Learning Adventures
Learning occurs in purposeful, intellectually rigorous, and richly layered expeditions. Themes and guiding questions shape the expeditions and lend a sense of inquiry. Expeditions often combine learning from several subject areas, providing opportunities for multi-disciplinary learning and teaching. Learning Adventures include goals of academic knowledge, character development, and community. Opportunities for ongoing assessment are ever-present throughout the expedition, pushing students to higher levels of achievement. Learning Adventures combine experience, in-depth study, and assessment to provide students with a meaningful and memorable education.
Portfolio Assessment
Students' work will be evaluated with the support of portfolios. Teachers will keep a narrative assessment documenting the students' strength and areas needing improvement. This alterative assessment tool eschews the traditional point and grade system which places emphasis on the points/grades earned, not the learning that is taking place. Students will continually revise their work to meet standards of critical thinking, communication, creativity, and knowledge. Students will show evidence of their achievement in authentic and ongoing ways through self-evaluation, performance tasks, conferences, and a collection of their work.
Character
Character development is an integral part of the learning process. The work that students complete will reinforce such basic positive values as courage, discipline, empathy, integrity, and responsibility. Students will have many opportunities to learn appreciation and develop a strong character.
Service
Service to others is a primary value. Students are encouraged and given opportunities to provide valuable service, inside and outside of the school community. Each year students will students will be involved in service projects that address needs in the local community.
Adventure
A key component is the importance of adventure to the learning process and character development. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to live and travel through backcountry areas following Leave No Trace principles set by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Furthermore, we are a member of the Boy Scouts of America Venturing program which will provide for greater outdoor opportunities and resources. The purpose of adventure is to provide opportunities for students to learn to overcome obstacles, take risks, rely upon themselves and others, develop strong character and community, and explore the world. Adventurous experiences empower students to immerse themselves in academics, where the same adventure awaits.