Our curriculum is intended to:
Create an inclusive classroom where every student's unique skills and abilities are identified and valued by all.
Utilize the natural world as a tool for learning throughout all subject areas.
Encourage students’ curiosity, inspiring a deeper understanding of a topic of interest.
Simultaneously build grade level appropriate knowledge in math, science, reading, writing, social studies, art, and music.
Create high levels of mastery in student’s understanding of Wisconsin State and Common Core standards.
Focus on not only academic success, but the physical, mental, and social health of all students.
Foster a strong community within the school and build meaningful relationships between students, staff, and families.
Encourage the development of a strong sense of place for students and staff through connections to the surrounding communities.
Inquiry-Based
Learning Pillar 01Inquiry-based learning is a form of active learning that starts by posing questions, problems, or scenarios rather than presenting established facts. This pillar will focus on a set of teaching and learning strategies involving student-centered research and investigation that encourages metacognitive thought process, discussion and collaboration. This type of learning will culminate in individual student inquiries that are personalized to incorporate our other pillars as well as integrated common core standards.
Nature-Based
Learning Pillar 02Nature-based learning is active and increases students’ physical, mental and social health. Access to nature has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of ADHD, and decrease stress levels of students and teachers. We fully utilize Riveredge Nature Center as our partner in nature-based learning.
Nature play and adventure education focus on physical activity, appropriate risk taking, and outdoor recreation, developing social and emotional competencies, an integral part of our educational pedagogy.
Community-Based
Learning Pillar 03In a community-based learning environment, students see the school as part of the local community and the local community as part of the learning in the school. Parents play an important role in the anytime/ everywhere learning experience. Experts in the community will be utilized frequently to maximize the learning experience of each student.