Uncharted Shores Academy

thematic, interactive, family style learning at small group learning stations

we contract special ed and resource services from the district

All 5-8 use computers daily, K-4 use computers once or twice a week. 1 computer for every 4-5 students.

won basketabll district championship 2009-2010.

chess, choir, yearbook, drama

sufficient for our needs

no official uniform, but uniforms with school logo available for those who wish to wear it. School shirts encouraged for field trips.

Uncharted Shores Academy provides thematic, interactive, family-style education implemented using hands-on explorative activities, facilitated through teacher-developed resources, extended with individual student inquiry, and supported by parent participation in the education process.

We at Uncharted Shores Academy believe that students best learn through thematic integrated-subject instruction in small multi-aged cooperative group settings. Moreover, we adamantly believe that good character and well-developed social skills are essential to produce a student who is successful in life.

Uncharted Shores Academy began with a group of homeschooling parents who wanted more support and opportunities offered to their children than is currently instituted by the independent study schools now in operation. They envisioned a learning environment which provided thematic, interactive, family-style education implemented using hands-on explorative activities, facilitated through teacher-developed resources, extended with individual student inquiry, and supported by parent participation in the education process. The vision has since grown to include a commitment to all K-8 students who enjoy an interactive learning environment.

Margie Rouge, the founder of Uncharted Shores Academy and the school's first Executive Educational Director, designed the school's concept as she researched educational methods and studies showing the effectiveness of thematic, interactive education during her studies to obtain a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning. Shari Smithson, elementary teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, came on board as Instructional Director for the program during the school's first year of operation to implement the vision in the classroom. Together, the directors have built a program which offers three unique advantages:

1) Thematic, integrated-subject lessons, materials, and resources structured by teachers to implement in class situations and for parents to use in continuing the exploration at home.

2) Interactive learning using classroom experiences, home explorations, and the entire community to involve students in field trips, student presentations, competitions, programs, activities, contests, and events as an integral part of the student's educational experience.

3) Family-style educational experiences in multi-age, family-size learning groups, with parents continuing the learning experiences at home and in the community.

This is our third year of operation. Our 8th grade graduates have not yet graduated from high school, but have been performing very well in high school, including several who are taking college classes along with their high school courses.