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Service and Compassion

Students and teachers are strengthened by acts of consequential service to others. We prepare students with the attitudes and skills to learn from and be of service.

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We Are Crew

Crew means community and collaboration. We are Crew, not passengers, joining together on journeys that are both powerful and purposeful.

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The Natural World

A direct and respectful relationship with the natural world refreshes the human spirit and teaches the important ideas of recurring cycles and cause and effect. Students learn to become stewards of the earth and of future generations.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Both diversity and inclusion increase the richness of ideas, creative power, problem-solving ability, and respect for others. Students investigate and value their different histories and talents.

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The Having of Wonderful Ideas

Teaching practices foster curiosity about the world by creating learning situations that provide something important to think about, time to experiment, and time to make sense of what is observed.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Both diversity and inclusion increase the richness of ideas, creative power, problem-solving ability, and respect for others.

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The Primacy of Self-Discovery

Learning happens best with emotion, challenge, and the requisite support. People discover their abilities, values, passions, and responsibilities in situations that offer adventure and the unexpected.

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The Responsibility for Learning

Learning is both a personal process of discovery and a social activity. Everyone learns both individually and as part of a group.

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The Having of Wonderful Ideas

Teaching in EL Education schools fosters curiosity about the world by creating learning situations that provide something important to think about, time to experiment, and time to make sense of what is observed.

A diverse group of students and a teacher pose in front of a world map.

Service and Compassion

Students and teachers are strengthened by acts of consequential service to others, and one of an EL Education school’s primary functions is to prepare students with the attitudes and skills to learn from and be of service.

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Empathy and Caring

Learning is fostered best in communities where students' and teachers' ideas are respected and where there is mutual trust.

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Success and Failure

All students need to be successful if they are to build the confidence and capacity to take risks and meet increasingly difficult challenges. But it is also important for students to learn from their failures, to persevere when things are hard, and to learn to turn disabilities into opportunities.

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Collaboration and Competition

Individual development and group development are integrated so that the value of friendship, trust, and group action is clear. Students are encouraged to compete, not against each other, but with their own personal best and with rigorous standards of excellence.

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The Natural World

A direct and respectful relationship with the natural world refreshes the human spirit and teaches the important ideas of recurring cycles and cause and effect.

A person sits on a dock, looking out at the water.

Solitude and Reflection

Students and teachers need time alone to explore their own thoughts, make their own connections, and create their own ideas.

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We are crew, not passengers.

We believe in the philosophy of shared responsibility and teamwork, where everyone contributes to a common goal and everyone is actively involved in the journey and its success.

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Welcome to Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS)—
When students and teachers are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous and meaningful, learning and achievement flourish.

We are a K-8 public charter within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. SELS inspires a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence and develop a strong sense of character and community. Curriculum is implemented through project-based learning expeditions and fieldwork that challenge students to think critically while also fostering their natural curiosity and love of learning. Students engage in service, meet with experts, and dig deeply into authentic assignments. These learning expeditions—long term, in-depth investigations of compelling topics based on state standards —immerse students in rigorous, relevant, place-based learning.
 

Learn More About Our Program

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Inclusivity

We prioritize inclusivity by actively promoting a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

Upcoming Events

View the full calendar to see all the exciting events we have happening in the next few weeks and months!

A circular emblem with text reading 'A California Distinguished School'..      The logo for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District features a mountain range with a snowflake.        The logo for Credentialed School, featuring a blue background and white text..     The U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School seal, featuring an eagle and stars.