Academics

Special Programs

What Sets Us Apart

At Pen Ryn, our school day goes far beyond the core curriculum. We believe an exceptional education includes unique opportunities that allow students to explore new interests, take healthy risks, and discover more about themselves and the world around them.

These special programs are a key part of what makes the Pen Ryn experience different from other schools — giving students meaningful ways to innovate, lead, create, serve, and build community throughout their years here.

Our Special Programs

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Innovation & Design

Our dedicated Innovation Lab gives students across all grade levels a space to explore technology, engineering concepts, and creative problem-solving. Through hands-on design projects and collaborative challenges, they learn to build, test, and refine their ideas — developing resilience and an inventive mindset that serves them across subjects.
Leadership & Public Speaking

Building confidence and communication skills is woven into everyday life at Pen Ryn. Whether leading morning announcements, participating in class debates, presenting projects, or speaking at school assemblies, students have frequent opportunities to practice public speaking. By upper school, they are comfortable articulating their ideas and stepping into leadership roles both inside and outside the classroom.
Advisory & Character Education

Through our upper-grade advisory program and lower grade daily classroom interactions, students form strong relationships with trusted adults who help guide their personal growth. Character education is woven into everyday life at Pen Ryn, helping students practice respect, responsibility, empathy, and integrity in all they do.

Discovery Classes in Grades 5-8

Starting in 5th grade, students participate in Discovery Classes, special courses that vary by grade level and add exciting new dimensions to our program. These classes allow students to dive into subjects beyond the traditional curriculum, building practical skills, teamwork, and new passions.

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5th Grade: Nutrition & Healthy Living

Students learn the fundamentals of nutrition and the importance of making healthy choices. They explore how food fuels the body, discover the value of daily movement, and even learn to prepare healthy meals and snacks — building lifelong habits for wellness.
6th Grade: Model UN

In this class, students step into the shoes of international delegates. They research global issues, practice diplomacy and negotiation, and build public speaking skills. The experience culminates in attending a Model United Nations Summit in Hershey, PA, where they collaborate with peers from other schools to debate and draft solutions to world challenges.
7th Grade: School Newspaper

Seventh graders take charge of writing, editing, and publishing the Pen Ryn school newspaper. Through this process, they learn journalistic skills, develop their writing voices, and take on real editorial responsibilities — capturing the stories that matter to their community.
8th Grade: Musical Production

In their final year, students work together to stage a full musical, managing everything from acting and singing to set design and stage crew. It’s a powerful way to build teamwork, creativity, confidence, and memories that last long after graduation.

Community Events & School Traditions

Our school calendar is filled with activities that bring learning and community spirit to life. From service projects and holiday performances to long-standing traditions unique to Pen Ryn, these experiences strengthen bonds across grade levels and create a sense of belonging that stays with students long after they’ve moved on.