Learning Environment
- Our students learn to solve problems & synthesize complex information.
- Our students are being prepared for the 21st-century workplace.
- Our students learn to be stewards of the natural world.
Academics and College
Our high school’s rich and varied curriculum meets college entrance requirements and provides students with a broad range of choices after they graduate. The Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School offers in-depth study of academic subjects, field research and the sharing of meaningful work with public audiences, all of which results in students achieving at higher academic levels than they ever thought possible. A college advisor supports students by setting up internships, taking students to visit colleges, and helping them with the college application and financial aid process.
Community and Diversity
The Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School is a strong, caring learning community where students feel emotionally and physically safe. The school welcomes students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Each class represents a full spectrum of talents,skills and abilities; there is no tracking. Each student has the opportunity to learn and to succeed. Teachers use a variety of projects and instructional methods to engage and support students with different learning styles.
Character
In Expeditionary Learning schools, character growth and personal responsibility are as important as academic skills. To sustain the school culture and promote character growth, each student is part of a crew of about 15 students. Through all four years, crews share adventure experiences, community service and fitness activities to develop teamwork, peaceful problem-solving and active listening skills, trust and friendship. They also meet daily to discuss literature they have read, local and global concerns, college goals or issues within the crew or larger school community.
Adventure and Fitness
Outward Bound courses, adventure, fitness and nutrition are integrated into academic work, the physical education curriculum and the values of the school to help build courage, character, teamwork and community. All first-year students and faculty participate in physical fitness activities and monitor their progress in fitness and nutrition throughout their high school career.
