Who are we?
Adventure Academy is a private homeschool support school offering collaboration and community. Our days together promote critical thinking challenges , enriching outdoor educational challenges, leadership, and apprenticeship preparation. Our mission is to support a comprehensive educational experience that challenges students to think independently and learn through experience and collaboration with peers. Grounded in a Biblical World-View, we emphasize real-life learning and hands-on activities, ensuring students are well-equipped for the complexities of modern society.
Statement of Faith
We affirm that the Holy Bible, comprising of 66 books from Genesis to Revelation, is inspired by God's true and inerrant Word. It stands as the complete and sufficient standard for all matters of faith and practice, as revealed in 2 Timothy 3:16 and affirmed by the warnings against alteration in Revelation 22:18-19.
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered, was crucified, and rose physically from the dead on the third day, as promised. He ascended to the right hand of God and will return for those who have placed their faith in Him, in accordance with the truth that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved, as declared in Romans 10:13."
The Four Pillars of Excellence encompass our values and how we approach our educational priorities.
Community
Family gatherings
Teamwork through group projects
Socratic Discussions
Quarterly Showcases of Learning
Peer Accountability
Uphold Standards of Excellence
Practice Conflict Resolution and Critical thinking Skills
Practice Civility with age-appropriate boundaries
Parent meetings and emphasis on sharing best practices
Real-World skills
Children's Business Fair
Apprenticeships and Mentoring
Student Leadership Opportunities
Goal Settings
Build Soft skills- adaptability, work-ethic, and growth mindset.
Communication- written and verbal
Hands-on challenges that direct students towards independence
Become a life-long learner
Classroom maintenance
Ignite a love of learning
Learn across the subjects as opposed to siloed educational subjects
21st Century technology challenges including word processing, slide show, spreadsheet, forms, design, and more
High variety of exposure to topics and vocations through hands-on learning with challenges that include reading, writing, communication, labs, guest speakers, field trips and more...
Provide opportunities for trial and error learning
Teachers lead with questions to inspire exploration as opposed to giving the student one correct answer.
Expert Explorers onsite providing specialized subject study
Biblical Worldview
We consider each topic from a Biblical perspective
Discover other theories and learn how to defend your position
Explore the Bible through Bible Studies and other classes offered
Outdoor studies and time are valued as we explore God's world
Agree that "Iron Sharpens Iron" and we learn in community to become better humans and strengthen our relationships with God
Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
What types of things do we do while we are together each week?
We meet 2 days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-3:30PM) in Castle Rock.
Writing, drama, music, science, math, reading, problem solving, Socratic discussions, technology, history, character development, physical fitness, book clubs, nature activities, art, ceramics, field trips, conflict resolution processes, student leadership, the Children's Business fair, and much more.
Family events are also planned throughout the year and we celebrate together at the end of each 7 week deep-dive with a student showcase of learning.
We use the student's feedback to shape our learning activities and remain open to ideas or interests from the students.
Examples of topics we have studied in the past:
- Children's Business Fair
- Civilizations- the Middle Ages, World Wars 1 and 2, US History, US Citizenship, and more
- Book Clubs and reading challenges
- Music- Band, Choir and small performances throughout our studies as it applies
- Photography
- Art- painting, ceramics, sculpting, and drawing
- Fitness and physical health
- Cooking
- Self-defense and martial arts
- Math games and challenges
- Science- Forensics and Biology
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are students grouped by age?
We do have a classroom for younger students and a classroom for older students, but we see that children learn best when working with peers across various ages, rather than split up into groups based solely on age. Working as a "one-room" school house allows children to be both teachers and learners, further developing each student’s own learning.
Are parents required to help in the classroom?
We believe parents are the most influential adults in any child’s educational journey, and we exist to empower and reinforce that relationship. We are a homeschool support program where parents are responsible for complying with all Colorado homeschool laws. Parents, students, and teachers will work together throughout the year to set appropriate learning plans and goals. Parents are asked to be involved in our Showcase gatherings every 7 weeks. We have opportunities for parents to visit the school regularly, if you are interested in helping.
What is an independent learner?
At Adventure Academy we are shaping learners to become someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don’t know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock — try again, research, participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
How do you track the students progress?
Students at Adventure Academy demonstrate progress through student portfolios, learning showcases, peer reviews, goal monitoring, and hands-on challenges. In place of traditional letter grades, we use a series of challenges pertaining to the unit we are learning. Completion of 90% of the challenges at 100% mastery translates to a grade of 90%.
Will there be homework?
While there will be work that needs to be completed on the three home days, we believe it is important that students do not have any evening or weekend homework. We believe that children need time to play, relax, and be with family and friends, and are committed to ensuring plenty of learning during school hours so that time at home can be free for other important pursuits. We also believe family time is sacred and those relationships need to be nurtured on evenings and weekends without the distraction and conflict that homework can bring.
How will I know if my student is keeping up?
Regular discussions between parents and teachers is encouraged. Teachers and students will meet at least 1x per quarter to review work, ensure excellence, and revisit overall learning plans. Due to the low ratio of teachers to students, individual attention to each challenge is monitored for excellence.
Will your classroom work determine our work at home?
No, You may continue doing your own curriculum for Core Subjects and electives at home.
Many families enjoy some studies together (perhaps Bible, History, Art, exploring nature, and more). Each family has a unique homeschooling setup and we are here to support and rally around each student.
What does an average day look like at Adventure?
Our morning learning time is broken into Socratic discussions, collaborative labs time; involving writing, math and / or science labs, Expert Explorers; to include Martial Arts, sports, photography, sign language, art, music, & more based on the students interests), and reading. The afternoon includes our large-learning Units/projects in a variety of topics from Science to Entrepreneurship to History.
When do you meet?
We meet every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year. We break each learning into 7 week quarters. We follow the Douglas County Public Schools Calendar and do take breaks throughout the year for fall, Christmas, and spring break. Additional options for classes on Fridays will be offered as they arise. Our school hours are 9-3:30PM and we usually start the last week of August and continue through the end of April or beginning of May.