“Encouraging the Light
Within Each Student
to Shine Brighter”
Our unique mission has led to the development of a small, K-8, chartered public school structured to generate kindness, understanding, enthusiasm, and integrity. Every aspect of Chrysalis - from the size of our school, to the way we teach, to the close relationships we form with families - relates to our mission of encouraging the light within each student to shine brighter. Chrysalis is a Caring Community
Within a chrysalis, a caterpillar safely transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This image is appropriate for our nature-based school because within its protective, nourishing structure, students gradually transform into radiant young adults.
Chrysalis is more than a school; it is a learning community of students, parents, and teachers who are friends and partners working together toward the same goal. Parents experience the school as a stimulating, learning environment for the entire family. One benefit of this close community is lack of bullying and teasing. Students report that they are free to be who they really are at Chrysalis.
Here's comments from two graduates reflecting on this aspect of Chrysalis:
"Two solid years have passed. I haven't been sucked into the high
school drama of trying to change yourself to fit in. I'm content with how
I think, how I dress, how I act around people, and who I am."
Parents Participation is Valued
Chrysalis thrives because of parent involvement. Many events such as our camping trips and field trips would be impossible without strong family participation. Parents (even with pre-school children) are welcome to help in the classroom. Many parents augment the school’s program with parent co-operatives teaching electives. Other parents help with construction, maintenance, fundraising, and administration. Many parents go far beyond the school’s requirement of 40 hours of service per year. Workshops are held for parents so they learn the skills needed to assist their children with classes such as math. Nature Study
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.
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. Learning at Chrysalis is student centered, hands-on and project-based. 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 assessments 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.
Chrysalis is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 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. Click
here for the story of how Chrysalis started. Is Chrysalis Right for My 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, nature, or hands-on learning. 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. More
information on this topic. 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. |
