The Upper Lowdown: Real talk on high school, college, and beyond

The Upper Lowdown: Real talk on high school, college, and beyond

What does high school actually feel like at a school with no bell schedule, no traditional grades, and projects that tackle real-world problems? In this episode of Bennett Insiders, Marina and Aniston sit down with four people who know: three current upper schoolers, and an alum fresh off her Junior year at USC. Together, they pull back the curtain on PBL in high school, the House system that bridges middle and upper school, and what the college application process looks like through the Mastery Transcript. Turns out, the skills you build at Bennett—curiosity, collaboration, and independence—follow you further than you'd think. Bennett Insiders is a podcast for and by kids at Bennett Day School in Chicago.

Leading Lines and Tan Lines: How the CIT Program equips students with leadership skills in the summer

What does it take to go from camper to counselor? In this episode of Bennett Insiders, sixth-grade ambassadors Camilla and Linus sit down with Coach Vevers and Mr. O to dive deep on Bennett's Counselor-in-Training program—the summer gig where middle schoolers get CPR certified, design their own activities, and yes, occasionally dip their fries in a Frostie. Two CIT veterans share what it's really like to go from being a camper to being the person the little kids point at in the hallway. Plus: field trips are back, a giant inflatable slide is on the way, and Water Wednesdays are very much still a thing. Spots for this summer’s program are still available. Register here: https://bennett.campbrainregistration.com/ Bennett Insiders is a podcast for and by kids at Bennett Day School in Chicago.

Family Drama: Bennett’s theater program shines a light on working together

Tickets to the spring play are available here: https://bennettday.org/tenminutes ============================================ Join 7th-grade ambassadors Evelyn and Finn as they sit down with theater director Mr. Steven Slaughter to peel back the curtain on Bennett Day School’s unique theater program. In this episode, we dive into: * The Art of Casting: Why Mr. Slaughter looks for "character" backstage as much as talent on stage. * Student Agency: How students take creative control by designing 3D-printed props and sewing original costumes. * First Looks: A preview of our upcoming play, 10 Minutes on a Bench, and news about our theater's transformation into a professional black box space. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or thinking about auditioning for the first time, tune in to hear why theater at Bennett is more than just a play—it’s a family.

Prep Rally: How Bennett athletics prepares students to win with courage, character, and community.

Join Athletic Director Bobby Starks and Coach Bridget Lipke as they discuss how Bennett Day School is working to "build the nest" through a growing athletic program rooted in student leadership and resilience. In this episode, our hosts explore the unique evolution of Bennett Athletics—from carpooling to off-site practices to the opening of a spectacular, sun-filled new gymnasium that serves as the heart of the community. Beyond the scores and stats, Coach Starks and Coach Lipke share their personal journeys from collegiate athletes to mentors, highlighting how competitive sports at Bennett serve as a laboratory for social-emotional growth. Listen in to learn how the program empowers student-athletes with a seat at the table, the importance of "coaching up" life skills, and why the Bennett community’s support creates an energy unlike any other school.

Hungry for More: The line to lunch and pursuing purpose with Chef Christine Lee

In this episode of Bennett Insiders, fifth-grade ambassadors Finnegan and Saveer sit down with Chef Christine Lee, the owner of Monarch Catering and the force behind Bennett's beloved lunch program. Chef Christine shares her wild journey from business consultant to Peace Corps volunteer to cold-calling one of America's most famous chefs—and landing a job. Find out how following your passion can take you places (even a school cafeteria) and why that's a really, really good thing. Plus: sneak peeks at what's coming to Bennett's lunch program next year. ==== About Bennett Day School At Bennett, a PreK-12 school in Chicago, we believe learning isn't just preparation for life—it's participation in it. Our students learn by doing, engaging in dynamic, project-based experiences that are driven by their own curiosity. As this podcast demonstrates, Bennett empowers students to take true ownership of their education, giving them the voice, choice, and real-world experience needed to confidently step up and shape the future.