Pacific Ridge School prioritizes civic empathy for leaders of tomorrow
Pacific Ridge School prioritizes civic empathy for leaders of tomorrow
PRS Academics
Faculty members Spencer Burrows and Michael Fisher and students Rohan Phadnis '25 and Chloe Kim '25 recently featured in an interview with Spectrum News discussing how at Pacific Ridge School, students are gaining more than just an education—they’re learning how to navigate civic discussions with empathy and understanding. Through innovative programs like the “purpose period” and the use of the Harkness method, students engage in meaningful dialogue about pressing political and global issues.
Chloe Kim emphasizes the importance of foreign policy and staying informed about current events, while Rohan Phadnis develops his passion for international affairs through Model UN debates. Teachers like Michael Fisher guide students to listen, respect differing opinions, and foster civil discussions.
Equity and Civic Engagement Coordinator Spencer Burrows highlights the school’s commitment to preparing students for active citizenship. “I want all of our students to have that foundational knowledge of how to be an engaged citizen,” Burrows shared.
As Kim puts it, empathy is the cornerstone of democracy and the key to finding common ground—skills Pacific Ridge students are already applying as they prepare to lead in the future.
To see the full interview and read the article, click here.
Join Our Email List!
Required
Read More Voices from the Ridge
Congratulations to seventh grader Rey Ramakrishnan, winner of the PRS Middle School Spelling Bee!
PRS welcomed 230 students from six schools across Orange and San Diego counties for FirebirdMUN.
The Financial Literacy course equips upper-level high school students with essential personal finance skills through a hands-on, project-based curriculum.