Chrysalis students spend significant time
outdoors - rain or shine - on walks, field trips, and camping trips, learning
about the natural history of our region. We do this because the natural
world generates a rich response in the human mind. Nature is the perfect
subject for developing sensitivity and fluency in thinking about complex
subjects. Nature also helps students find their quiet, calm center from
which they can reflect on who they are becoming. Because we spend so much time
in nature, often in rugged situations, students must be able to behave
responsibly without strong supervision.
Hiking the Rim of Cinder Cone in Lassen N.P.
Habitat Restoration along Clear Creek
Teaching for Understanding
Understanding kindles a student’s
enthusiasm and inner light. Covering material without imparting understanding
diminishes that light and dulls the mind. Chrysalis creates abundant
opportunities for students to experience understanding. Science is a core
curriculum for Chrysalis because it is a process by which curiosity develops
into understanding. Most classes are small so we can be responsive to
teachable moments. Discussions are frequent. Students are placed in core
subject classes by ability level so that students experience
understanding rather than boredom or failure.
Chrysalis offers students choices to meet individual interests. We offer elective classes such as art, music,
dance, video production, jujitsu, cooking, Odyssey of the Mind, Museum Teen Volunteers, and more.
Assessment
Teachers do not give letter grades. We prefer rich interactive discussion and feedback within the class setting. We do not give report cards, preferring semi-annual conferences and day-to-day conversation with parents. For example, if your child does not come home excited about learning, or doesn’t want to come to school, or feels like he has no friends, we want to know.
Chrysalis students are given the California STAR
tests each spring. Our students tend to perform well which is intriguing because we spend much of our time exploring the broader world beyond the test content. Our students typically do well in high school, partly because they know what understanding feels like, partly because they have practiced initiative and self-reflection, and partly because they have supportive, engaged parents.
Click
on the link to read excerpts from their report.
What is a Charter School?
Chrysalis is a chartered public school sponsored by the Shasta County Board of Education. We are part of the free public school system. There is no tuition or discrimination. Charter schools are given freedom from many regulations in return for achieving the goals set forth in their charter. Our charter can be viewed on line or at our office. Charter schools create a greater diversity of options for parents seeking a specific kind of public education for their child.
Families who want to be actively involved in their children’s education and want a safe, nurturing environment for learning are attracted to Chrysalis.
Students who love to learn, discover, and think thrive at Chrysalis. They enjoy
science or nature. They may like to express their creativity in art, writing, and music. We encourage interested families to experience a day at Chrysalis in the classroom. Call for an appointment.
Nice
article about Paul and Alysia, co-founders of Chrysalis, in the August
issue of North State Parent Magazine.
Home
School Option
Chrysalis
also has a home school coordinator to provide support for home schooling
families and integrate them into many of our school-wide activities such as
the camping trips and field studies. Click
here for more information.
Do
we teach...?
Occasionally
we are asked "Do we teach evolution?" (Yes) or other questions which
we view as variations on the deeper question, "As a public school, will
you support us in our efforts to raise our children in our faith to be good,
moral people?" As a public school, we do not have tuition,
discrimination, or religious education. However, "encouraging the light
within each student to shine brighter" is a goal that draws good people
together. One of the many things we love about Chrysalis is the wide diversity
of families working harmoniously together. We put a lot of energy into
respecting and collaborating with families in helping their children grow
towards the best within them. We have many religious families that asked such
questions who have come to trust us on that deeper question.
How to Apply
Click here for an application form. Applications are accepted and students can be enrolled throughout the school year as space is available.
I
just wanted to tell you how impressed I was by your graduation ceremony. As
you may, or may not know, I am one of the partners in the Health Improvement
Partnership that promotes the framework of the 40 Developmental Assets
and asset building in our youth.The
graduation was without doubt the most asset building event I have attended in
Redding
... the inclusion of the entire community in dinner... the eighth graders
introducing the graduating kindergartners... the teachers speaking about each
graduating eighth grader with feeling and knowledge about them... , the
shaking of hands at the end of the ceremony... I could go on.
Every
time I have anything to do with Chrysalis I am more impressed. You and
your staff are truly wonderful asset builders. Thank you for making education
a dance!
written in response to our 2010 graduation by Susan Wilson, member of the
Shasta County Board of Education
