Expeditionary Learning at SNACS
At Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School, we offer a multifaceted curriculum that includes Expeditionary Learning (EL). As a tuition-free public K-8 charter school in the Reno area, our devoted teachers make learning come alive for their students. The SNACS faculty curates expeditionary learning opportunities that deepen and implement our students’ knowledge through hands-on experiences.
What is Expeditionary Learning (EL)?
Expeditionary Learning (EL) is the philosophy of learning by doing, reflecting, and applying knowledge through real-world experiences. The curriculum is carefully planned to have clear learning goals. EL is grounded in the idea that when children are engaged in meaningful and challenging work, they have an easier time gaining knowledge.
What are the Benefits of Expeditionary Learning?
- Critical Thinking – Connecting real-world experiences to academics
- Collaboration – Integrating group and individual learning
- Active Citizen – Engage with the local community
- Leadership – Help students develop leadership skills
- Compassion, Connection, and a Sense of Belonging
EL at SNACS
At SNACS, we utilize Expeditionary Learning because it gives our students the opportunity to apply their knowledge. EL Days not only impact the North Valleys and Reno-Sparks communities, but they also align with our mission: “SNACS leads education innovation through personalized learning via PLAY, choice, and exploration within our small school community.”
Through our EL days, SNACS students learn by doing, and our faculty have seen firsthand the impact these days have on our students. CEO and SNACS Founder Dr. Kimberly Regan, Ed.D., shares the difference an EL day can have on a child:
“It’s a great experience for our students after reading and learning about it from a book, and then actually seeing it or experiencing it. The culmination of what they learn in the classroom is translated to real-world experience. You’re more likely to learn by doing instead of just reading from a textbook or a single modality. When they return to the classroom, they’ve had a great experience and are motivated to get to the next EL day.” – Dr. Kimberly Regan, CEO and SNACS Founder
Learning By Doing
We are proud to partner with a plethora of organizations around Nevada. Our activities range from student-led experiences to entities that come out and lead the experience. From the Audubon Society bringing birds to our campus to beekeepers teaching about bees and honey to the Federal Bureau of Land Management bringing wild Mustangs and domestic horses, we bring immeasurable opportunities to our students. Our students love the variety of EL days and hands-on activities and oftentimes get to dress up to match the special day, including pioneer and ranch outfits! Over the past 25 years, we’ve offered opportunities such as milking a cow, making butter and biscuits, mining for gold and even a taxidermy EL day.
Expeditionary Learning is a great way to honor Nevada throughout the school year. Let SNACS help you choose a successful adventure for your child. We look forward to welcoming your child, preschool through 8th grade, to the SNACS small school community. Enroll with SNACS today – call (775) 677- 4500 to take a tour!
About SNACS
Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School (SNACS) is a Tuition-Free Public K-8 Charter School with free preschool options. As Nevada’s first charter school, we have served our community for 25 years as a standout school of choice and personalized learning. We nurture self-directed learners through choice, prioritizing expeditionary learning and offering a unique, proprietary, hands-on P.L.A.Y. model (Promoting Learning and Accountability in Youth). Now in a new location, 10 miles north of Reno, SNACS brings the small school experience back to the neighborhood. Education – with a choice! We’re enrolling for Fall 2024-2025.