Overview video

Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS) is a K-8 public charter within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. SELS inspires a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence and develop a strong sense of character and community. Curriculum is implemented through project-based expeditions and fieldwork that challenge students to think critically while also fostering their natural curiosity and love of learning. Students engage in service, identify with experts, and dig deeply into authentic assignments. These learning expeditions—long term, in-depth investigations of compelling topics based on state standards —immerse students in rigorous, relevant, place-based learning.

SELS believes in educating the whole child, attending to not only academics but also character, physical and emotional wellbeing, and service to the community. We believe multi-age classrooms and integrated, community connected curriculum will help build stronger relationships between students and teachers, and lead towards a safer, more vibrant school environment so critical to the teaching and learning process.

SELS is an EL Education School. Curriculum adheres to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) and California state standards. Developed by Outward Bound©, EL Education has been credited with improving test scores and increasing student motivation and achievement with a 18-year track record of success in schools nationwide. The 20-year network comprises 152 EL Education Schools across 30 states while serving 4,000 teachers. There have been over 6 million curriculum downloads to date.

School Schedule

Office Hours:
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kindergarten – Fifth Grade:
9:10 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Sixth – Eighth Grade:
7:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Minimum Day Release:
Elementary School: 1 p.m.
Middle School: 11:45 a.m.

Lunch:
2nd-8th grades: 11:45-12:15/20
K-1st grade: 12-12:45