Thinking critically and exploring the world outside the classroom through in-depth expeditions fosters love of learning and deeper understanding.
Using guiding questions, students work together on expeditions and with experts to find information and answers, rather than just memorizing facts. Student discoveries build educational experience and desire to learn more.
SELS students share responsibility for helping each other learn. “We are Crew, Not Passengers.” Environmental and local projects that serve the community build pride and show students the relevance and importance of their studies and work in everyday life.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Truckee, CA, (April 20,2011) – Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS), a tuition-free public school operating independently under TTUSD, has been awarded the Public Charter School Grant in the amount of $575,000. This federal grant is paid over two years and is intended to help new charter schools develop into highly performing schools. The grant focus is on funding professional and board development and assists with the implementation of effective student and staff assessment systems.
“We feel very fortunate to receive this support,”said SELS Director, David Manahan. “Through additional training, staffing, and resources, these funds will help us build a stronger overall school program. We are very excited for the benefits this grant will provide our students.”
Currently in its first year of operation, Sierra Expeditionary Learning School offers a hands-on Expeditionary Learning curriculum that adheres to district and state standards. SELS focuses on long-term study themes that integrate interdisciplinary study of the topic, peer support, character education, and community and environmental projects to encourage collaboration, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. For example, as part of their expedition about Truckee human history, Mrs. Welch’s 3rd grade students visited the Truckee Donner Senior Apartments to interview long-time Truckee residents and then incorporated their findings into their reports. Mrs. Brisbin’s 4th/5th grade class enlisted a local volunteer expert to help them do field study of Truckee’s ecological history through the use of petroglyphs found above Donner Lake. Expeditionary Learning curriculum, developed by Outward Bound©, has a 17-year track record of success in schools nationwide and has been credited with improving test scores and increasing student motivation and achievement.
Photo: Riley Thompson from SELS interviews long-time Truckee resident Marie Reichlin for his expedition report about Truckee human history. Photo by Cristina Wooley.
Our mission is to inspire a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence while developing a strong sense of character and community. Our goal is to preserve each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. Read more >
We are an Expeditionary Learning School. EL strives to foster academic achievement and character growth while instilling a love of learning and a sense of community. Read more >
SELS
11603 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161
Portable buildings M3-M7
Email: truckeecharter@gmail.com
Phone: (530) 448-8115
Fax: (530) 448-8223
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On top of all the teaching and learning, I'm struck by the joy in the faces of all the children as they go about their quest for knowledge. Thanks to all the courageous and energetic people who had the vision to make this school a reality. With all the challenges the world faces today and predictions of disaster, these committed teachers/staff, these engaged families, and these beautiful children are a beacon of hope.
SELS embodies everything that I feel is important in my child's education and I am so grateful that she has the opportunity to learn in such an enriching environment. Teaching our children how to think and how to treat others is critical to their future success. I am thankful every single day for all the wonderful staff at SELS.
What an amazing place. It has been everything for my son that I had hoped he could experience in school. Great teacher, stimulating learning environment, and a deeply caring and nurturing place.
I am grateful that my child is encouraged to interpret concepts and think about how they apply to his life, not just memorize and repeat material. I love that SELS asks kids to think about who they are and how they contribute to the community, locally and globally.
I greatly appreciate that SELS is a heart-centered school that teaches ethics and values along with academics. That approach makes SELS a unique and special place.
I appreciate all the teachers and staff and their responsiveness. I also appreciate all the work the staff are doing to help the kids figure out how to fill each other's buckets!
Our son is bubbling over with excitement for learning. This environment is gifting him with life long skills to succeed. We are so thankful for this school.
All the Adults and students challenge each other the THINK!
SELS is amazing in the way they teach topics hands on and allow the children to learn in practical settings. We couldn't be happier seeing our son flourish so much! Thank you.
I am very grateful to the SELS staff for offering my 5th grader their hearts, as well as their knowledge. Better yet, they make learning fun and adventurous! My youngster is THRIVING at your wonderful school!!
We are thankful for many wonderful ideals and principles at SELS, but what really brings those into reality is the caring, hard-working teachers and staff. We wouldn't have thought that someone else would care as much about the whole education of our daughter as much as we do, but there is a whole team of such people at SELS.
I am so thankful that my 5th grade daughter is a member and student of this beautiful community and school. She is receiving a fantastic education with hands on learning, caring, understanding, creative, out of the box thinking and intuitive teachers. She feels included, important, confident and is growing tons in her knowledge and place in this wonderful community. Thank you SELS for being an amazing part of my daughter's education and Life!
I truly appreciate all the staff, students, parents and families at SELS. It is these people that make SELS so wonderful.
This has become a new 'family" for us!
I am so grateful for the amazing staff; they are the most amazing guides. It is an inspiration to watch them help our children learn and grow into thoughtful, independent, productive human beings!
