SOLA offers an engaging thematic curriculum, integrated academics and immersive, expeditionary learning experiences that invite middle & high school learners into meaningful relationship with themselves, others and the world around them.
An Enlivened Learning Experience for ages 12-18
SOLA students develop healthy, abiding relationships with learning, which prepare them- heart, hands, and head- to confidently enter life after high school & fully engage their chosen life-path. Enlivened academics are offered through thematic lesson topics, and a weekly rhythm of academic focus classes support that a holistic understanding of subjects while challenging students to grow and deepen their understanding. Emerging life skills are encouraged through global travel as a group, deep relational learning and skilled mentorship. Internships and apprenticeships engage students' passions and curiosities as they gather real-life experience of their artistic, professional or vocational interests.
SOLA's biologically compassionate start-time (9:00am) and daily rhythm allow space for contemplative practice & self inquiry, while our integrated, thematic curriculum, internships, international travel experiences, and flexible enrollment options provide an expanded field of learning unlike any other.
Perspective drawing of a fort from a thematic block on Medieval History
Thematic Lessons
Through the 2 hour morning Thematic Lesson period, SOLA students are invited to dive deeply into thematic topics, including topics in Living Arts, which includes 2d and 3d fine arts, theater and music, traditional handicrafts, farming, biodynamics and permaculture; and Academic topics in Sciences, Math, and Humanities. Most importantly, learners are invited to encounter the wisdom, knowledge love of the Thematic Lesson teacher for the topic of study. Thematic Lesson presentations are not derived from a textbook, but are instead presented using primary sources, shared through the teacher’s unique, authentic voice, and ensouled understanding of the subject matter. These extended morning sessions offer an opportunity for holistic, hands-heart-head integration of subject matter, and provide a spaciousness that allows for enriching and often surprising interdisciplinary connections to emerge.
Relational Arts
SOLA students are offered a unique opportunity to develop important relationship skills through the cultivation of deeper relationships with self, others/community, and the wider world, nature and cosmos. These sessions provide active and contemplative learning experiences, including: developing a personal contemplative practice, communication and sociocratic skills, sexuality, gender mysteries, and personal relationships, cultivating reverence for all life on our planet. experiences culminate in domestic and international adventure trips, where the skills learned are put into practice through encounters with the wider world. Each year, SOLA students work together to raise funds for their trip to established international and domestic venues. These expeditionary learning experiences are guided by skilled mentors, teachers and expeditionary educators, who encourage group synergy and support the students’ development of important life skills that will carry them through their adventure, and into adult life beyond.
Internships & Electives
SOLA’s internships and elective courses take place on our campus and at local artistic and professional venues. These immersive experiences provide encounters with ‘real life’ through the lens of various professions and practices. Our list of learning relationships in the Asheville community expands and changes each year. Is their a topic or field of interest that you’d like to learn more about? Tell us about it, and we will support you to create a new learning relationship!
SOLA’s boat building and expeditionary internship, WILD BOATS
Nature Immersion & Animal Connection
At SOLA learning is participation in Earth's diverse community of life. Our campus is a Sanctuary for abundant, diverse plant and animal life. In keeping with our mission to provide learning Sanctuary for all life, SOLA students honor the natural world through a collective agreement to care for, and do no harm to life in our Sanctuary. Nature and animals are part of each day's rhythm, through nature walks, eco-contemplative practices, animal care and feeding, and much more.
Academic SKILLS Classes
In addition to thematic lessons, SOLA students participate in ‘academic skills classes’ throughout the year, engaging secondary schooling academics through lecture, practice, independent work, test/quiz taking skills, and inquiry/feeedback. Skills classes often use textbooks or course-books, and are offered in shorter, 40-60 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week. Through these classes, students will become comfortable with, and receive an authentic context for, more traditional classroom methodologies, while also gaining an understanding of the limitations inherent in linear, quantitative methods of assessment.
