02/27/2025
Have you ever wondered what your child's day might look like at The Pelican School? Wonder no more! Here is an example of how we might approach a standard day of learning. Our Core Studies include language arts, math, a current read aloud book with discussion, and (weather permitting) outdoor recreation. While this daily routine serves as a guide, we also allow flexibility in order to maximize our time together.
What does "maximizing" our time mean? In the state of South Dakota, language arts and math are the two non-negotiable subjects required of a learner. We believe that if you can read, write and math "well", you have the tools to learn anything! The real challenge comes in cultivating young minds that believe learning isn't about memorization and assessments, but about pursuing truth and knowledge.
We take every opportunity to build up our students' character and confidence in addition to supporting them in their academic goals. This may mean that, while we complete our Core Studies every day, we might take extra time outside if the weather is especially beautiful, or spend extra time during our read aloud session if discussion is particularly thought-provoking, or spend our entire afternoon working on a Social Studies experiment because it's just that interesting!
This is what choosing an alternative education looks like! It's taking back our students' roles as explorers and "little scientists" by allowing them the space and time to delve deep into the wonder they are so innately blessed with. At The Pelican School, our goal is to raise up learners who are confident in their ability to learn anything they set their minds to, and to instill in them a desire for truth and knowledge.