Academics
Hands-On, Purpose-Driven, Future-Ready.
Our innovative applied learning curriculum puts students in the driver's seat of their learning journey, from PreK to senior year.
Rabun Gap students dive into a learning experience that is hands-on, cross-disciplinary, and tailored to today’s global challenges.
Rooted in our five core competencies — critical literacy, cultural competency, creativity, collaboration, and character — our academic program helps students develop the skills they’ll need for success in college, career, and life. Across all divisions, we blend dynamic academics with real-world application through performances, projects, and community-based themes. It all culminates at our annual Applied Learning Summit, where students present and celebrate their work.
Our Academic Divisions
Projects with Real-World Impact
Learning is active here. Our applied learning approach brings education to life through the design thinking model that challenges students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Check out some of the applied learning projects our students have worked on below.
Empathy Drives Innovation
Upper School students tackle campus and community challenges through year-long transdisciplinary projects. From food waste solutions to trail building and inclusive storytelling, students apply design thinking across disciplines to imagine, prototype, and test ideas, turning complex problems into opportunities for collaboration and lasting impact.
Empathize, Define & Ideate
Second-graders become entrepreneurs at our annual Christmas Market project, learning product development, design thinking, and economics. With mentorship from Upper School students, they create and sell handmade gifts. Proceeds support student-driven campus projects — proving it’s never too early to innovate, collaborate, and give back.
Young Changemakers at Work
Our eighth-grade “Be the Change” project empowers students to tackle real-world issues they care about. From raising funds for animal shelters to volunteering with local farms, students research, act, and reflect, bringing Humanities lessons to life through compassion, creativity, and community engagement.
I really like that we can actually apply what we learn to real life. Back home, I took a lot of tests, but here, I really enjoy that we get to do so many projects.Inga '26
Boarding Student from Poland
AI Literacy Curriculum
Rabun Gap’s ensures students are prepared to navigate and shape the future in an increasingly AI-driven world. We use tools like Flint AI to help students balance innovation with ethical awareness.
Academic Growth for Every Student
Learning is personal here. Through innovative programs and individualized support, we ensure every student grows —academically, creatively, and confidently — preparing them for success in college and life beyond the classroom.