Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning: A Comprehensive Overview
Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL) is a charter high school located in Truckee, California, committed to providing students with a rigorous and engaging college-preparatory education. As part of the Expeditionary Learning national network, SAEL focuses on fostering strong academics, adventure in spirit and action, student leadership, and service to the community.
Rankings and Performance
Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning is ranked #10,514 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and how well they prepare students for college.
- National Ranking: #10,514
- California High School Ranking: #1,108
- Truckee, CA Metro Area Ranking: #3
- Charter High School Ranking: #1,037
The school's mathematics proficiency stands at 23%. U.S. News & World Report calculates these values based on student performance on state-required tests and internationally available exams on college-level coursework, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
Underserved Student Performance
SAEL demonstrates a commitment to supporting underserved students. The proficiency on state exams among typically underperforming subgroups is measured, and the data reveals the following:
- Percentage of Underserved Students Who Are Proficient: 34.1%
- Percentage of Non-Underserved Students Who Are Proficient: 45.8%
- Gap Between School and State Among Underserved Students: 7.2%
College-Ready Student Performance
SAEL prepares students for college through participation in AP and IB exams. U.S. News & World Report calculates a College Readiness Index based on AP/IB exam participation rates and percentages of students passing at least one AP/IB exam. The National Percentile on College-level Exams is not available (N/A).
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Additional Data
- Graduation Rate: 94% (around state median)
- Full-Time Equivalent Teachers: 14
The school operates within a district; many districts contain only one high school. Data are based on the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 academic years.
Essential Components of SAEL
SAEL's educational philosophy is built upon several essential components: strong academics, adventure in spirit and action, student leadership, and service to the community.
Strong Academics
An ethic of excellence is expected from both students and teachers at SAEL. The school employs engaging curriculum designed with rigorous instructional strategies to challenge all students. The curriculum is based on Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, meeting all University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) requirements. SAEL aims to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) by the time the first senior class graduates. As a member of the Expeditionary Learning network, SAEL participates in the annual College March, striving for 100% college acceptance among its graduates.
National Network of Support
SAEL benefits from its engagement with the Expeditionary Learning national network for professional development. School designer consultants from EL provide on-site support for more than 20 days annually. Teachers also regularly attend off-site staff development programs with other educators in the network.
Adventure in Spirit and Action
Student character development is a key focus, achieved through both in-school activities and field experiences. Adventure activities promote physical self-efficacy, fitness, and wellness. Positive character traits are expected of all staff and students.
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Students as CREW
Students at SAEL are active participants in the teaching and learning process. They are not passive recipients of information but rather members of a "CREW." Students collaborate with peers to enhance their understanding and application of knowledge, both in CREW class and through the CREW spirit.
Service as a Standard
Service plays a vital role in the lives of SAEL students. They are encouraged to be citizen scholars who actively engage with their community through service projects and initiatives.
Expeditionary Learning Core Practices
SAEL implements Expeditionary Learning's core practices to create a dynamic and effective learning environment. These practices include:
Dynamic Leadership
Supporting school leaders in building effective, collaborative teams focused on student achievement, continuous improvement, and celebrating learning across the school.
Compelling Curriculum
Making content and skills standards come alive for students by connecting learning to relevant issues, identified needs, and authentic audiences. Academic content is enriched through learning expeditions, case studies, projects, fieldwork, consultation with community experts, service learning, and exhibitions of student work.
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Engaging Instruction
Teaching effective instructional strategies during off-site institutes and on-site professional development sessions. School designers work with individual teachers to plan, model, critique, and support best practices in the classroom.
Continuous Assessment
Equipping teachers to integrate ongoing formative assessment into their lessons and to develop effective summative assessments to track student learning.
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