A Special Place for Learning
The Magic of Crew
- "There are no passengers, we are all crew."
- Each student meets daily with a faculty advisor in a small group called a crew.
- These small, supportive groups enhance the child's social experience and provide opportunities for meaningful relationships with other students and the faculty advisor.
- The crew leader serves as the child's go-to person for school issues.
Small Classes Team Teaching
- Students are assigned to a Core Team of two teachers who work closely to develop curriculum and expeditions.
- A core team consists of one teacher whose focus is on Language Arts and Social Studies, and one teacher whose focus is on Math and Science.
- Students are grouped heterogeneously on Core Teams, with the exception of Math.
- Students are grouped by performance-based ability for math and may have an off team teacher for this class.
- The small class and Core Team size allows for students to further develop important social relationships with peers and faculty.
Student and Family Volunteer Requirements
- Students and families are expected to complete volunteer work for the benefit of the school community.
- Students are required to complete community service within their own community as a graduation requirement.
- Parental involvement in the school through a variety of volunteer opportunities enhances the home-school link vital for middle school students.
- Parents and community members are invited to open community meetings every week.
Rigorous Academic Standards
- McAuliffe Regional CPS has developed rigorous promotion standards for students.
- Students are provided with a variety of support services to ensure that standards are attainable.
- Supports include an after school homework club supervised by faculty.
Outstanding Faculty
- The highly qualified and diverse faculty bring with them a wide range of experiences and passion for Expeditionary Learning.
- Faculty are chosen after a rigorous screening process that includes interviews with administration, peers, and feedback from students after demonstration lessons.
- All McAuliffe Regional CPS teachers share the belief that academic excellence and personal growth are inextricably linked.
School Supported Social Events
- The school holds many social events each year in collaboration with the Parent Teacher Group.
- Faculty and parent volunteers ensure that these events are positive for all students.
- For new and interested families, the school hosts, among other events, ice cream socials, a chocolate chip pancake breakfast, an introduction to adventure and a "visit a crew day."
(1) Turning Points, 2004