Expeditionary Learning at Midtown

Description of Expeditionary Learning:

Midtown Academy offers an innovative approach to teaching and learning, using Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound and the Responsive Classroom to provide the framework for a stimulating and challenging academic curriculum. The curriculum is designed to promote life-long learning, critical thinking, character development, and service.

Our program is based on the following principles:
*    Small school promotes a personal, nurturing environment
*    Low student-teacher ratios allow individualized attention
*    Dedicated, highly-trained teachers; commitment to ongoing professional development
*    Project-based learning integrates instruction across disciplines and challenges all students to produce high quality work
*    Strong focus on the arts for all students in all grades
*    Mathematics instruction based on problem-solving; science instruction is hands-on and inquiry-based
*    Emphasis on literacy development to help children become lifelong readers and writers, and build confidence as skilled communicators
*    Spanish instruction for all students
*    Martial Arts as physical education focuses on building concentration, discipline, respect, and centeredness as well as providing cardiovascular and muscular development
*    Responsive Classroom social curriculum creates a safe and supportive learning environment that facilitates caring, responsibility, service, and self-direction
*    Commitment to diversity in an inclusive and supportive environment
*    Authentic assessment based on multiple measures, including student portfolios
*    Parent and community involvement

Links on Expeditionary Learning

*    A Passion for Knowledge: An Introduction to Expeditionary Learning
*    A REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
*    EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING (a little dated but excellent overview)