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                                 Polaris Expeditionary Learning School

                                Welcome to Polaris Expeditionary Learning School

                                Polaris is one of two schools within Poudre School District that partner with the national education reform model of Expeditionary Learning. Polaris utilizes the 10 Design Principles and five Core Practice Benchmarks of Expeditionary Learning to achieve our mission to develop 21st century learners through rigorous academic course work, high quality adventure experiences, character development, and leadership opportunities. Together—as parents, students, faculty, and staff—we strive to create the ideal learning environment for adolescents. Our environment supports adolescent development, experiential curriculum, life skills, and connections between kids and their community.

                                Learning culture
                                Classes consist of approximately 22-29 students per class. The fundamental idea behind Expeditionary Learning is that students learn more by experiencing the world around them. Expeditionary Learning harnesses the students’ natural passion to learn and helps children develop the curiosity, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities they need for successful adulthood.

                                Academic environment
                                Colorado standards are utilized to design Expeditions across the curriculum, this teaching and learning process emphaisizes students taking personal responsibility for their learning. In addition, Polaris employs assessment tools such as student portfolios, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing, CSAPs, self-assessments and Presentations of Learning to provide a complete picture of student development.

                                At Polaris, our goals are to:

                                • Achieve high academic standards as measured by standardized assessments;
                                • Enhance students’ character development and social responsibility;
                                • Engage families in the educational process;
                                • Connect schools and communities; and
                                • Challenge and support students’ inherent inquisitiveness.

                                More about Polaris>>
                                Core Practice Benchmarks
                                Design Principles
                                School Of Choice Application / PSD Link
                                2011 - 12 Student / Parent Handbook


                                     What people are saying:

                                        "I just wanted to thank you for letting me be a tiny part of your clear and powerful vision and mission there at Polaris. If ever a group of 21st Century Learners were being “well prepared”, it is here in your program!  What a joy it is to see what can and should be done to build world-class learners, being done!"

                                        "I just wanted to take a moment to compliment the efforts of the leaders and staff at Polaris. What an incredible learning opportunity and environment for students! We wanted you to know how powerful our day was. We felt we came away with more than we helped contribute."

                                Dr. Tammy Heflebower
                                Vice President
                                Robert Marzano Research Laboratory
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                                1905 Orchard Place
                                Fort Collins, CO 80521
                                Phone: 970-488-8260
                                Attendance: 970-488-8261
                                FAX: 970-488-8262

                                News and Events

                                Intensive/Adventure Week, February 13-17, 2012

                                Read about the trip to Heifer International's Global Village!

                                More Important Dates

                                2011 -2012 Bell Schedule


                                Read about our Gifted and Talented Program here!

                                Survey Results

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