“Did you know they use the whole animal?” fourth-grader Tenzin asked, referring to what he learned about the Southern Ute tribe during his class trip to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in Ignacio. Tenzin’s class trip was one of many Pagosa Peak Open School students have already taken this year, to enhance their project work and build classroom culture and relationships.
Field work is a common occurrence at PPOS, and a tenet of the school’s project-based learning model. Through field work, students apply their knowledge, ask questions, do research and build relationships in their community.
All students grades K-4 had the opportunity to explore science concepts with Audubon this past week at Hershey Ranch; and grades 5-8 have already completed the High Endeavors Challenge Course in Farmington… and spent a day at Lake Nighthorse in Durango.
“I appreciate an educational model that gets my daughter out into the real world where she can not only explore big concepts but also enjoy the beautiful outdoors,” said Jeanelle Wychesit, whose daughter is in fifth grade at PPOS.
Students in all grades frequently have experts visit their classrooms to add depth and complexity to their projects, and engage in field work experiences outside the building. These opportunities solidify concepts that are often otherwise taught through textbooks.
“The real world context to state standards helps our students dive deep into meaningful work,” School Director Angela Reali-Crossland said.
PPOS is a K-8, tuition-free, public charter school open to all Archuleta County families. The educational model is built upon project-based learning, a student-centered pedagogy that involves a dynamic classroom approach, through which students can acquire a deeper understanding through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems. Students in all classes at PPOS engage in multiple projects throughout the year; looking for ways to influence their own community, and create positive change.
Emily Murphy is School Director at Pagosa Peak Open School, the first District-authorized charter school in Archuleta County. Prior to her appointment as School Director, Emily filled various roles at PPOS including Project-Based Learning advisor, instructional coach, and assistant director.