Curriculum & Electives

Clear Spring School Block Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on a quarterly block schedule that intensely integrates similar thematic subject areas for 10 weeks at a time. These blocks contain a mix of academic areas such as language arts, math, science and social studies. Each block may be more heavily weighted in one of these areas. Throughout the year the blocks balance out to provide a well rounded and full experience in all the academic disciplines.

As a progressive education institution we recognize that students arrive with different interests, academic abilities, strengths and challenges. We also recognize that students grow in spurts and plateaus, to meet this we group students by interest and ability, not necessarily age or grade level. On the lower campus, class groupings are 1st - 2nd grade, 3rd - 5th grade, 6th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade.

Our blocks center around outdoor sciences, life skills and engagement in the world around us. Students on the lower campus will participate in four blocks. These blocks will address developmentally appropriate needs, intentional math and Language arts pull outs and other academic needs as well as age appropriate travel experiences.

PrePrimary - Sunshine & Rainbow Groups

The Sunshine Group

In our pre-kindergarten class, students will learn through multi-purpose, hands-on, learning centers with integrated curriculum, as well as practical life learning centers for open play. Students will learn about the world around them including the seasons, weather, and other natural sciences. Students will take walks to the Rainbow Garden throughout the year and participate in planting, growing, and harvesting in our garden.Students build their social and emotional development skills throughout the year and will also build up large and fine motor skills.

The Rainbow Group

The Rainbow group, our kindergarten class, meets together daily for a separate more detailed daily lesson or activity that will build upon the knowledge the students have already learned. Students will work together in groups and learn to collaborate, and students begin working on their writing skills. Students take weekly trips to the campus woodshop and the campus library. Students also create their own Nature Journal that will be built upon throughout the year.

Whole Child education
Hands on learning
Outdoor Classroom

Elementary: Mockingbirds, Chickadees, Magpies

Classrooms are structured into three groupings, creating more focused learning groups. This setup allows us to provide targeted instruction that meets students exactly where they are, ensuring a more personalized learning experience.

Each student transitions through three key learning environments: a homeroom, where they engage in curriculum work and projects; a targeted math class, designed to support their individual learning needs; and a targeted reading group, where they receive focused literacy instruction.

This structure not only enhances academic growth but also allows students to interact with different peers and teachers throughout the day, fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.

Middle & High School -The Robins & The Owls

Block studies integrate core academics into thematic classes

Collaborative project based learning

Concurrent classes at NorthArk available

Focus on the 21st Century Skills for lifelong educational and vocational success

Part of our Wisdom of the Hands program, Welding and Woodshop allows students to explore their creativity, apply their curriculum knowledge, and create personalized learning experiences.

Travel

Travel immerses students in real world applications, putting learning into context.

Camping

Students spend eight weeks preparing for their biannual camping trips. From setup and safety to budgeting and field journals our camping trips become the 5C's in action.

Wisdom of the hands

Doug Stowe

Wood Working

The use of the hands in learning not only allows students to better assess the truth of what they learn, it also allows students to respond to what they’ve learned, by creating useful beauty in service to family, community and human culture.

The Clear Spring School

Curriculum & Electives

PrePrimary - Sunshine & Rainbow Groups

Elementary: Mockingbirds, Chickadees, Magpies

Middle & High School -The Robins & The Owls

Collaborative project based learning

Concurrent classes at NorthArk available

Part of our Wisdom of the Hands program, Welding and Woodshop allows students to explore their creativity, apply their curriculum knowledge, and create personalized learning experiences.

Travel

Camping

Wisdom of the hands

Doug Stowe

Wood Working

The use of the hands in learning not only allows students to better assess the truth of what they learn, it also allows students to respond to what they’ve learned, by creating useful beauty in service to family, community and human culture.

Block 3 Clubs

Curriculum & Electives

PrePrimary - Sunshine & Rainbow Groups

Elementary: Mockingbirds, Chickadees, Magpies

Middle & High School -The Robins & The Owls

Collaborative project based learning

Concurrent classes at NorthArk available

Part of our Wisdom of the Hands program, Welding and Woodshop allows students to explore their creativity, apply their curriculum knowledge, and create personalized learning experiences.

Travel

Camping

Wisdom of the hands

Doug Stowe

Wood Working

​The use of the hands in learning not only allows students to better assess the truth of what they learn, it also allows students to respond to what they’ve learned, by creating useful beauty in service to family, community and human culture.

Block 3 Clubs

The use of the hands in learning not only allows students to better assess the truth of what they learn, it also allows students to respond to what they’ve learned, by creating useful beauty in service to family, community and human culture.