Learn to Be
Learn to Do
Learn to Know
The work of the students at IOS is experiential, hands on, and primarily project based. Core subjects are integrated into the work of individual and group projects with an emphasis on process rather than solely on product. Monday through Thursday are devoted to integrated thematic instruction incorporating reading, writing, math, independent and natural science projects. As our school matures we are ever implementing more fully integrated place based learning, using our campus as the laboratory.
Every afternoon we work in multi-aged clan groups to complete campus chores: sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, feeding animals and collecting eggs, hand washing towels, composting, and watering gardens. Next the students spend unstructured time in the woods by the creek. We end the day with a closing meeting called Harvest where we revisit the high points of our day.
Every afternoon we work in multi-aged clan groups to complete campus chores: sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, feeding animals and collecting eggs, hand washing towels, composting, and watering gardens. Next the students spend unstructured time in the woods by the creek. We end the day with a closing meeting called Harvest where we revisit the high points of our day.
Daily Schedule
School is open from 8:00-to 3:45 and classes are 8:30 - 3:30.
Bus pick up is at 8:00 and drop off at 4:00 (Austin location).
Take a look at our detailed schedule here.
Academic Work
We believe that integrated, hands-on, project-based learning allows students to make knowledgeable, deep connections. Such inquiry develops deep, more complex understanding across curricula. We believe these connections are the essence of real knowledge. Students learn using a blend of individual projects and curriculum for core subjects that is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter. All of our classes are taught by Texas Certified Teachers, each of whom have many years of experience across a wide range of environments including public, private, and charter schools.
Community Stewardship
We believe that the best way to become contributing members of a community is to actually contribute to the community. We provide the opportunity each day to make a difference in the community through work projects, animal care, gardening, and basic maintenance of the school grounds. This block of the day is when all students participate in the ongoing development and care of the school community in multi-age groups.
Nature Literacy
We believe that it is our responsibility to teach children how to live in harmony with the environment. We believe this is achieved by nurturing an intimate relationship with the planet, celebrating the complex and beautiful diversity of life, rather than focusing on huge problems that children cannot remedy. Students will have the opportunity each day to hang out in the woods, dig in the dirt, wade in the water, build forts and go fishing. This time may take the form of silence, journaling, photography, observing an insect, sketching, painting, hiking, sitting under a giant pecan tree, or playing in the woods. Nature Literacy might also include watching the garden grow, or hanging out with hens.
Electives
We believe that choice empowers the individual in self-understanding. We also believe it is important to help students grow in resilience and self-regulation. Therefore, students at IOS are given the opportunity to choose their electives each semester. Elective offerings will change to reflect the interests of the student body and faculty. Student electives are voted on each semester and reflect the interests and needs of the community.
Elective offerings could include, but are not limited to, the visual and performing arts, culinary arts, handwork, sewing, carpentry, crafting, yoga, dance, games, tinkering, apothecary and gardening, survival skills, photography, filming, and more.
An IOS Expo Day will take place each semester to share the students' work with the community.
We believe that integrated, hands-on, project-based learning allows students to make knowledgeable, deep connections. Such inquiry develops deep, more complex understanding across curricula. We believe these connections are the essence of real knowledge. Students learn using a blend of individual projects and curriculum for core subjects that is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter. All of our classes are taught by Texas Certified Teachers, each of whom have many years of experience across a wide range of environments including public, private, and charter schools.
Community Stewardship
We believe that the best way to become contributing members of a community is to actually contribute to the community. We provide the opportunity each day to make a difference in the community through work projects, animal care, gardening, and basic maintenance of the school grounds. This block of the day is when all students participate in the ongoing development and care of the school community in multi-age groups.
Nature Literacy
We believe that it is our responsibility to teach children how to live in harmony with the environment. We believe this is achieved by nurturing an intimate relationship with the planet, celebrating the complex and beautiful diversity of life, rather than focusing on huge problems that children cannot remedy. Students will have the opportunity each day to hang out in the woods, dig in the dirt, wade in the water, build forts and go fishing. This time may take the form of silence, journaling, photography, observing an insect, sketching, painting, hiking, sitting under a giant pecan tree, or playing in the woods. Nature Literacy might also include watching the garden grow, or hanging out with hens.
Electives
We believe that choice empowers the individual in self-understanding. We also believe it is important to help students grow in resilience and self-regulation. Therefore, students at IOS are given the opportunity to choose their electives each semester. Elective offerings will change to reflect the interests of the student body and faculty. Student electives are voted on each semester and reflect the interests and needs of the community.
Elective offerings could include, but are not limited to, the visual and performing arts, culinary arts, handwork, sewing, carpentry, crafting, yoga, dance, games, tinkering, apothecary and gardening, survival skills, photography, filming, and more.
An IOS Expo Day will take place each semester to share the students' work with the community.