by Mistral Dodson | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, TPS Travel Study Program
The day has finally arrived. Nine Phoenix 6th-8th graders are ready to embark on their Travel Study Trip to Glen Canyon, Arizona. Anticipation is in the air. For some, this is their first trip. Others are experienced Phoenix travelers like James, whose 8th grade trip to Glen Canyon was canceled so now he joins us as a skilled assistant. We all have expectations and wishes for our trip.
Alfie imagines “The glossy sunset shining at me as if it wants to suck me into it. I just rest now, in silence, peace. Glen Canyon holds innumerable adventures, but for now, it is tranquil.
Levi sees Glen Canyon as “a magical mesa of river, rock, flora, and fauna at the surface, caves, ancient drawings and rock below. I look out the window at the view with promises of adventures to come.”
In Paul’s imagination, he feels “a wind blowing over my face. I look over a shadowy cliff and see water flowing faster than ever. It feels like I fell asleep and woke up in a dream. I realize where I am; the place I studied. The land I dreamt of is finally here and so am I.
Fiona remembers her trips to the Everglades and St. John as she imagines this year’s trip. “Lighthearted laughter echoes off the canyon’s amber walls. What once was warmth from golden hues parting from the sun against my cheeks turns to a warm response from a strongly woven community. Through wetlands and turquoise waters, to now rocky canyons and rivers, my people never let me fall from their ever-growing cradle.
Mira has “been so nervous since we boarded the plane and I’m nervous now because the day ahead is essentially a mystery to me, but I think about that first-step feeling into the canyon that I’m looking forward to. One more look out the window fuels me with confidence. I know I’m up for this challenge.
Audrey is thinking about the day ahead. “The idea of trudging up the steep foundation of the canyon makes my heart race with anticipation, but at the same moment, I’m anxious and worried for the adventure I will face. This land is not what it was, once a home for thousands of Native Americans with families and peaceful lives. After ghastly wars and conflicts, it is a place to remember, honor, and celebrate. I hope to keep that in mind when on the trail. I am ready.
Sattva anticipates a special connection. “I want to be set free from technology, hoping that I can learn and discover more about Glen Canyon, not just Glen Canyon, but myself. Exploring the wonders of the world as a Native American myself will help me understand my own roots. I might not be Navajo, Apache, or any other indigenous tribe, but the native peoples believe that no matter who you are, you are connected to everything.
Gavin is “simultaneously exceedingly excited and nervous. I don’t know much about the trip so the only things I’m anticipating good or bad are living with other people in a place I don’t know, and an all-day school experience with little or no free time. That’s what it seems at least, though the views and experiences are going to be amazing. I haven’t had an experience like that in my life.”
Arlo imagines himself “in the ancient canyon, rushing water filling away the bedded cliffs. Despite the sufficient research regarding the history of the mesa, I am certain I will carry on learning about the area; like the Colorado River forever changing the canyon that is my mind.”
After a long evening traveling from Boston to Phoenix and then to our hotel, we were happy to succumb to sleep, anticipating our journey to Page, AZ the next day when our study trip would actually begin.
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 31, 2024 | Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
How do you prepare them for High School, College, and Beyond?
Our answer is simple…kids leave Phoenix with an overflowing tool kit that contains their academic skills, executive functioning skills, social-emotional skills, and the MOST important part, knowing themselves as an independent learner.
Phoenix Graduates are prepared for High School, College, and beyond because our unique program focuses on providing students with the creative, technical, social, and critical knowledge necessary for success. Phoenix graduates are consistently accepted at top secondary schools and go on to prestigious colleges and universities.
Phoenix graduates are…
Creative contributors, comfortable, confident, and experienced in working collaboratively with others to solve “real world” problems in new and original ways. They are flexible thinkers, risk-takers, and life-long learners.
Critical thinkers, who take an active role in their learning. They are well-versed in analyzing and solving complicated problems, evaluating possibilities and making choices, applying information to new situations, and making connections.
Good with people, eloquent speakers, presenting their ideas with confidence. They are confident, constructive team players, ready to collaborate and problem-solve. They are empathetic people, capable of listening to different points of view, reaching consensus, and evaluating solutions.
People of character, who are always ready to lend a hand. They care about others and the world in which they live.
We are dedicated to shaping graduates who not only excel academically but also possess the resilience, creativity, and social awareness needed for the challenges of High School, College, and beyond. Our commitment to innovative and personalized education empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate contributors to their communities.
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 26, 2024 | Uncategorized
🌟 What sets Phoenix apart? We help students understand themselves and their role in local and global communities. Learning is a lifelong journey, and it happens everywhere they go!
Here’s how we do it 👇🏽
🔥 Learning isn’t confined to textbooks and classrooms – it’s an education that spans doing, being, exploring, experimenting, questioning, researching, designing, engineering, leadership, community, and the list goes on!
🏰 At Phoenix, students don’t just learn – they think critically, explore deeply, collaborate, contribute globally, learn from failures, and celebrate success! Students are given the tools, ideas, and encounters needed to sculpt the best versions of themselves.
🤝 Students, parents, and teachers work together in the TK-8 journey. Students feel seen, heard, and understood because we prioritize process over product. Project-based learning is the heartbeat of our interactive and curiosity-inducing curriculum.
🎓 Our roots in education disruption go back over 40 years when we started trailblazing our innovative, experience-driven learning community on Winter Island. Since then, we have been in many locations around Salem, which is one of our core values.
🌐 We aren’t confined by walls – the world is our classroom! Learning happens everywhere – at school, connecting globally, and out in the vibrant community. We spark a love for learning by cultivating curiosity, fostering exploration, and intertwining learning with life experiences.
🔥 Rolling enrollment is underway and we have limited spots (you can’t do personalized education in a 500 student school!)
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 10, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Every student is a leader in themselves, and they learn this EARLY at The Phoenix School.
Confidence is at the core of this skill, and this is often the first thing stripped from kids when they go to school. Confidence is built when students are given choice, autonomy in their learning, challenged at their level, and a leader in their school community (regardless of their age or grade).
Social interactions are a crucial aspect of leadership development at The Phoenix School. Take Rowan, for example, who recently exhibited remarkable leadership qualities during a classroom interaction. He approached the teacher’s table to share concerns about another student, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and accountability. What sets The Phoenix School apart is the empowering environment that encourages students like Rowan to not just report an issue but actively participate in finding solutions.
In this particular instance, Rowan concluded that he was not only heard but also empowered to go back and help solve the problem at his table. This kind of dynamic engagement fosters a sense of ownership and teamwork among students. It goes beyond the traditional role of a student and establishes them as active contributors to the positive development of their learning environment.
At The Phoenix School, social interactions become learning opportunities, and every student is encouraged to be a proactive part of their community. This approach not only shapes confident individuals but also nurtures a culture of cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving — qualities that are essential for thriving in the real world.
The commitment to cultivating young leaders is evident in every facet of The Phoenix School’s approach to education. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about building well-rounded individuals who are prepared to take on leadership roles and make a positive impact in their communities. The journey towards leadership begins early at The Phoenix School, and the results are empowering students to become not just learners but leaders in their own right.
#LeadershipDevelopment #EmpoweringEducation #YoungLeaders #ThePhoenixSchoolExperience
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 9, 2024 | Blog
In the realm of education, where every brushstroke counts, we firmly believe that art is more than just a subject—it’s a fundamental pillar of a child’s educational journey. At The Phoenix School, we embrace the idea that art is not confined to a canvas but rather, it permeates every aspect of our students’ learning experience.
From the strokes of traditional self-portraits to the intricate details of science drawings, and the marvel of 3D-engineered artwork for projects, art is interwoven into the very fabric of what we do. It serves as a dynamic force, nurturing creativity and empowering students to think beyond the ordinary, encouraging them to approach problems with innovative solutions.
Critical thinking, finds its roots in the decisions our students make while experimenting with various artistic techniques. Through meticulous analysis of their work, they are continuously improving, laying the groundwork for a future where adaptability and innovation are key.
Yet, the impact of art stretches far beyond the canvas. It is a conduit for teaching students to observe, interpret, and communicate complex ideas visually—a skillset of immeasurable value in an increasingly visual world.
Art, at its core, plays a transformative role in our students’ development. As they immerse themselves in the creative process, they evolve into individuals who can navigate the complexities of the world with a unique perspective. It’s not merely a subject; it’s a foundation for a brighter future.
Join us in celebrating the transformative power of art in education. Let’s champion creativity, critical thinking, and establish a foundation for lifelong learning. Together, let’s illuminate the pathways that lead our students to a future shaped by the beauty of artistic expression.
The Phoenix School is not just an educational institution; it’s a canvas where each stroke contributes to a masterpiece of lifelong learning and boundless creativity.
