Northpoint Essentials


The essentials of Northpoint are based on five core practices of Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound (ELS) which include: Learning Expeditions, Culture and Character, Active Pedagogy, Leadership and School Improvement and Structures, and also ELS’s 10 design principles.

The following program elements are essential to the creation of Northpoint, as a model expeditionary learning school.

LEARNING EXPEDITIONS
The curriculum is delivered through learning expeditions, which are in-depth studies of a compelling topic incorporating standards, utilizing fieldwork and promoting service, and typically is interdisciplinary.

STANDARDS-BASED GRADING & ASSESSMENT
A standards-based system allows students, parents and other stakeholders to be clear about the LEARNING TARGETS for each course and how the student is progressing toward each target. In each course, students will receive two grades: one for academic achievement and one for character/behavior grade, which is also involves targets and multiple assessments.

INTENSIVES
At the end of each term, students will participate in intensives, which are extended periods of time dedicated to the study of one topic, subject or may involve assistance in making-up and reaching learning targets not met in previous term.

COLLEGE BOUND ORIENTATION
Northpoint will prepare every student for post-secondary education. Each will be given assistance in researching the best post-secondary option and be assigned a mentor from the Prescott area, supporting them on their quest for higher education.

CREW
At Northpoint, everyone is a part of the crew, not a passenger. In this spirit, small crews, or teams of students and an adult advisor, meet daily to discuss academic issues, share accomplishments, problem-solve individual or school issues and organize student work for portfolios or exhibitions. While building relationships, crew time helps establish accountability and foster a culture of caring.

HETEROGENEOUS GROUPING
Students are not tracked, or leveled at Northpoint. All students are expected to demonstrate academic mastery in their rigorous studies. Students who require additional intervention, either because of a disability or life circumstance, will be given appropriate support.

EXTENDED LEARNING TIME
Opportunities will be provided for extended learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day and school year, both for enrichment and skill support purposes.

BLOCK SCHEDULING
Classes will typically run for 75-90 minutes of time, supporting interdisciplinary, field-based, collaborative learning centered upon expeditions.

LOOPING
Students will work with the same academic discipline teachers for two years, during their 9 th and 10 th grade school years and again in 11th and 12th grade.

PASSAGE PORTFOLIOS
All students must successfully complete these high-stakes events before moving on to the next grade or to graduate. The passage portfolio is a collection of the student’s best work that demonstrates mastery of learning and character targets, accompanied by pieces of self-assessment and reflection. During the presentation of the passage portfolio, students articulate with staff and family what they have learned and why their work demonstrates readiness to move on.

JUNIOR INTERNSHIPS
Each junior will work with a staff member to design and prepare for an internship, taking place during the intensive time period. The internship must include: a compelling topic, a strong reading and writing component, powerful fieldwork and a product that reflects deepened understanding of the content studied and skills learned.

SENIOR EXPEDITIONS
Each senior will have the opportunity to design his or her own expedition that allows for a deep understanding of a topic for which they are passionate. Guided by a school or community mentor, accomplished with the assistance of an “expert” in the field, and presented to a panel of students, staff and community members, the expedition demonstrates the ability to be a self-directed learner and respected citizen.

WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
All students will get the chance to spend time in the natural world, exploring, investigating and extending their understanding of the world.

EXTRA-CURRICULARS
A variety of extra-curricular activities will be offered at Northpoint that reflect students’ interests and school mission.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Parents/Guardians are expected to be involved at Northpoint in a variety of ways, ranging from participation in student-led conferences to volunteer opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All Northpoint staff members will be expected to participate in 31 days of intense professional development, split into 14 days of institutes (Reading Institute 5 days; Writing Institute 4 days; High School Institute 5 days) & 17 days of curriculum development and culture building. The principal and instructional guide will have additional professional development opportunities beyond the required days for teachers.