At the heart of our curriculum are Learning Expeditions, which are long-term, in-depth investigations of rich topics or themes that engage students through fieldwork, service, and a real-world context for their learning.
Expeditions arise from authentic community issues and needs where students work alongside professionals to do something to make a difference in the community. Some lend themselves to deeper exploration of the sciences and some to the arts and humanities, but all incorporate the essential skills of writing, reading, research, problem solving, artistic expression, technological proficiency, collaboration, public speaking, and formal presentations.
Much of students' time will be spent off campus and that is why we have dedicated extended periods of time each day to Expeditions. We view the public library, businesses, organizations, mountain parks, and all of the resources that the Boulder Creek Watershed offers as our extended classroom. Visiting Educators - experts in particular fields - also play a large role in the education. We draw upon the many local scientists, artists, mathematicians, entrepreneurs, politicians, and community organizers to serve as adjunct faculty throughout the school year.
Throughout the week, Skill-Builder Workshops are offered in areas such as math, literature, language, and grammar when they can not so easily be integrated into the expedition. Other workshops such as public speaking, media literacy, current events, or topics in health education are offered as well. Students are also free to propose workshops that they would like to teach or areas they would like to learn more about from staff or visiting educators.