The mission of Sierra Expeditionary Learning School is to inspire a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence while developing a strong sense of character and community. Our goal is to preserve each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning.

Our Vision: An Education for the 21st Century

We recognize that the world is rapidly changing. The 21st century will require us to think differently and not just adapt, but also transform. As we increase our understanding of human intelligence and behavior, we know more about how we can learn effectively, and the value of learning throughout life. Sierra Expeditionary Learning School’s goals are to awaken a love of learning in young people, and to give them the ability and desire to carry on learning throughout life. We recognize that an educated person in the 21st century needs to be literate, competent in the core academic disciplines as outlined in the California State Standards, and a reflective lifelong learner. An educated person needs to have a strong sense of self and realization of his or her own gifts and talents, and a collection of skills to support one’s goals. We help our students cultivate the following capacities:

• Creativity – think creatively, work creatively with others and implement innovations
• Critical Thinking – reason effectively, use systems thinking, analyze and solve problems
• Communication – communicate clearly and collaborate with others
• Adaptability – ability to change and be flexible
• Initiative – manage goals and time, work independently, and be self-directed learners
• Accountability – prioritize, set and meet goals, and achieve results
• Leadership – guide, lead others, and be responsible to others
• Information – accessing and applying information technology effectively
• Service – recognition we need to be engaged community members and citizens

At Sierra Expeditionary Learning School, we are committed to ensuring all of our students acquire these abilities so they are able to thrive in a changing world and be a contributor to the community. We place a strong emphasis on the relationship between the school and the home, recognizing the critical role of families in fostering children’s education. We see ourselves as allies of the family, mentoring and supporting parent’s efforts to guide the intellectual and emotional development of their children. When afforded respect, fairness, kindness, discipline, and appropriate instruction, we believe every child is capable of achieving his or her potential to the fullest.