LEARN TO LOVE LEARNING
Students are supported to do far more than they think they can in order to grow in both intelligence and character. Teachers instruct in ways that enable students to experience deeper learning, surpass standards, and produce high-quality work. Students are guided in their studies to discover an authentic love of learning.
Learning here is active, engaging, and hands on.
OUR SCHOOL PRACTICES AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING MODEL BASED ON THE
FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF THAT CHILDREN LEARN BEST THROUGH DOING
LEARNING LOOKS DIFFERENT HERE...
#theDPCAdifference
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We limit enrollment in order to preserve small class sizes and the family culture of our school. As an intentionally small school, we aim to make a big difference in the lives of students through personalized care and instruction.
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We teach to each child rather than to their grade
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Community is central to our curriculum. Often, students venture out into the community to learn from experts or invite knowledgable community members into the classroom in order to connect learning to real life. Fieldwork, community collaboration, and flexible classroom spaces are a norm here, as is presenting to the public. When students have an authentic audience the quality of their work grows.
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Adventure deepens our learning. Students backpack, rock climb, hike, xc ski, snow shoe, dog sled, etc. with a focus on character development, spiritual formation, and teaching technical outdoor skills. Although outdoor expeditions do not have academic objectives, teachers say they see students return to class with mindsets such as increased confidence, ability to persevere through challenge, and greater awareness that enables them to learn better.
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We are a staff-student-parent team. We encourage every member of our team to participate in the learning process by being actively engaged, openly sharing feedback and perspectives, and taking responsibility for their part in the learning process as we all grow, learn, support, and celebrate each other. School leaders, teachers, students, and families work together to model academic courage and create a culture of respect, responsibility, and joy in learning.
"As a teacher, I love having a small class so that I can focus more on each student's
individual needs - whether that be more challenge or assistance, it gives me the chance to
truly know, understand, and connect with my students in order to best serve them."
-Dawn, Staff
YOU'LL PROBABLY HEAR US TALKING ABOUT...
here are definitions to some terms we frequently use that may be unfamiliar
Academic Expeditions
Interdisciplinary, project-based units of study that connect classroom learning to real life. Students collaborate with classmates, industry experts, and community groups to use their academic knowledge & skills to address real world problems and serve others.
Crew Families
Small, mixed age groups of students spend time together weekly doing team building games & activities with the goal of getting to know each other better. Crew culture extends into the hallways, with older students highfiving younger ones, and creates an overall increase in awareness beyond a student's own grade.
Outdoor Expeditions
The following is an example of a typical schedule of outdoor expeditions. Twice a semester, classes embark on outdoor expeditions like rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, snow shoeing, etc. Trips vary in length, difficulty, location, and skills taught according to grade level. Skills build each year as students participate in adventure trips ranging from putting on skis for the first time to overnight xc skiing and staying at yurts.
Field Work
Field Work seamlessly integrates academics into experiences that take place outside of the classroom in order to enhance the learning process. Students venture into the community to meet with local experts, do research, collect data, or tangibly experience talked about concepts.
