We believe learning best occurs in a safe yet stimulating environment, where challenge and support help children discover their abilities, values, and passions. Our learning program is built on the belief that given appropriately nourishing experiences, all children can learn, but not in the same way, nor equally well from the same sources. We believe that all learners possess an innate and unique creativity that can be developed given the appropriate environment. It allows for the joy of knowledge and self -expression and the thrill of exploration. It is flexible to accommodate the individuality of learners and to evolve as our community and the world around us evolves.

We believe that a sustained love of discovery is the foundation of lifelong learning. The creativity and enthusiasm for discovery that is natural in young children is nurtured and expanded throughout the educational experience. Real learning takes place when active participants make personal connections to the skills and knowledge available to them.

Motivation is the key to building this connected learning. The root of motivation is linking new skills and knowledge with personal interests and needs. Students will be challenged, taught as individuals, learn about historical and contemporary world problems in a safe, kind environment, and will develop the tools necessary to shape and improve the world of tomorrow.

SELS DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Sierra Expeditionary Learning School supports and embraces diversity in all its forms, including differences in ethnicity, cultural and religious heritage, sexual orientation, socio – economic background, geographic origin and family structure. We strive to provide our students with a rich, inclusive, expeditionary learning experience that reflects the environment in which we live and to foster a safe atmosphere where every member of the community is respected and multiple viewpoints can be peacefully expressed. SELS actively seeks to achieve diversity in all aspects of school life including the composition of our student body, faculty, curriculum, administration, and board of directors. We believe this commitment to diversity will help our children successfully navigate the changing world they will one day inherit.

SELS’s commitment to social justice promotes inclusion and equitable learning environments. Social justice provides fair and equal access to educational opportunities for all students; it encompasses a heart for sensitivity, a head for critical thinking, and a hand in social change. The SELS expeditionary learning educational approach accommodates a broad spectrum of learners and aims to achieve greater equity in academic achievement for all students.