Outdoor Education

TRAILS Magnet School is  founded on the principles of experienced-based education and intellectual concept construction.  Through integrated units of study, outdoor education, the arts, and direct academic instruction,  children have in-depth learning experiences.   

Children at TRAILS learn by experiencing the world physically. The TRAILS School, unlike other Ashland Schools, requires children to participate in extensive hiking/backpacking activities. These activities, along with classroom learning, are carefully designed to provoke thought and reflection while addressing state standards and helping students to foster a deep connection with the natural world. . Follow-up discussions allow children to collaborate, construct their own meaning, and develop skills to integrate experience, knowledge and concepts.

Art Focus

We have recently re-designed our art focus program with the intent of improving the level of rigor and professionalism. Now grades 4th-8th have a 90 minute art block every week that is taught by a local artist. We have 3 terms in which the artist chooses the medium of focus. Past mediums have been: water color, printmaking, mask making, sketching and board game design. In the near future, we hope to incorporate others, such as photography, dance, graphic design, multi-media design, sewing, wood crafts, and clay. Our K-3rd students receive one term of Art Focus, which is funded through an Ashland Schools Foundation Impact Grant.