About Us
About PPOS
Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) is an intentionally small tuition-free, public charter school in Pagosa Springs, CO. PPOS is chartered through Archuleta School District and governed by an independent, volunteer board of directors.
Project Based Learning
The experience of thousands of teachers across all grade levels and subject areas, backed by research, confirms that Project-based learning (PBL) is an effective and enjoyable way to learn and develop deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career, and civic life. PBL is not merely an excellent tool for learning academic skills; it also strengthens a child’s ability to successfully collaborate, and to persevere in the face of challenges. PPOS uses PBL as a way to engage students in both academic learning and growth towards our core values.
Place-based education is another exciting component to the educational model of Pagosa Peak Open School. Place-based education (PBE) immerses students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, visual arts, agriculture, science and other subjects. The main purpose of “outdoor education” is to provide meaningful contextual experiences—in both natural and constructed environments. This education can occur both inside and outside the classroom. PBL and PBE both complement each other as high quality projects are rooted in the community and impact the community in a positive way.
Pagosa Peak Open School: Core Values
Lifelong Learners
We construct knowledge by taking responsibility for our learning with a growth mindset.
Learners seek answers, take risks, reflect, and approach learning with action.
Quality and Meaningful Work
Meaningful work is worth doing well and produces confidence and pride. We discover and
pursue personal interests, joy, and share our passion and knowledge in the classroom and
community. Flexible thinkers value wonder and diverse perspectives; we ask questions and
seek answers together. Learning is most powerful in the context of a rich and equitable
environment that encourages play and collaboration.
Community
Connection to and pride in our community fuels learning and a sense of place. We build community by practicing empathy, respect and mutual care. We create opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully, and forge connections through shared eperiences.
Whole and Healthy Humans
We are at our best when we are healthy, safe and supported. Cultivating awareness of our bodies, minds and emotions, grounds and connects us. Authenticity is supported by promoting a sense of belonging. We recognize and affirm feelings, notice how words and actions impact others, and respect the need for connection and solitude.
Small School Big Family
“Small School Big Family” were the words one of our students used to describe PPOS. This part of PPOS’s culture is hard to describe in words, but is felt by each student in the building. As a small school community each student is welcomed into our community and their differences are honored and celebrated. Teacher-student relationships are a high priority for us and teachers really “know” their students. Our school discipline policy is rooted in restorative practices, focusing on repairing the harm rather than punishing the behavior. This strengthens relationships on all levels.
Year Round Schedule
As a school we value the field work, gardening, and outdoor activities that help our students learn. In order to maximize this learning we have adopted a modified year-round schedule. This schedule begins the school year in mid August and ends the school year at the end of June. This allows for our students to be at PPOS in order to plant the garden and back in time for the harvest. It allows us to run our Peak Week Intensives during the month of June when the weather is more dependable for our outdoor activities.
The year-round schedule also has positive academic impacts. In many schools the long summer creates a trend we call the “summer learning loss”. At PPOS our benchmark testing of NWEA and DIBELS shows a growth between the spring and fall rather than a learning loss. The additional breaks throughout the year allow for students and teachers to rejuvenate and return to class ready to learn. See this year’s calendar on our website here for more information on these breaks.
