Principles – What We Do and Why

Austin EcoSchool’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and exploration. Rather than adopting and adhering to any one educational philosophy, we chose to integrate a wide range of successful educational strategies that support individual learning styles and interests. This educational system has married intellectual training with the development of the child’s physical, creative, and moral capacities.

kids working with their handsWe seek to nurture in our children a joyful understanding of themselves as important members of their communities, to empower them to think creatively and critically, and to foster practices that reflect our belief that each person has an important role in protecting the environment and building a positive future. We model and encourage constructive behavior, use positive redirection, and facilitate peaceful conflict resolution.

Designed to make learning natural, relevant, and lasting, the Austin EcoSchool curriculum is cross-disciplinary and theme-based, encompassing Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Music.

Each week culminates with educational games on Village Day. Role-playing immerses children in an interactive historical adventure that challenges them to solve problems as a group. In the Game of Village children explore the world at large by creating a world in miniature.

Foundation

Austin EcoSchool’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and exploration. Rather than adopting and adhering to any one educational philosophy, we chose to integrate a wide range of successful educational strategies that support individual learning styles and interests. This educational system has married intellectual training with the development of the child’s physical, creative, and moral capacities.

Philosophy

We understand that children’s school experiences are a very big part of their lives. They will keep these memories and learning lessons throughout their lives.

one on one with studentHere at Austin EcoSchool, we strive to meet each child where they are, and guide them gently toward their potential. Every child deserves to have individual attention from a teacher.

Noncompetitive activities, both individual and team, build development of trust and respect.

Environment

By creating an ecologically sound school environment that promotes the interconnection of the whole child – physical, personal, social, intellectual, spiritual, and ethical – along with a deep connection to wider community, we seek to give students the life-long love of learning, creative thinking, a sympathetic interest in the world, self-confidence, and an abiding moral purpose. In essence, we endeavor to develop free human beings, who are able to give purpose and direction to their own lives.

Ecologically Sound

Austin EcoSchool students learn and play in an environment that is free from chemical toxins typically found in cleansers, paint, flooring, and more. From chemicals to teaching methods, we are, as a school and as a community, committed to minimizing the toxic influences that might exist in a learning environment.

May Fest and Village Mini Fair

Saturday, May 18th, 2 pm

EcoSchools’ annual May Fest is all set to be loads of fun and the Village Mini Fair just always is!

Come make a *Peep (a what?!) and take it for a whirl on the miniature Ferris wheel.
Or, if your Peep is feeling very adventurous, take off on the Bubble Blaster – always a wild ride and a hoot!  Or go the Peep Disco Dance Hall, or the zip line race course, or the Whirling Fan of Doom (sure to big a hit with the hard core thrill seekers!) – or, well, the list just goes on and on….

Perhaps your Peep is a little more low key, more of a shopper than a thrill seeker – well then, take it on the tour of Peep Homes or to the Village Market and see what simply cannot be lived without! Peep hats, shawls and shoes, pets and exotic animals from far and wide, dishes, tools, furnishings and more.

In addition to the Village Mini Fair we have live youth music groups, food, various “green” info stalls and a fun activities for the kids.

* A Peep is a 3″ tall doll with huge ideas, plans and ambitions and they just LOVE the Village Mini Fair, where everything is just their size and they can really “let their hair down”!

Y’all come on down for a rip roarin’ good time!

NOW ENROLLING

We are accepting enrollment for the Fall 2013-Spring 2014 school year for ages 5-14. You can download the application packet from the enrollment page.

ALT-ED AUSTIN ARTICLE ON VILLAGE DAY

AltEd Austin has a great article on Austin EcoSchool’s Village Day!

GROWINTOGETHER

GrowinTogether Afternoon Enrichment Program fuses the creative arts with permaculture in a group-centered, democratically-structured environment. Program includes physical activity, movie-making, gardening, carpentry, cooking, Urban Explorer field trips and more! Activities run 3:45-6pm Monday through Friday with mixed-income youth aged 5-14 on the EcoSchool Campus. Space is limited, enroll today! Learn more

Growing Up. Growing in. Growing Together. Cultivating our youth to grow a beautiful, sustainable world.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Austin Ecoschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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