Our curriculum is built on the museum model, a model that fosters exploration and discovery, giving students a strong sense of autonomy, interdependence, motivation and a joy for learning.
The museum school model is based on the idea that children learn best through personal exploration and hands-on experience. The school partners with museums and other learning institutions to provide real-life experiences with classroom topics. Interactive learning expeditions to partner sites offer students a chance to ask questions, make observations, reflect on experiences and draw their own conclusions.
Learning is student-centered, project-based and interdisciplinary. The curriculum is organized into nine-week thematic units, creating an integrated approach to learning as lessons and ideas from one classroom subject are reinforced in other subjects and on learning expeditions. Students examine the lesson themes from all angles and create museum-style exhibits to demonstrate what they have learned. Four times a year, they share these projects and their knowledge with parents and other community members at Exhibit Night.
In-class instruction at The Museum School is focused on each student’s individual learning style, readiness and prior understandings and experiences. Teachers are trained to evaluate each child’s skills and needs and then tailor curriculum accordingly. This teaching model allows all students to move beyond basic proficiency and toward academic excellence.
Museum learning brings a true understanding of subjects rather than merely asking students to memorize facts. Operating as a charter school allows us to implement this unique but proven model that is aligned with Georgia Performance Standards yet is not available in any other Georgia public school. We believe museum model learning leads to a deeper understanding of material and higher student achievement.
