Summit School of the Poconos is no longer operational, as of July 2022. All Summit team efforts are currently focused on building Summit Charter School. This site remains active to provide information about the educational model upon which the Summit Charter School is based.
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With civic engagement and shared governance as a cornerstone of our educational model, along with the standards set forward by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, we offer a holistic approach to delivering our curriculum.
Our cross-disciplinary curriculum is practiced through project-based work that addresses real world experiences and problems in order to provide meaningful learning experiences.
Early childhood students work with sensorial educational materials that allow them touch, hear, see, and smell–all of which spark their natural curiosity and willingness to learn.
Lower grade level students are encouraged to find answers and problem-solve in response to questions. Mistakes and incorrect answers are an important part of the learning process and serve as an impetus to continue learning and future success. The projects are often teacher-led and every student’s creativity and perspective is utilized during the process.
Middle grade students begin to take more ownership in their work. Any observer can see that they are developing a strong, independent voice both in the classroom and in School Meeting and more collective school platforms. Projects begin to incorporate more student choice, and students are encouraged to find answers and problem-solve in response to questions. Mistakes and incorrect answers are an important part of the learning process and serve as an impetus to continue learning and future success.
High school-aged students begin to understand the relationship between their project-based work and academic standards. Students are also exposed to various careers and employment opportunities beyond high school. At this level, students work closely with teachers and field experts who mentor them on project work and personal goals.
Children at every grade level are encouraged to choose projects that allow them to explore their own interests. This freedom allows them to develop their personal interests and at an early age, something they continue to develop this as they grow.
Project-based learning allows Summit School students to combine or involve two or more academic studies, which more realistically represents the way the world works rather than learning disciplines in “silos.” Students also learn vital skill-sets needed to compete in the job market and will have the ability to: effectively communicate, demonstrate innovation, express creativity, and collaborate with others.
With awareness of 21st century workforce expectations, Summit School presents learning as a smaller version of the “real” world so students better understand how to meet life’s demands by learning how to set, plan, and achieve goals.
Tomorrow’s leaders must be taught a curriculum unlike yesterday’s.
Summit School of the Poconos is a great school and an excellent learning environment for students. Every day the students have hands-on projects that are designed for the kids to be creative, problem solve and basically figure things out. With projects, children learn to work with their peers, share ideas, help each other and learn from each other. And all the core classes are also included in their curriculum.
Charles, Parent