credos: curiosity fuels learning, empowerment fosters engagement, and compassion builds community.

What is Harkness Learning?

It is a teaching method that was developed at Philips Exeter Academy in 1930 upon the impetus of philanthropist Edward Harkness, who sought to move the US’s elite boarding schools beyond rote learning. Through further gifts, the method spread to St. Paul’s, The Lawrenceville School, and Kingswood-Oxford School. The concept is simple but revolutionary. Students and their teacher sit together around a table to discuss the day’s topic. It is not a forum for debate, but rather a collaborative approach to problem-solving in which there is joint exploration, listening, and sharing. Student curiosity is encouraged, students are empowered to take academic risks, and community is strengthened as students practice mutual respect, compassion and empathy.

Our Vision for ACS Beirut

ACS piloted the program in the Middle School during the 2023-2024 school year and sent three teachers and middle school principal Doug Bourget to Philips Exeter Academy for formal Harkness training the following summer. As of the 2024-2025 school year, all middle school English classes utilize the Harkness method; and in the High School, Harkness learning takes place in the IB TOK class as well as English, history, global politics, and math classes. For academic year 2025-2026, all middle school English and social studies classes and all 9th and 10th grade English and history classes will be Harkness classes.

We will continue to train teachers in the Harkness method both internally and at Philips Exeter Academy as we expand the program in conjunction with the progression of the current cohort of students through successive grade levels. In this age of encroaching technology, we believe the spread of Harkness learning will transform ACS by promoting genuine human interaction and original thought.