Why Choose our Charter
SLVUSD Charter Programs are designed to offer options within the public school setting of SLVUSD for parents who want to stand alongside our teachers and participate in the educational process of their children. We have programs that offer tiered levels of classroom support, each with a variety of ways that parents can volunteer to help; either in the classrooms or alongside their own child.
Our programs are small to create a greater sense of community, where students can feel safe, be seen, and stay supported.
Every student in our programs is recognized as an individual with unique learning styles. An emphasis is placed on building social and emotional development alongside student's academic learning. Our programs address the whole child in a creative, collaborative environment that is academically rigorous, physically active, and enriched through visual and performing arts, environmental studies, and community involvement. We prepare children for the changing world using electives, individual projects, and entrepreneurial design thinking.
To implement such a comprehensive and personalized vision, parent participation is essential. We recognize parents as the primary facilitators of their children's learning and partners in their education. As such, we want parents to participate at every level of our school; from our Parent Advisory Committee which helps in developing essential Charter documents, to working in the classrooms, helping with instructional and enrichment activities, and supporting the implementation of our many field trips. Education as a lifelong process, thus we want the adults who become involved with our charter programs to appreciate their own learning process and act as mentors for our students.
Essential Elements that Set Us Apart
Families choose to educate their children through the Charter programs for a variety of reasons; philosophical, the ability to have the time to focus on a specific area of interest such as a sport, visual or performing arts, for the smaller program setting, or time for community service work.
Our teachers and staff are highly dedicated, creative and collaborative professionals. They stand out as life-long learners themselves and love to share what they are passionate about. Maintaining healthy relationships and a curiosity for all aspects educational with co-workers, students, and the families we serve is what keeps each of the Charter programs current and dynamic.
Our Charter offers seven different programs and two formats of instruction: Classroom-based, and Hybrid Homeschool or Independent Study based. Each of our homeschool programs (supporting Tk-12 grade) includes a blend of home and classroom instruction. The Nature Academy is the only 5-day week classroom-based program within the Charter.
Our Charter offers seven different programs and two formats of instruction: Classroom-based, and Hybrid Homeschool or Independent Study based. Each of our homeschool programs (supporting Tk-12 grade) includes a blend of home and classroom instruction. The Nature Academy is the only 5-day week classroom-based program within the Charter.
All of our programs have a similar philosophy to support a whole child approach to learning which includes:
- Building Positive Relationships
- Mutual Respect and Appreciation
- Encouraging all students' Personal Best
- Teaching and Mentoring Life Skills
- Social-Emotional Wellness
- Parent Participation
- Community Involvement
- Multi-age Classroom setting
Our teaching approaches are founded on Brain-based research, Social-Emotional Learning theory, as well as professional commitment to keep learning relevant and students active in the process.
Our programs use and support:
- Integrated Thematic Instruction
- Personalized Learning
- Nature Studies
- Field Excursions
- Visual and Performing Arts activities
- Playful Explorations
- Active and Reflective Listening
- Mindfulness Practices
- Growth Mindset
- Self-Reflection
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Collaboration
