The Sage Solution
The Foundation of The Sage School is that adolescence is a critical developmental period. We use a vast array of resources- teachers, texts, technology, service experiences, local experts, mentors, outings, travel- to assist students on their journey towards self understanding. As teenagers work on figuring out who they are, they amass an understanding of their local and global communities, and begin a journey of discovery that ultimately leads to knowledge and wisdom.
The Sage School combines modern brain science with an understanding of the developmental tasks of adolescence to create a more personally meaningful and rich school experience. Our hands-on experiences typically combine the biological and social sciences with writing and literature in a real-world project. Our curriculum is project-based and service oriented, and we value social, emotional, ecological, and interpersonal intelligence.
The Sage Approach is:
In this active and social environment, students experience themselves as significant and appreciated members of a community. Each is safe to explore his or her emerging identity and to express individuality. By experiencing the strength of their own voices within a social and academic context, the students develop a sense of self, a sense of place, and a sense of meaning that is integral to their education. This awareness of self, place, and community manifests in the students' eagerness to take responsibility for their individual and community lives.
While engaging in meaningful work, students are exploring who they are in relation to their peers and community, and are developing social awareness and social intelligence. Sage students are part of an intimate collective of learners and teachers, and engage with adult professionals through service, internships, and visiting experts. Our curriculum extends beyond the classroom to incorporate the cultural, human, and natural resources of the Wood River Valley and surrounding areas.
We integrate core academic skill and content into real world experience. These experiences yield important journeys and products, which serve as real world "tests." From using individual family histories to construct and perform the story of America as a theater production, to creating and curating a professional photography exhibit around adolescence and identity construction, to growing and selling food while studying the origins of agriculture, the Sage student is immersed in active learning. The tangible consequences and rewards of active learning inspire students to take on responsibilities with pride and enthusiasm.
