The Aspen Ridge Trailways
Technology Trail
Children today live in a digital world – they operate digitally and they think digitally. Students will learn how to effectively operate and adapt the technology available to them. Society and the world will not only expect full technological understanding and capability but demand it. Students will be in the early stages of the technological learning curve, and one of the Aspen Ridge goals is to ensure that they possess a strong foundation and confidence in their abilities to maximize technological opportunities. Students will access these opportunities by using technology in school projects as well as through time in a computer lab. In addition, students will see the use of technology modeled in the delivery of instruction.
International Trail
In order to provide students with a solid educational foundation, it is the intent of the Aspen Ridge Charter School to focus, study, and incorporate elements of the International Trail across the learning experience so that students will be prepared to compete in the global economy. Interconnected relationships will be discovered through explorations, primarily within social studies classes, of various cultures, languages, history, physical geography, and economic concerns. As early as kindergarten, students will be exposed to a second language and will focus on a region of the world to develop an in-depth understanding of other cultures. This will continue throughout the students’ journey from kinder through eighth grade at Aspen Ridge.
Nature Trail
Equally important in understanding the world, students will develop an appreciation and connection to the natural environment while traveling along the Nature Trail. It is the hope of the Founders that while grounding their learning in technology and in understanding the global nature of society that Aspen Ridge Preparatory School students also remain grounded in the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. Explorations in the environment will take place through adventures to farms, museums, nature walks, and businesses in the community as well as through guest speakers and student projects. These activities will be mostly incorporated into science and physical education classes.
Personal Development Trail
The Founders of the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School also believe that the core to any educational program is a strong emphasis on personal exploration through character development and civic awareness. To usher students along the Personal Development Trail, Aspen Ridge uses IN FOCUS to reinforce appropriate social interactions as well as conflict resolution. All teachers and staff members will be expected to model appropriate behavior on a daily basis. In Aspen Ridge’s effort to further cultivate the idea of building character and one’s role in the world around them, each student will participate annually in activities that support civic, environmental, and charitable organizations or causes within the community. Opportunities to reinforce positive personal qualities will occur primarily in reading and writing classes although reminders and examples will be seen school wide every day.