Independent Studies

(ages 14-18)

 

Our independent study program is an offering that is specifically targeted towards supporting a small group of gifted independent students who have graduated our One-Room Schoolhouse program, and whose parents are committed to homeschooling with adventure and joy through high school.

We know how important it is to balance individuality and community for our oldest students.  

 

Our independent studies students pursue self-directed study with support from our guides, parents and larger community.

High School Studies

Working together with their guides and parents, these students will construct their own independent study plan based on their interests and educational goals.  Guides will help students select (or design) coursework, put together digital portfolios and transcripts to demonstrate their learning.

For families who have a 4 year university or college in mind after graduation, and want to build accredited transcripts, we offer enrollment in West River Academy as a part of our all-inclusive membership package. 

 

Forest Classroom

Working outside with our Forest Wisdom Guide as well as our Caretaker, our oldest students will take on some added caretaking responsibilities, including getting to propose, draft and have a hand in building new additions to the school property. 

They will also get to interact with the rest of the school as Junior Staff and will be expected to demonstrate their own outdoor education by teaching the younger children.  

At Your Own Pace

High school can be stressful because most of the time, you’re following someone else’s schedule.  At AWS, the students make the schedule.  This allows them the opportunity to study deeply and passionately.  Courses can be accelerated or extended, depending on each individual’s needs.

Entrepreneurship

We encourage all of our independent studies participants to start their own businesses.  Having access to mentors who are entrepreneurs themselves will be key to starting and maintaining successful business enterprises during their teenage years.

Weekly Adventure Days

Our independent studies students will have the option to join the rest of the school as we explore local museums, parks, theater productions, nature centers, ski hills, and more to bring our lessons to life!