Academics
Academics
Explorations students study college-preparatory subject areas organized in themed interdisciplinary clusters. Instead of attending classes with no relation to each other, student learning benefits with common themes that unite cluster classes through a more in depth, holistic view of the subjects. In addition to the cluster courses, students receive instruction in math, Spanish, physical education, gardening/cooking, health education, and wilderness first-aid. We hold students to high academic standards emphasizing self-directed learning and independent study skills. They work closely together on projects and on a regular basis must organize materials, articulate their ideas, and respond to challenging questions.
Student Outcomes
Explorations students study college-preparatory subject areas organized in themed interdisciplinary clusters. Instead of attending classes with no relation to each other, student learning benefits with common themes that unite cluster classes through a more in depth, holistic view of the subjects. Cluster classes are combined with general courses as appropriate. In addition to the cluster courses, students receive instruction in math, Spanish or Chinese, physical education, gardening/cooking, health education, and wilderness first-aid. We hold students to high academic standards emphasizing self-directed learning and independent study skills. They work closely together on projects and on a regular basis must organize materials, articulate their ideas, and respond to difficult questions.
Explorations Curriculum
An Explorations Academy education is grounded in delivering a meaningful, relevant curriculum. Explorations’ experiential approach draws students into the real world with learning opportunities that complement classroom learning.
College Preparation
Explorations Academy gives young people the intellectual tools to succeed in an academically challenging setting.
Experiential Education
For the past 17 years, Explorations Academy has incorporated environmental education, field study, and ecological literacy into its core academics as well as into summer outdoor programming. This component of the curriculum serves academic, field study, and service learning goals of the school and helps students build an ethic of environmental stewardship and volunteerism into their life as a direct result of real-world experiences where nature is the classroom. Students participate in over 20 days of environmental field outings and five days of volunteerism supporting habitat enhancement, environmental cleanup, and organic gardening. Extensive outdoor study helps students achieve greater academic success as well as deep appreciation for the environment and awareness of their role as environmental stewards and global citizens.
Service and Citizenship
Community responsibility is central to our mission. Students engage students in numerous days of service learning work to environmentally-oriented organizations. Students see their positive impact in the community and this shifts student attitudes about their role as contributing citizens through this engagement in service work. Additionally, they serve as role models with their family, friends and community members.
International Expeditions
Youth become global citizens at Explorations Academy. Each year, Explorations Academy students have the opportunity to travel overseas for a month of study and service.
Recent graduates
We graduated five students in 2010. Moreover, each of those five studied at Explorations through their entire high school career. A diverse and talented bunch, these five individuals each explored a curriculum of their own design during their final term at Explorations. Now they have moved on to pursue their post-high school plans. Here are a few snippets of their final term work at Explorations and where they are currently.
Summer Adventure Institute
Make summer a time of discovery, adventure, and excitement. Earn high school credits in Science, Art, P.E. Occupational Ed, Human Relations, and Social Studies. Experience education that is engaging and fun! Priority registration is in early June 2012. See the attached flier below for course descriptions from the 2011 Summer Adventure Institute. Check back for courses planned in Summer 2012.
Cuba Expedition Blog
Each year, Explorations Academy plans and implements an international expedition. In Winter 2011, ten students, two faculty and an intern traveled to Cuba for nearly a month. See what students learned and experienced on this ambitious trip as compiled from their blogs of their experiences!
Fall2011Overview.pdf
FALL 2011 Curricular Overview
Our "ride" in Cuba courtesy of Ramon
Ramon was granted a business license for his new taxi service in November 2010. His classic car was our "ride" while in Cuba.
Installing water barrels at CSLR
The Center for Local Self Reliance benefits from the work our students did to install rain collection systems.
Building Snow Caves
Students built snow caves and slept in them as part of their field studies in the Human Performance Under Extreme Conditions course during Winterim 2011.
Summer Adventure Institute
Students open to adventure, and those wanting to earn high school credit, have a variety of exciting choices with Explorations Academy’s Summer Adventure Institute. All programs are open to youth aged 13-18. Be sure to register by our priority deadline of June 1st. Check out our course descriptions -- we hope to see you out of the classroom this summer!
Summer Adventure Institute Pamphlet 2012
Registration and information for our Summer Adventure Institute courses
Explorations Academy Online
A personalized, enthusiasm-based online high school program for students living outside Whatcom and Skagit Counties (of Washington State).
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