Ross Valley Charter School

"We honor each child's best approach to learning -- doing, writing, thinking -- each is different" At Ross Valley Charter School, We Believe... Students learn best when constructing their own knowledge in a social context that offers rich and challenging content, collaboration with fellow students and parents, and teachers acting as facilitators of... this process. Student voice, choice, and engagement are critical to supporting student agency and knowledge construction. A thriving and joyful learning community has inclusive decision-making structures that foster teacher and parent engagement, collaboration, and shared ownership of the committed work of graduating students who are critical thinkers and creative problem solvers prepared for the 21st Century. At RVC we put our core beliefs into practice with the following techniques: Multi-age ClassesTwo grade levels are together in one class, allowing teachers and children to enjoy a two-year relationship, and giving students the opportunity to alternate being the younger and older student in their class. Because each student has the same teacher for two years, it allows a deep relationship between teacher and student and an understanding of how best to help the student thrive. Inquiry-based Learning Curriculum rely heavily on project- and problem-based learning, long-term units of study integrating many curricular areas, going in depth and examining a topic from many angles, and increasing students engagement and interest. Deep Learning Through the Gift of TimeStudents are given long blocks of time in which to work on projects. Teachers have in-depth weekly meetings in which to collaborate, discuss student progress, and engage in professional development. Educating the Whole ChildThe focus is not just on academic growth, but also physical and social-emotional development. Connected CommunityStudents, teachers, staff, and parents are all considered integral parts of the school community. Teachers focus on developing a strong community within the classroom as well ...Read More