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Life Skills at Potomac

Potomac's new business-focused concentration

Based on course enrollments, the growth of the Investment Club, and the popularity of Shark Tank-style projects in the Upper School, we know that financial literacy, economics, and entrepreneurship are topics that spark our students’ interest. In addition, Potomac defines financial literacy as one of the critical life skills that we aim to help all students develop. After several months of focused discussion, Upper School faculty and administrators have created a pilot concentration program to allow deeper exploration of one or more of these topics of interest. 

The Economics, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Business Concentration (EFEB) pilot is open to any rising junior, with the exception of those who are already enrolled in another Potomac concentration program. This new concentration requires student participation during their junior and senior years, as well as over four weeks of the summer in between. In addition to summer work and a senior capstone project, EFEB asks students to choose from a variety of courses that already exist within our Upper School program. An expression of interest form was shared with the sophomores and is due by June 7. We are excited to offer this pilot opportunity to the Class of 2024!

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  • academics-us
  • concentration-programs
  • financial-literacy

STORIES

Cultural Rhythms: IS Students Enjoy Salsa Dancing and Tacos
Cultural Rhythms: IS Students Enjoy Salsa Dancing and Tacos

Eighth grade students in our Spanish program traded their desks for the dance floor this past Tuesday for a vibrant celebration of culture and cuisine. The day began with an energetic salsa and bachata dancing lesson, where students practiced their rhythm and footwork with an instructor. To cap off the experience, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Taqueria Cancun outside in the Ramsey Family Plaza. Events like these offer our students a wonderful opportunity to engage with the Spanish language and Hispanic culture in a hands-on, memorable way. View the gallery of photos here.

Hispanic Student Alliance Celebrates Heritage During Assembly
Hispanic Student Alliance Celebrates Heritage During Assembly

The Potomac Upper School celebrated our Hispanic heritage on Wednesday with an assembly led by the members of the Hispanic Student Alliance. The assembly touched on the broad range of areas of the collective Latino experience. Alliance members Sebastian Chumpitaz '26, Alex Runde '28, David Chumpitaz '29, Emilia Tamayo '29, spoke about the importance of different dimensions of their individual heritage that mattered to them, from the World Cup and current events, to food and music, and how those dimensions captured the spirit of their cultural experience and identity. HSA leader Alejandra Villafuerte '26, shared important reflections on our names, their sounds in the voice of others, and our identity. We celebrated the wonderful language of dance, as all of the US students learned and practiced the core Bachata moves led by Spanish teacher Ms. Azul Torres Velducea. Then eight students participated in a Bachata dance contest with the senior team coming out as most impressive. The assembly concluded with personal reflections by Santi Cangahuala '27, and HSA leader Sophia Vilela '26 ¡¡Excelente!!

US Celebrates the Year of the Horse With Its Lunar New Year Celebration
US Celebrates the Year of the Horse With Its Lunar New Year Celebration

The Upper School celebrated the Lunar New Year with an engaging assembly infused with educational insights, cultural exploration, and inclusive commemoration. Students performed the dragon dance, sang Chinese songs, offered a tai chi demonstration, demonstrated a sword dance, read poetry, and shared the significance of Year of the Horse. A surprise guest, restaurateur Peter Chang, added to the festive atmosphere by providing us with a live cooking demonstration of kung pao chicken. We also welcomed guests from the Chinese Embassy, Yucai Li and Lidong Zhou. Later in the afternoon assembly attendees were treated to a Chinese lunch from Peter Chang in McLean. Enjoy photos.

Intermediate School MSA Hosts Ramadan Fair
Intermediate School MSA Hosts Ramadan Fair

In a vibrant display of community learning, members of the Muslim Student Alliance (MSA) recently hosted a Ramadan Fair for the Intermediate School. The event was designed to foster deep cultural awareness and highlight the shared values of empathy, charity, and discipline that underpin the holy month.

Through a series of interactive presentations, MSA students guided their peers through the essential pillars of the Ramadan experience, including:

  • The Significance of Fasting and Prayer: Exploring the spiritual focus and self-reflection central to the month.
  • The Qur'an: Discussing its history and its role as a guide during this sacred time.
  • Suhoor and Iftar: Explaining the daily rhythm of the pre-dawn and post-sunset meals.
  • Eid al-Fitr: A look at the joyous celebration that marks the conclusion of the fast.

The Ramadan Fair reinforced Potomac’s commitment to an inclusive environment where students learn from one another’s lived experiences, ultimately strengthening the bonds of our diverse community. View the gallery here.

Celebrating Black History Month 
Celebrating Black History Month 

This February marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Black History Month, a significant milestone that invites our Intermediate School (IS) community to reflect and deepen our collective understanding of Black history. To mark this centennial, students participated in a special assembly led by the Black Student Alliance (BSA). They heard stories and reflections directly from their classmates. The school viewed this 100-year tradition not just as a look back, but as a vital opportunity to continue growing in empathy and awareness. Parents are encouraged to continue these conversations at home, helping students transform these reflections into a lifelong commitment to understanding, honoring, and carrying forward the legacy and impact of Black experiences in our shared history.

SASA Assembly is Celebration of Culture and Traditions
SASA Assembly is Celebration of Culture and Traditions

The South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) held an assembly on November 4 to showcase the diversity of South Asian culture through song, personal stories, and rituals. The event promoted inclusion and pride by highlighting how South Asian culture and tradition affect individual and societal experiences. The assembly reminded us of the importance of embracing and understanding the various traditions that unite our community. Following the assembly, SASA held a lunchtime conversation.