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, 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, 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.
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 classrooms include appropriate grade level instruction in phonics and spelling, reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.
Physical Education
Physical Education consists of schoolwide yoga class each week. Our approach includes student-led opportunities to participate in various group sports, such as soccer and basketball, and individual/group activities such as our slab games. As part of our first respect agreement, Respect Yourself, we focus on health as well as fitness. Learning how to feed our bodies and minds with healthy food is integral to becoming a healthy individual. Our daily schedule allows for plenty of unstructured time for running, climbing, and investigating the natural world.
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, and build forts. 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.
Multiple Intelligences
Over the course of the school year, emphasis is placed on developing each of the multiple intelligences based on Howard Gardner's work: verbal linguistics, logical/mathematical, visual/spacial, musical/rhythmic, bodily/kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. On Fridays, students rotate through three different classes: music, art, and theater. Art Exhibits, Play Productions, and Musical Performances are held at various times throughout the year.
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, 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 classrooms include appropriate grade level instruction in phonics and spelling, reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.
Physical Education
Physical Education consists of schoolwide yoga class each week. Our approach includes student-led opportunities to participate in various group sports, such as soccer and basketball, and individual/group activities such as our slab games. As part of our first respect agreement, Respect Yourself, we focus on health as well as fitness. Learning how to feed our bodies and minds with healthy food is integral to becoming a healthy individual. Our daily schedule allows for plenty of unstructured time for running, climbing, and investigating the natural world.
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, and build forts. 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.
Multiple Intelligences
Over the course of the school year, emphasis is placed on developing each of the multiple intelligences based on Howard Gardner's work: verbal linguistics, logical/mathematical, visual/spacial, musical/rhythmic, bodily/kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. On Fridays, students rotate through three different classes: music, art, and theater. Art Exhibits, Play Productions, and Musical Performances are held at various times throughout the year.
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, 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.
