A North Carolina Public School

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The School Environment

-Challenging Educational Environment

We approach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study through the use of an Expeditionary Learning model. Students are engaged in a hands-on course of study to build a solid foundation and life-long love of learning.

-Communication between parents and teachers.

Parents are encouraged and expected to be closely involved in their child's education. This is achieved through classroom volunteerism and communication with teachers.

-Close knit community.

The students, teachers, staff, parents, and board of MDCS work together for special school events, exhibition nights, special work days at school, and community service. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction.

 

Mountain Discovery Charter School is located in Bryson City, North Carolina. The school serves children in kindergarten through eighth grade from the counties of Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain, including the Qualla Boundary. Class sizes at MDCS are small, and there is equal emphasis on all subjects, including science, music, and art. Students not only learn by listening, counting, reading and writing, but also by building, drawing, singing and moving.

The instructional approach at Mountain Discovery Charter School is based on the Expeditionary Learning model, which emphasizes hands-on learning, team teaching, and reinforcing school skills with real world experiences. Please visit each of our classroom pages to see how individual teachers apply this philosophy.

What is a Charter School?

In North Carolina, a charter school is a public school of choice that has been approved by the North Carolina Board of Education to operate according to its charter application.

MDCS operates independently of the local Board of Education, governed by a Board of Directors comprised of parents, local business people, and other community members. The Board is accountable to students, parents, and the state for student achievement and fiscal priorities.

Charter schools provide a choice for parents in the education of their children. Public tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools. Local, state, and federal dollars follow the child to a charter school. The schools have open enrollment with no discrimination, no religious associations, and no tuition.

 

 

Educational and Extracurricular Activities

Minimesters for Middle School Students

Minimesters are offered three times a year. Classes are two hours long. This "large-block" scheduling gives students the opportunity for in-depth, creative application of their core academic skills that simply would not be possible in a more standard length school period. Past offerings include theater lighting, pottery, photography, wilderness survival, mural painting, weaving, hip-hop dance, and much more. Click the link to see some of the student work and read this year's course descriptions. MinimesterGallery

Electives

Middle school students also take electives. Students choose two electives each quarter. Past offerings include art, sports, drama, band, chorus, teacher assitant, and study hall. The teacher assistant offering is a unique chance for students to help out in one of our elementary classrooms. Electives occur during the last hour of the day Monday through Thursday.

Reading Buddies

4th and 5th grade students collaborate with kindergarten and 1st grade to improve and enhance reading skills.

Writer's Cafe

Experimental program to increase skills and foster a love for writing.

Band Program, Grades 5-8

JAM

Junior Appalachian Musicians

Morning and After School Care Available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement

We believe that empowering our students empowers our community.

The students of Mountain Discovery Charter School are engaged in an experientially rich, hands-on course of study developed to maximize each child's potential to become a responsible citizen of the local and global communities.

Parents, students, teachers, and staff are dedicated to:

Fostering individual learning styles.

Nurturing and facilitating our children's natural abilities to think creatively and critically.

Promoting self-confidence through respect for self, others and the environment.