Chico Green School Moves Toward September Opening

by Jeremy Miller, Chico Green School

The Chico Green School, a tuition-free public charter high school, continues to move forward to opening its doors to its first freshman and sophomore classes this fall. The mission of the school, which is chartered through the Chico Unified School District, is to “prepare students to be free, capable, and unique human beings who choose to inhabit the world with intention and purpose. Through environmental and civic engagement, students will develop an understanding of social, economic, and environmental sustainability and have the will to be active and responsible stewards in their community and the world. We will use Waldorf methods, a well established pedagogy that reinforces and nurtures the high school student’s developing capacity for abstract thinking, ethical judgment, and creative imagination.”

Two informational sessions have been held that have allowed founders and teachers to elaborate on these points. Key among them is the desire to provide a holistic educational experience for the students, one that allows the students to grow as individuals in a “small school” setting that is conducive to each individual being able to discover and take ownership of the joy of learning over the course of their four-year career at the school.

The outcomes? School founders have high expectations for their students, and acknowledge the world is changing quickly and is in need of compassionate leaders. “Our goal is not to prepare students for today’s world. We want our students to have the foundation to become the type of people who can create the world of tomorrow.”

The school will utilize Waldorf teaching methods in the presentation of a curriculum that fulfills both CSU and UC course requirements. Waldorf methodology is grounded in the understanding that high school students are going through many personal changes during their teenage years; acknowledging and embracing this journey by integrating it within the students’ academic studies serves to create more grounded, holistic learners and individuals.

The school will also integrate sustainability and environmental concepts which will be a unifying theme throughout the curriculum. In addition to coursework, the students will apply these skills through the service learning component. It is hoped that the city of Chico will get to know many of the Chico Green School students through their active participation in the community in which they live.

On March 27 smiles abounded as the school held its first annual “Green Tie Affair” at the Chico Grange Hall. The event featured a live and silent auction, dinner, and classic 80’s music courtesy of the Oneders. Proceeds from the event will go towards facilities for the new school.

When this article went to press, a lease for the new school site was in its final stage of negotiation. Individuals interested in learning more about the school, either as prospective students or as members of the community looking to become involved as a partner in this amazing program can find contact information on the school’s website, www.chicogreenschool.org.

From the Spring 2010 issue of the Environmental News.