Entering into relational covenants and accepting real-world consequences prepares students to discover who they are and how they fit into this world.
Hands-on projects prepare students for real-world challenges and equip them with actual skills to be successful in their calling.
Thought-provoking discussions and self-paced mastery of core skills equip students to be lifelong learners.
Embracing rigor is part of saying “yes” to a Hero's Journey, that life-long adventure that each ordinary person faces. Deep learning brings a special sense of joy, but the mastery required for a Hero's Journey goes even further, requiring commitment, discipline, and hard work towards a worthy goal.
Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by…
Earning Badges: Parents use badges to track academic progress in core skills like reading, writing, math, and spelling as well as character development with "Learn to Be" badges.
Assembling Portfolios: Electronic and hard copy portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, video, and other creative work.
Taking Part in Public Exhibitions: Public exhibitions at the end of most sessions allow young heroes to present work to experts, customers, or the public for a real world test.
Learning Re-Imagined
Spark Studio: Ages 5-8
Friendship, character development, Montessori manipulatives and play.
Discovery Studio: Ages 8-13
Curiosity, goal setting, community building, project based exploration in all subjects.
Explorer Studio: Ages 12-14
Coming in 2021
Threefold School is fundamentally different than traditional schools. No bells ringing every 50 minutes. No lecturing. No one-size-fits-all approach. And no homework. We just provide structured freedom for student driven learning.
Days start with a thought-provoking discussion followed by a significant block of time to work on core skills like math and reading. Spark Heroes explore Montessori manipulatives. Discovery Heroes use the latest educational software to work towards goals they have set in collaboration with guides and parents, and are often found seeking assistance from and offering assistance to their fellow learners.
In the afternoon, Spark Heroes have the chance to learn through unstructured loose parts play. In the Discovery Studio, a large block of time is devoted to real world projects that we call Quests. Usually lasting four to six weeks, each Quest includes a series of challenges bound by a compelling narrative and is designed to deliver 21st century skills while simultaneously incorporating traditional topics like science, social studies, and history.
Smaller blocks of time throughout the week are devoted to physical development and the arts.
Students have the flexibility to move around and learn however they are most comfortable. They have the freedom to take breaks when needed.
Students create and sign a Contract of Promises describing how each individual will act and the consequences for violating community norms.
Mentor teams encourage younger and older students to listen, affirm, set goals, and hold each other accountable.
Students earn "Learn to Be" badges that celebrate character and the completion of leadership challenges.
Threefold School is modeled after Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. Click to see what a day in an Acton Academy studio might look like.
