OUR APPROACH
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Learning to do
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Learning to be
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Learning to learn
At Greenfields Academy, we believe that learning to do, learning to be, and learning to learn are more important than memorization alone—a.k.a., learning only to know and not to apply.
Greenfields Academy is a 21st century micro-school—grades K-12—that employs project-based learning, Socratic discussions, learner-driven technology, and real-world apprenticeships to help students thrive and take control of their own learning.
Our Promises to Your Child:
He, she, or they will:
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Begin a Hero’s Journey.
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Learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner.
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Develop a deep respect for economic, political, and religious freedoms.
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Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world, and the mysteries of life on Earth.
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Discover their most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems.
Our Core Values:
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We believe each child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
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We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.
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We believe in learning to do, learning to be, and learning to learn.
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We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Methods:
SOCRATIC GUIDING
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Socratic discussions and self-paced learning equip children to ask meaningful questions, problem solve, respect different perspectives, and become lifelong independent learners.
Hands-on quests, a.k.a. project-based learning, prepares kids for real-life challenges, peer collaboration, and apprenticeships. They develop and apply multiple skills simultaneously, all while having fun.
SELF-PACED LEARNING
STUDENT-LED
We use educational technology so kids can learn at their own level and pace. This liberates them from lecture-based learning and being held back or pushed ahead by other students in class. Each child learns in the style best suited for him/her/or them.
A democratic space of empowered children where their voices in decision-making provide direction for how the school functions. Students learn how to be leaders, and especially how to listen and empathize with each other.
What Sets Us Apart:
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We have Guides, not teachers
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We have mixed-age Studios, not classrooms
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We have Portfolios and Exhibitions, not grades
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We have Contracts and Covenants, not rules
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We ask questions, not lecture
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No homework!
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Hands-on and E-learning
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Students learn at their own pace
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Travel is encouraged
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Apprenticeships begin in middle school
The Griffin Experience:
At Greenfields Academy, students are called Griffins and are on a Hero's Journey. They are trusted and empowered to be responsible for their own learning and to use their gifts to change the world. Our Griffin-driven environment puts children of all ages at the center of their learning, where they create and maintain personal goals, relational covenants, and real-life meaningful work.
Griffins at Greenfields Academy learn together in mixed-aged rooms, where they have the freedom to move around and take care of their individual needs. Griffins learn to be mentored and to be mentors for other Griffins.
Guides—what we call teachers—are not lecturers (a sage on a stage), but rather facilitators for human growth (a guide by your side). Parents and Griffins can track their growth and progress via our online dashboard that is updated daily.
