Sierra Expeditionary Learning School

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Truckee, CA
Sierra Expeditionary Learning School

Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS) is a K-8 public charter school within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. SELS is an EL Education School.

SELS inspires a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence and develop a strong sense of character and community. Curriculum is implemented through project-based expeditions and fieldwork that challenge students to think critically while also fostering their natural curiosity and love of learning. Students engage in service, identify with experts, and dig deeply into authentic assign

ments. These learning expeditions—long term, in-depth investigations of compelling topics based on state standards —immerse students in rigorous, relevant, place-based learning. Curriculum adheres to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) and California state standards. Developed by Outward Bound©, EL Education has been credited with improving test scores and increasing student motivation and achievement with a 18-year track record of success in schools nationwide. The 20-year network comprises 152 EL Education Schools across 30 states while serving 4,000 teachers. There have been over 6 million curriculum downloads to date.

08/19/2026

Please welcome Marisa Capellan! Marisa is SELS' new kindergarten teacher this year. Originally from Connecticut, she began her teaching career in 2009 and has taught students from PreK through 3rd grade.

She holds a master’s degree in teaching with a background in psychology. With over a decade in education, she loves creating hands-on, project-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and connection.

Fun fact: before becoming a teacher, Marisa was a professional ballet dancer! Outside of school, she’s a mom to her son, Grayson, and spends her time backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, and practicing yoga. A self-proclaimed amateur wildflower expert and birder, she’s always stopping to notice the little things along the trail.

08/18/2026

We can't wait to see you!

08/17/2026

It's official! Please welcome Melanie Cooke into the roll of SELS Director. If you haven't met her yet, make sure and say 'hi' at drop off next week, while she's welcoming students to school.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Melanie began her work in EL Education as a first-grade teacher and has remained deeply committed to the model’s focus on deeper learning and character development. Her passion for early literacy and evidence-based instruction led her to earn a second master’s degree in Reading Science.

She will continue to support our teachers and students in implementing and learning from research-based practices. Moving into leadership has allowed Melanie to expand her impact by supporting both teachers and students in achieving more than they thought possible!

08/10/2026

What’s New This Year?
One Simple Application Form! Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please know your students ID # from Aeries to complete the application.

Bus Stop Assignments: Your student’s primary bus stop will be automatically assigned based on the home address listed in Aeries.

New Parent App & Web Portal: Families will be able to view student bus stop information through a new mobile app or web portal. Instructions for accessing the system will be emailed at a later date.

Passes Coming This Summer : Bus passes began processing in July and will be mailed to your home address once approved.

Need an Alternate Stop? If your student requires a different morning or afternoon stop than the one assigned to your home address, you may submit a request directly within the application form. Please note that alternate stops are based on seat availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Apply Now - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwARtkD_3Q9cZHC4IydNANI6tQ2n8xpp3ctEs26sR6NADV1g/viewform

For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

08/04/2026

The Data Confirmation window is open! Data Confirmation is a way for you to view, modify and update any information for your child(ren). It must be completed annually!

Need a little help?
*Join our multilingual staff, where they can assist with:
*Parent data confirmation
*Free and reduced meal applications
*Bus information

Event Details
TODAY, August 4, 2026 | Truckee Elementary | 3 pm to 7 pm
TOMORROW, August 5, 2026 | Kings Beach Elementary | 3 pm to 7 pm

We’ll also have supervised activities to keep kids engaged while you get everything done. And, every student who attends will receive a free book, thanks to Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation!

07/25/2026

Do you want to make a difference while working with kids? We're looking for one person to support our youngest learners from 9:15-3:15 five days per week during the upcoming school year. For more information or to express interest, please send an email with a letter of interest and resume to our school director, Melanie Cooke at [email protected].

06/12/2026

SEE YOU TONIGHT! Thank you to our sponsors: Northstar California Resort West Orthodontics - Truckee, and Tal Fletcher Jr Real Estate.

06/11/2026

Today is an all-school minimum day! See you late August. ☀️

06/10/2026

8th grade graduation is this Thursday, June 11! We'll see you at 6pm at West End Beach Pavilion. Congratulations to all our graduating students! 💙

06/09/2026

Today and tomorrow! We hope to see you here to listen to students reflect on their learning and development.

Address

Truckee, CA
96161

Telephone

+15305823701

Website

https://sels.ttusd.org/

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