The TRAILS Outdoor School's practices and curriculum are guided by the following principles of learning and community.

• Children learn new concepts in relationship to previous knowledge and experience

• The construction of knowledge by the child leads to comprehensive, authentic learning

• Interaction with the natural world supports academic growth

• Arts serve as the human expression of beauty allowing children to honor and communicate their experience

• Positive social relationships are essential to a successful learning community

• Small schools enhance student comfort and learning

• The behavior of children indicates their emotional comfort and the community's health

• The teacher's art is to create a stimulating atmosphere and participate as a learner

TRAILS curriculum is set up on a cyclic unit study calendar.  Units of study are school-wide concepts that incorporate science, social studies, and art as well as reading, writing and math.  Some units are on a two year cycle, while others are on a four year cycle to meet the needs of the multi-age classrooms. Below are pictures from class in cartography where students combine skills in math, history, and literacy with an application for outdoor learning.

For more information check out our outdoor education section through the academics dropdown above.