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Service Learning

Old Trail School’s commitment to service learning is embedded in our mission statement and in our core values.  

Within our school, students learn that age is no barrier to serving. Students participate in a variety of age appropriate service opportunities throughout their years, from pre­school through grade eight.  These opportunities exist not only in our school, but locally, regionally, nationally, and even globally and include serving others by giving their time, talent and treasure.  

Through meaningful involvement in service learning, students learn how to advocate for others as they grow to become compassionate citizens.

Middle school students volunteer at a local food bank in 2019.
Middle School student prepare a donation bid for the local food bank.

Our alums carry these experiences with them and leave Old Trail School imbued with empathy for others, a passion to make the world a better place, and the leadership, persistence and initiative to make it happen.

The OTS community participates in a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Community Day of Service

Each year, the Old Trail Community—including students, families, faculty and staff—participate in a school-wide day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities include making blankets for patients at Akron Children's Hospital, meals for a local homeless shelter, clearing trails and cleaning up the grounds on campus, and volunteering in our surrounding community. 

As we look to our local community, we see great need and opportunity.  

For example, each month eighth graders open their Café to middle school students by selling hot chocolate and donuts with the proceeds benefiting the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank. Service goes beyond donations, as middle school students contribute their time monthly by volunteering at the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank.

This local focus extends to Akron Children’s Hospital, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Akron-Canton Regional FoodBank. Beyond our neighborhood, our students have supported awareness campaigns and fund­raising efforts for the environment, poverty, hunger, and crisis support, and have responded to disasters like Hurricane Harvey in 2017.  

Service is a shared school-wide value that is clearly supported by our entire School community.