In the Teaching Kitchen, our Millies step into the roles of young chefs, guided by Chartwell’s skilled culinary team. It’s more than just cooking—it’s a chance to explore healthy living, cultural connections, math, science, and more.

Our JS1 Millies dove into the culinary world by following the instructions in their How-To Books to make mac and cheese. With aprons on and recipe pages in hand, these young learners practiced sequencing, reading comprehension, and teamwork—all while cooking up one of their favorite foods. The result? A bubbling dish of mac and cheese and a big boost in confidence as authors and chefs!

Senior Kindergarten had a wonderful experience making pasta from scratch using Isabella’s Nonna’s cherished family recipe. With flour-dusted hands and big smiles, students learned about tradition, family heritage, and the simple joy of making something with love.

Meanwhile, JS5 students turned their math lesson into a tasty adventure by learning fractions through muffin-making. As they carefully measured ingredients and watched their creations rise (or not), they experienced firsthand how math plays a role in everyday life—and enjoyed a delicious snack as their reward!

JS4 took their experience one step further, connecting the Teaching Kitchen to their Early Society Exploration Day. By preparing simple recipes inspired by ancient civilizations—including bread and pickled carrots—students deepened their understanding of early cultures through food, making history not only come alive but taste amazing, too.

JS2 students connected baking with math by making cookies from scratch. As they measured, counted, and compared ingredients, they brought concepts like fractions and measurement to life in the most delicious way. The hands-on experience not only strengthened their math skills but also taught them about cooperation, patience—and the joy of sharing freshly baked cookies with friends.

And it doesn’t stop at cooking! JS5 students have been growing vegetables using their garden towers, learning about sustainability, plant life cycles, and food systems. Their freshly harvested greens were added to the school salad bar, giving everyone a taste of their hard work and care.

The Teaching Kitchen is a beautiful reflection of our commitment to the Reggio Emilia approach, where students are encouraged to explore, inquire, and construct their own understanding through meaningful, real-world experiences. Cooking becomes a language of expression—blending creativity, collaboration, and curiosity into every recipe.