Our students think outside the box, and learn beyond the classroom.
The defining feature of OFA is that subjects usually taught in isolation (science, history, English, for example) are brought together in a central core class, organized by a larger, real world scenario. Our interdisciplinary approach emphasizes active learning, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, equipping students with the adaptability to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Every quarter we will explore a new Core theme: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. OFA Core themes are designed to be integrated, open, and rhythmic, spiraling through topics so that each time students return to particular subjects they gain a layer of additional meaning.
Each year, as students participate in experiments, observations, creation, and ecological work, they see how the math, chemistry, physics, biology, and philosophy that they study applies to the real world around them. As they improve their writing skills, they become more empowered to communicate and succeed in life.
Daily Schedule
Every morning we start with an hour in the forest. Sometimes this has a focus activity, like an ecological lesson or task, and sometimes it is free work time for students to build, socialize, and explore.
Next, we travel by bike or foot to our indoor space, the Schoolhouse. There we have classes in math and ELA.
During the lunch hour, students organize clubs.
Afternoons are dedicated to our core curriculum, with science, music, and history, and literature. We return to the forest in the mid-afternoon.
Educational Outcomes and Graduation
As a Montessori high school, our goal is to produce students who are socially conscious individuals who are excited by the adult world. They are adaptable and capable young adults who have valorized their own personality. They have a sense of social justice, ecological responsibility, and economic independence.
High school students earn the credits required for graduation. Each year OFA’s coursework provides a credit of Math, ELA, Science, and Humanities. These are supplemented by half credits that vary each year, in Health, Creative Expressions, Ecology, Economics, History, etc. Students create portfolios of their best work, including independent projects, written assignments, tests, and creative expressions.
Students receive a variety of feedback throughout the year, including scored assessments, teacher conference, and progress reports. They receive detailed end-of-year reports from each teacher, and a transcript.
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