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 - The Hawks and The Crows

Small multi-age classrooms
Project based learning
Outdoor classrooms

Tree Detectives

Welcome to our tree exploration unit, where you’ll become an expert on the trees around our campus! In this engaging course, you’ll work with your classmates to identify and learn about the diverse trees on our grounds. You’ll discover how to recognize different trees by their leaves and bark through hands-on activities like creating leaf prints and bark rubbings. We’ll also conduct exciting experiments to understand how trees grow, how they interact with wildlife, and the vital roles they play in our environment. You’ll explore how animals depend on trees for their homes and food, and learn how we can all be better stewards by caring for and protecting the trees around us. By the end of the unit, you’ll have a deep appreciation for our campus trees and be equipped with the knowledge to help preserve them for years to come!

Nature's Pharmacy

Explore the Wonders of Herbalism and Apothecary Crafts

In this engaging and hands-on class, students will be introduced to native herbs and wildflowers through the fascinating world of herbalism and apothecary crafts. The journey begins with an exploration of plant parts, followed by a weekly focus on various culinary and healing herbs. Students will get their hands dirty testing soil, experimenting with water-based growing methods, and creating structured diagrams for indoor, year-round gardening.

As they cultivate their green thumbs, students will learn to make basic oils, dried herbs, teas, infused waters, syrups, sachets, and other delightful items from their plants. The course will culminate in a vibrant craft fair during the open house, where students can proudly display and share their handmade creations.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in lessons that provide access to 4-H Junior Master Gardener programming, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Join us for a unique educational experience that blends science, creativity, and the joys of gardening!

Middle & High School -The Robins & The Owls

Block studies integrate core academics into thematic classes
Collaborative project based learning
Concurrent classes at NorthArk available

The Value of Education

This class is designed to connect students to the value of education in their lives. It is intended to build their skills in math and help them to see the ways in which math influences our lives on a daily basis. Each week we will look at education from a different perspective and utilize math as a tool to better understand the world around us. Through project based learning students will investigate various aspects of education, from its historical development to its contemporary role in society. Through projects, data analysis, and critical thinking, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the value of education and their role in building a better future. The culminating project of this course allows students to apply their learning, including mathematical concepts, to address a real-world issue or create a positive change.
This class is centered in place-based education and takes a deep dive into how our physical and emotional environments affect us, both as individuals and as groups. Each member of the class is required to create individual and group work. All students are expected to participate in group discussion, group projects and complete their individual assignments. Each student will keep a daily writing and math journal and maintain their notebook, which contains their daily and weekly assignments, spelling, vocabulary, and coursework.

Biodiversity & Conservation

This course will focus on ecology and conservation. We will get to know the world around us on a deeper level with study, observation, and detailed recordings. Students will investigate the importance of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, and real world efforts to protect biodiversity. We will conduct field studies and investigate sustainable resource management.

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

Philosophy of Religion

In this class we will be focusing on five philosophical questions, the answers various cultures have provided for them, and how those answers shape societies and culture. We will examine these answers through the lens of ancient traditions.

By first examining the power of stories, heroes, and monsters in culture and society, we will then look for an overriding unity in the human experience, shining a light on the shared morals and fears, while encouraging the exploration of their differences in a respective and academic discussion.

Utilizing the interdisciplinary nature of the humanities we will explore our philosophical inquiries through comparative literature and cultural studies. In addition, students will be utilizing the fields of geography, anthropology, archaeology, history, sociology, and religious studies.

Language Arts: Character and Design

This course is designed to teach students how to take the deep and complex stories that we often see so vividly within our own minds, and bring them out into the world completely and entirely. The class will be focused on learning the fundamentals of story writing, critical analyzation of various media to gain further understanding of character motivations, creating active and engaging settings and characters, and presenting stories that keep listeners enraptured until the end. Whilst this class will have a focus on the writing process, this skills the students will learn should easily translate into the world of audio and video, allowing for more diverse forms of storytelling.

Travel

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

Kansas City, MO

Pagosa Springs, CO

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.

Blanchard Springs

Pigeons Roost

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.

Electives

Woodshop elegance

Trinket Boxes. This elective is dedicated to students learning how to design and create their own unique boxes for storing jewelry, trinkets, or any other number of small objects. Students will be taught how to develop step by step instructions on how to create a Trinket box of their own design, and then work through bringing their creativity to reality with aid from the instructor.

Beaded jewelry making

Students are going to make their own beaded jewelry! Students will have the opportunity to explore various styles of beaded jewelry with the help of their instructor. They will study various elements of design that go into the art of making jewelry.

The Kind Hearts Club

The Kind Hearts Club is set to be a beacon of positivity in our community! Our Civic Engagement Club is dedicated to spreading joy through spontaneous acts of kindness, from uplifting performances to creative art projects and hands-on help for those in need. Whether they are singing a cheerful tune or lending a helping hand, their involvement will bring smiles and brighten someone's day. Clear Spring students will be a part of a movement that makes the world a better place, one kind act at a time!

Sculpture making

Students will explore the art of making sculpture and other 3D art out of various materials. Students will explore 3D and sculpture from natural materials, foam , found objects, paper and various other materials.

Cake decorating

This elective will be exploring the culinary arts by diving into the world of cake beautification! From icing to fondant. The students will learn and practice many decorating techniques and styles. Creativity will flow. The students will be involved in decorating challenges/competitions along the way.
(This is not a chance to eat cake every week. We will be decorating fake cakes.)

Quilting

School Quilting Class! In this creative and fun environment, students will learn the basics of quilting while crafting their own small personal projects. They will also work together to create a beautiful group unity quilt, celebrating teamwork and the diversity of our school community. Whether a beginner or have some sewing experience, this club is a great way for students to explore their creativity and interact with friends!