An independent, college preparatory school, grades Transitional Kindergarten through 12

We exist to Inspire

Providence Day School exists to inspire in its students a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity, and a sense of social responsibility

Global Studies Diploma

Providence Day was the first school in the nation to create the Global Studies Diploma for Upper School students and remains a leader in helping define global education in America.

group of kids on global trip taking a selfie

The mission of the Global Studies Diploma is to develop within our students an ability to appreciate and value differences locally and globally and to develop the understanding, skills, and character dispositions to become active global citizens.

Students begin the program in the 9th grade. In their educational and experiential journey, they will learn to

  • Understand there are commonalities connecting all cultures
  • Appreciate new knowledge systems or ways of thinking about the world
  • Demonstrate high proficiency in a spoken world language
  • Understand and promote the value of living in a way in which the planet can sustain itself
  • Understand the interconnectedness of causal factors and the complexity of global issues
  • Demonstrate an active empathy that moves beyond mere tolerance of the wider world to true engagement with the world
  • Develop a genuine concern for world problems and commitment toward finding solutions
  • To receive the Global Studies Diploma, students must complete the following: 
  • a set of global courses (which also count toward the PDS diploma)
  • a World Language through level 5
  • local and global experiences
  • a challenging global leadership course that teaches
    • research skills
    • problem-solving
    • oral & written communication
    • leadership
    • collaboration with students from other countries on a major global issue
    • introspection about the impact of character dispositions on policy choices

The global knowledge, skills and character dispositions will serve our students in preparing them for college, employment, and life choices.

"You don't do it for college, you don't do it to look good - whether you know it or not you're a global citizen. It just makes you a better person..."

- AMY DECILLIS, CLASS OF 2016