SWAN School

Overview

SWAN School, located in Port Townsend, Washington, is a nonprofit organization focused on fostering strong, compassionate learners through engaging curricula, small class sizes, and outdoor experiences. The school aims to nurture joy and development in its students.

Philosophy and Approach

SWAN School adopts a child-centered approach to education, moving away from traditional factory models where students are expected to perform homogeneous tasks. Instead, the school encourages individualized learning styles and projects that start with problems or questions discovered by students or their teachers. This approach leads to authentic discovery and deeper learning, equipping students with essential skills such as autonomy, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

The school also emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL), incorporating anti-bias education to create a more just and equitable learning environment. The curriculum includes the Social Justice Standards from Learning for Justice, focusing on identity, diversity, justice, and action.

Calendar Structure

SWAN School has implemented a balanced calendar, which differs from the traditional school year structure. This approach distributes school time and breaks more evenly throughout the year, aiming to support children's continuous learning rhythms rather than the traditional block schedule tied to agricultural cycles. The balanced calendar is designed to support better student achievement, reduce burnout, improve attendance, and create a more balanced home life for families.

Mission

While specific mission details are not extensively documented, SWAN School's overall mission aligns with providing a supportive and engaging educational environment that prioritizes student growth and development through innovative teaching methods and community involvement.