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.

The Magpies

The Mockingbirds

The Chickadees

Sewing 101

This is an introductory course to hand- and machine-sewing, with an emphasis on following basic patterns and making functional pieces. Students will first learn the basics of threading a needle, making a straight stitch, and adjoining pieces of fabric, then move on to more complex operations of operating a sewing machine, assembling a nine-patch quilt block, and making a pillow. Students will be familiarized with terms such as bias, seam allowance, right- and wrong-sides of fabric, and will learn how to use an iron, fold and sew a hem, and follow a sewing pattern. Subsequent projects will include cutting out patterns for and sewing together a work apron for each individual student, as well as fashioning a tote bag. Overall this course is aimed at fostering a love for making things with one’s hands and using the materials at one’s disposal to create functional art without contributing to mass-produced consumer culture — in short, to do more with less.

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

Introduction to French (Français I)

This is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with French vocabulary, grammar, and culture. Course study is divided into reading, writing, speaking, and listening sections, with students following directives in French with provided translation, as necessary. The goal of this course is for students to become familiar with the sound of spoken French; to identify key expressions, numbers, and grammatical structures; to appreciate various aspects of French culture and art; and to recognize everyday vocabulary and cognates that they will encounter in future travels and their daily lives.

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.

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.

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.

Woodshop

Welding

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.

Block 3 Clubs

Chess Club

This club focuses on developing strategy, logic, and critical thinking skills inherent in the game of chess. Students will be playing chess while learning new game tactics. As a bonus, each student will be making their own chess board and pieces.

Trivia Club

Students will learn fun, challenging, and silly trivia in a game-style format. We'll discover brain-bending facts in various subjects, such as entertainment, history, science, sports, and more.

Bright Smiles Club

The Bright Smiles 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!

Wonder Readers

Big Ideas for Little Minds!
This philosophy club is geared toward our emerging readers. Reading a variety of stories we discuss such topics as bravery, fear, right, and wrong. While the general theme is world myths students will direct what topics they want to explore and lead our discussions.

Cooking Club

Come learn the joy of cooking! This club will be exploring the culinary arts. While we create our delicious creations we will also be learning how to follow recipes, measure, and how to make healthy snacks and treats.

Silversmithing

In this club, students will get a crash course in silversmithing. We will start with setting up the bench, moving on to learn about the tools and supplies involved. There will be a huge emphasis on safety in this club. By the end of the block students will have gained a basic knowledge of silversmithing an complete a set of sterling silver stacking rings.

Crafting Crew

In this club students will explore their interests and creativity selecting their own projects. From beading to sewing to recycled art, the possibilities are endless.

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.