It may seem obvious, but learning is something
we do all the time-not just in the classroom. Whether we are sitting in front of a computer or sitting in front of a teacher, we are interpreting information and storing it away for future use. The skills we learn in science lab may be the very skills we put to use when changing our first tire. Unfortunately, many students only associate ‘learning’ with desks, textbooks, and useless and inapplicable information. Students often come to the traditional classroom fearful, discouraged, and disinterested.
At Trails Carolina our aim is to rekindle our learners' academic wonderment. Whatever their distractions have been - emotional, behavioral, academic, or motivational - we hope to provide them with a chance to see learning with ‘new eyes’ and to practice new therapeutic tools in a real-world context. Sometimes all it takes to spark a student’s curiosity is to present the information in a novel way.
Ultimately, our goal is to reengage our students so that they can see themselves as successful and able learners. In so doing, we hope to foster critical thinking skills in our students - analytic skills that can be used to determine how to conduct oneself in uncomfortable situations, to interpret the latest political scandal, and to inform ethical decisions.
Education Questions and Answers
What does a typical day look like in the classroom?
While the order of events may vary from day to day, a day in the classroom may look like this: class begins with some kind of focusing activity (breathing techniques, stretching, or yoga). Daily lessons are focused on topics in personal wellness, Earth science (weather, water, geology, soil, etc.), and English. Literature selections correlate with broad themes at TRAILS Carolina (rites of passages, heroes' quests), and students are encouraged to approach narratives from both critical and personal perspectives
How many credits do you offer?
Trails Carolina offers up to 2 credits in Earth/Environmental Science, English, and Physical Education.
Course Work Description
| - English |
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| - Physical Education | ||
| - Earth/ Environmental Science |
Can you work with my child's current school to facilitate course work?
Yes. Read this letter for more information on how this works.
How are students evaluated?
As the TRAILS Carolina classroom is an untraditional one, evaluation is based upon effort, engagement, and achievement. For that reason we utilize a pass/fail system instead of letter grades. Students also receive personal, hand-written feedback on the work they complete in the classroom.
How are individual student needs/abilities addressed?
The school day targets a variety of different learning modalities. Students are asked to engage in the material in numerous ways so that their preferred learning style is addressed. In addition, students may be encouraged to read independently based upon skill level and interests.
How will Trails education program prepare students for re-entry into their future schools and colleges?
Trails Carolina seeks to bridge the gap between alternative and traditional education. We believe that human beings learn by experiencing. In fact, the process of learning is often more important than the product. While even the most learned scholar may not understand all the intricacies of a given passage of Shakespeare, the process of analysis and skill set that he employs will prove a life-long tool.
Brian Johnson is dedicated to the idea
that “education” is more than
a classroom affair.
828-606-0589
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