Story Published: Jun 23, 2010 at 9:19 PM PST
Story Updated: Jun 23, 2010 at 9:19 PM PST
"Our first year we opened with grades K-5 because we didn't think we'd be able to recruit 6th graders to attend only one year at the school," said school board chairman Nils Peterson. "So, we're expanding to 6th grade because our 5th graders are graduating to 6th grade and happily, they're all returning."
Palouse-Prairie uses multi-grade classrooms, which differs from a traditional school setting. Executive Director Summer Clayton said the learning experience is what's attracting new students and their families to the school and increasing student retention rates.
It's about the school model, it's about the type of learning that takes place here; and yes, absolutely, that is a positive experience," said Clayton. "That's what's bringing our parents back, that's what has got them speaking. It's not about the charter, it's about the model."
The model Clayton refers to is known as expeditionary learning, which is the style by which material is taught to students at Palouse Prairie. Clayton said it gives the students a more hands-on and involved learning experience than traditional public schools.
"But for me, expeditionary learning is more than just about being hands-on, it's about actively engaging kids deeply so they can be minds-on as well," said Clayton.
Clayton said she and other administrators are currently thinking about expanding to 7th and 8th grade, if the financial support and resources allow them to do so.
