A Charter School

A charter school is a free, public school with open enrollment to any student who wishes to apply.  Students are selected to attend the school through the use of a lottery.  Charter schools follow the rules and expectations of all public schools.  However, charter schools operate under their own charter, or plan, for the education of students.  Therefore, you can find a variety of charter schools offering unique programs and offerings for students.  The Expedition School is a charter school that is offering a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) focus through the use of project based learning. 

At The Expedition School you'll find:

  • Project based and Inquiry learning
  • Integration among subjects, including reading and social studies, with a STEM focus
  • Strength focused teaching and learning using multiple intelligences and hands-on engagement
  • Year round schedule
  • Multiage Classrooms (Kindergarten will be a non-multiage classroom.  Grade groupings for multiage classrooms at TES: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8)
  • Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure
  • Integrated technology
  • Opportunities for students to develop respect and compassion as well as see themselves as part of a larger community where they can make a difference.
  • Diversity is welcomed and embraced.

Types of specials classes we have when fully enrolled include:

  • Physical education (varied: such as dance, yoga, team games, exercise)
  • Music and as we grow the addition of instruments such as band
  • Art
  • Spanish
In addition, as we grow, middle school electives will be added such as:
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Bio-tech

Typical Day

Elementary grade K-6 Schedule:

8:00 - 10:00 Community Building morning meeting, Reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, Social Studies, integrated arts
10:00-10:15 1st recess
10:15-11:00 Reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, Social Studies, integrated arts
11:00-11:45 Special Classes
11:45-12:15 lunch
12:15-1:45 Math, science, integrated arts
1:45-2:00 2nd recess
2:00-3:15 Science, Math, integrated arts

Middle School grade 7-8 Schedule:
8:00-11:00  Community Building meeting, Math, Science, Engineering and Technology, integrated arts
10:45-11:30 Special classes
11:30-12:15 Lunch/activity/recess time
12:15-3:15 Reading, writing, vocabulary, social studies, integrated arts

Minimum Daily Time allotment.  Since subjects are integrated, daily times can vary and often are longer due to overlap:
Reading and Writing 2 hours
Social Studies 45 minutes
Math 90m minutes
Science 60 minutes
Special classes including arts: 45 minutes
Lunch: 30 minutes
Recess: 30 minutes (except middle school)

Total time: 7.25 hours (6.25 instructional hours)

 

Extended day: Our day is 30 minutes longer than many "typical" public school days, allowing  more time for in-depth learning and experiences and allowing the child to be less rushed.

Teacher days are added for planning and analyzing assessments, staff development, planning,  and preparing for quality teaching.

 

How is our school different?

What you won't see at The Expedition School

  • Inflexible curriculum pacing guide
  • Standard centered teaching
  • A "one-size-fits-all" approach
  • Curriculum taught in separate segments.
  • Student's weaknesses are the focus
  • Worksheet, skill, or textbook learning
  • Information being fed to student
  • Science not prioritized.
  • Assessment always paper-pencil, fill in bubble
  • More passive learning opportunities
  • Focus on test prep (teaching to the test)

 

What you will see at The Expedition School 

  • Embraces a child's natural curiosity
  • Child centered teaching
  • Differentiated learning opportunities
  • Integrated curriculum
  • Student's strengths are the focus
  • Project based learning
  • Active inquiry: Students "discover" solutions
  • Science at least 60 minutes per day
  • Assessment is natural and connected to project
  • Active learning opportunities
  • Focus on great teaching and learning