GREAT RIVER SCHOOL

Why Give?

The 2011-2012 GRS Annual Fund supports the school’s operating budget with annual unrestricted gifts and a focus on our Key Experiences, experiential education programs for all students. For the 2011-2012 school year, the goal of the Annual Fund is to generate at least $90,000.

Your donation to the 2011-2012 Annual Fund can change the life of a young person. Your support ensures GRS can provide these learning opportunities to all students, regardless of income. By investing your money in Great River, you will be part of a rare opportunity to change the landscape of secondary education.

What is it for?
Each year GRS students participate in two or three key experiences. Learning outside the classroom provides ways for students to connect the textbook lessons to real life. They also connect with teachers and fellow students in an informal setting forming rich relationships that deepen during a student’s time at GRS.

During each key experience, students encounter people, places and environments that encourage a more focused academic exploration either during the experience or when they return to the classroom. They provide ways for students to learn and develop independence, self-confidence and relationships with others.

The fall Key experiences include an 8-day Odyssey either east or west for 7th and 8th grade students, a farm experience for 9th and 10th graders, college and career exploration for 11th graders and a canoe trip for seniors to consider their future after GRS. During January, 7th and 8th graders learn lines and stage moves as well as all aspects of mounting a stage production. In the spring, a bike trip for grades 7 & 8 and short spring intensive classes for high school students end the year.

Background of GRS
Since 2004, Great River School has prepared students for life and higher learning while exploring hands-on experience required for apprenticeships, seeking individual vocation and community citizenship. At each of the three levels, Adolescent 1 (grades 7 & 8), Adolescent 2 (grades 9 & 10) and Adolescent 3 (grades 11 & 12), learning activities emphasize projects, seminars, partnership learning and great activities and experiences. Our academic focus combined with hands on activities prepares students for their unique roles as responsible and engaged citizens of the world. Using an inquiry based approach, students have many opportunities to explore their own areas of interest within the parameters of their classes.

"An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking, it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live." Maria Montessori

Thank You for YOUR support!