Polaris Expeditionary Learning School

This is a great school for the more artsy, creative, sensitive students. The class sizes are small, very involved, caring environment. They are very understanding of flaky kid behavior. The academics are not overwhelming and adequate to the goal of the kids developing an understanding themselves and being able to do well at college or work. Not rigorous, but basically solid. The kids genuinely seem to care about each other, bullying is nonexistant. Lots of opportunities to travel. Loosely based on the Expeditionary Model. The principal is exceptional.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in 6th grade, and he's flourished at Polaris. The teaching staff is off the charts -- amazing, supportive yet challenging, affirming in my son's growing sense of who he is in the world. The crew and intensives have provided an infrastructure for him to be authentically connected to the other middle schoolers and feel very comfortable and safe socially. He's encouraged to pursue his strengths and he's making progress in areas where he's struggled in the past. I strongly recommend this school for curious and open-minded students.
--Submitted by a parent

The teaching philosophy allows students to actually learn, not just memorize answers for tests. Students are encouraged to revise sub-par work to make it better and demonstrate that they've mastered learning targets. The teachers are incredibly dedicated and really get to know each student.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school for kids who are progressive and not the typical robot students. They must want to learn and be open minded. Not a school for kids who want to cause problems and goof off.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school, it provides many views on the world ahead I have been going here for three years...I love how the teachers work with what we need o help us accomplish goals.
--Submitted by a student

My son is a 7th grader at this school. It is wonderful! The small size allows everyone to know each other. The teachers are compassionate, dedicated, and motivated to be the best they can be. They are wonderful role models for the students. This is an expeditionary learning school. The philosophy is completely different than your regular public schools. Check it out. If you child is creative, self-motivated and thinks a little 'outside the box' this is the place. Awesome!
--Submitted by a parent

I have gone to this school since halfway through 7th grade (am now in 11th). In my town there are many good schools, this is the best though. Small class sizes, greater bonding chances with other students and teachers and teachers never deny you what you need.
--Submitted by a student