Academics
eagle rock academics are:
Competency Based
Restorative
Holistic
Values Based
we focus on:
Engaging, Deep Learning
Embodied Leadership
Beloved Community
Classes
Eagle Rock Classes:
- Center the learner
- Remain small, with a maximum of 12 students per class
- Are mixed age and mixed ability
- Are interdisciplinary: instructors collaborate across subjects to create unique curriculum
- Are grounded in the 5 Expectations of 8+5=10
- Keep evolving to meet the interests and needs of our current learners
Academic Learning Models include:
- Project based learning
- Social emotional learning
- Group learning
- Work based learning
- Experiential learning
Demonstrations of Learning include:
- Portfolios
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Projects
- Presentations
Meow Wolf Assessment Example
In Meow Wolf: The Art of Immersion, students transformed a space on campus into an immersive, interactive art installation piece.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Every Eagle Rock student works toward proficiency on their Individualized Learning Plan (ILP). While everyone must meet every requirement on the ILP, how you meet the requirements is unique to you; you have the opportunity to build your own educational path.
Common on every ILP:
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5 Power Standards connected to Eagle Rock’s 5 Expectations
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A minimum of 24 Distribution Requirements
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Required Experiences and Rites of Passage: service learning, new student and graduate wilderness trips, peer mentorship, POLs, and demonstrations of personal growth throughout a student’s career
Real World Learning
Real World Learning
Real World Learning (RWL) is an opportunity for students to gain valuable work skills and experience, getting a head start on achieving their career goals.
In the summer trimester, students spend the first half of the term on campus taking classes. For the month of July, they head off campus to engage in RWL opportunities. These immersive experiences are all credit-bearing, and fall in three main categories: professional, educational and experiential.
In addition to gaining experience, students develop the following skills with staff support: resume writing, interviewing, networking, and building relationships with potential employers. They have the chance to explore different work environments and roles, personal and professional skills, new academic subjects, and perhaps most importantly, discover what they want and don’t want in their life after Eagle Rock.
Sample RWL Opportunities
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Internships
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Academic pre-college programs
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Lifeguard training and certification
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Youth mentoring for summer school programs
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Summer camp or restaurant jobs
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Driver’s education
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Outdoor leadership: National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound expeditions
Life After Eagle Rock
Life After Eagle Rock
Life after Eagle Rock (LAER), is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Our alumni find pathways that resonate with their values, aspirations, and desire to be in community. Some of our alumni go on to college, some go on to trade school, some enter the military, some take a gap year, some enter the workforce right away, some start their own business.
When we talk about supporting life after Eagle Rock while students are on campus, we take an inclusive, positive and supportive approach. Support includes:
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Graduate seminar class
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Weekly advisory
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College visits / tours / info sessions
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Required Life Skills trainings
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SAT prep
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Support with college applications and financial aid
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Guidance and feedback on college essays, resumes and cover letters
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Interview skills and practice
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Real-World Learning [link]
We believe a commitment to life-long learning is critical to well-being and happiness. What form this learning takes is flexible based on a young person’s needs. We help prepare our graduates for their journey after Eagle Rock, whichever path they choose.
Pathways
Have a look at a sampling of options that Eagle Rock graduates have pursued:
California Conservation Corps: Back Country Trails Program
Western State College of Construction
Emily Griffith Technical College
College Matriculation
Many of our alumni choose to go to college after graduation. Increasingly, they are taking advantage of community college, and university attendance remains a common option. Our dedicated staff have been critical in helping students secure scholarships for college, breaking down financial barriers to pursuing their dreams.
The Graduate Fund
All of our graduates have access to the Graduate Fund to help them finance their post-secondary learning experiences. Some will use this fund to pay for college tuition, others will pay for online coursework, in-person workshops, or other means to level up their skills. The graduate fund supports a wide range of learning opportunities that allow our graduates to get closer to their future goals.
Alumni Spotlight
Name: Taileigh
Home State: Massachusetts
Taileigh started her Eagle Rock career with a strong interest in helping others. This was initially in the healthcare field with some thoughts about teaching. As she uncovered more interests and skill sets in Eagle Rock classes, Taileigh found a passion for social justice work and writing. She took on leadership as a Lead Student Ambassador, in her residential house, and within Eagle Rock’s LGBTQIA+ community. These experiences further expanded Taileigh’s thoughts of how she might help others in her future work.
Postsecondary Plans: Colorado College with a race, ethnicity, and migration major.
Name: Angel
Home State: California
Angel’s life after graduation plans started with his first wilderness trip. As he completed the final run-in, he knew he wanted to spend as much time outdoors as possible. During his Eagle Rock career, Angel spent more than 150 days in the wilderness as a participant, student instructor, and staff member. This includes an epic 30-day course in the Waddington mountain range with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), largely considered to be one of the most challenging outdoor courses available.
Postsecondary Plans: Wilderness instructor at a camp and continued NOLS instructor training.
Name: Cody
Home State: Texas
Cody came to Eagle Rock with some deep skepticism around attending college. Yet as he learned in classes, and uncovered a strong interest in health, wellness, athletics, and exercise, he realized that the health sciences would be the right path for his future. Cody furthered this interest by revamping Eagle Rock’s Workout Warrior program, creating a platform that was more inclusive, clear, and supportive of a wide range of workout opportunities for students. He plans to continue to connect with others around their exercise and health goals in the future.
Postsecondary Plans: Colorado State University with a major in exercise science.