Our academic program is specifically designed to be experiential and hands-on where students are provided with real-world experiences and applications.  A variety of modalities are used which support visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.  All of our academics follow both Common Core Standards and South Carolina State Standards.  We utilize a combination of indoor and outdoor learning spaces and community-based field trips as learning takes place in a multitude of settings.

While educators lead the learning process, student growth requires not only teachers but therapists, family, and community members which sets our school apart as we involve every part of a student’s support system.  To put this into practice, each student will have an individualized plan that compiles information from teachers, therapists, staff, and parents including academic and social strengths and challenges to have a holistic view of the student in multiple settings.  We also utilize an assessment program, which is administered quarterly to monitor progress.

We employ the ideas of experiential learning, which is based on the beliefs of John Dewey and David Kolb. According to Dewey, when students are actively engaged, they are focused on the present which allows them to learn more effectively.  Students need to learn how to engage with others which include both listening and speaking as well as doing both respectively whether or not they agree with the other view.  This also assists students to learn how to see and value the opinions of others and accept differences.  Interactive learning allows students to navigate through an ever-changing environment.  Because everything is connected in the real world, education should be cross-curricular to show students that things must work together.  The implementation of field trips provides students the opportunity to see the application of their learning put into practice in the community. 

Experiential learning involves relationship building between the learner and themselves, others, and the world at large.  To support this process, staff support learners and ensure physical and emotional safety all while facilitating the learning process.  The learner is encouraged to ask questions, be creative, be curious, investigate, experiment as well as make decisions and be accountable for the results.  According to Kolb, experiential learning requires the following elements:  

1. Reflection, critical analysis and synthesis.

2. Opportunities for students to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results.

3. Opportunities for students to engage intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, or physically.

4. A designed learning experience that includes the possibility to learn from natural consequences, mistakes, and successes

We provide and promote these elements in a variety of opportunities provided to our students both inside and outside the classroom.  

In order to provide the best educational experience, each class will have a 10:2 student/teacher ratio.  Classes will be flexible and allow students to take breaks as needed.  Students will be provided a variety of activities used to demonstrate their knowledge in order to encourage student individuality.  Along with the core subjects of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, students will be taught Character Education, Mindfulness, and Social Skills.