Our Place-based Academic Curriculum

Is created with our 400-acre outdoor classroom in mind; we use it regularly as a laboratory and resource for place-based studies.
Engages all disciplines in an integrated manner, and is designed to meet children where they are – developmentally, academically, and socially.
Is aligned with a child’s natural developmental continuum. The geographic area of study expands comfortably as the child grows and is able to explore farther afield and grasp larger concepts.
Emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning in an engaging manner, allowing students to develop ties to their community and the natural world.
Encourages finding reasons and solutions to real-life problems, which allows students to apply and use academic knowledge, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Is standards-relevant: the Next Generation Science Standards, National Council for Social Studies Learning Targets, and Common Core Standards for Math and Literacy serve as guides and benchmarks for learning.
Has social studies and science content at the core, with writing and reading projects linked appropriately and authentically to support and enhance the learning.
Incorporates music, art, farm, kitchen, and outdoor living skills as an integral part of the curriculum, allowing for individual focus on these subject areas as well.
Asks students to understand and actively embrace the goals of getting to know the physical, cultural, and ecological components of their local environment.