Through a multi-step process including inquiry, research, proposal writing, agenda planning, and public speaking, students are designing and leading learning experiences that they and their classmates will explore together. Students are in the process of arranging activities both on campus (a pottery workshop) and off campus (touring a local college).

In math class, Mr. Clark is employing Montessori-techniques to teach students of varying ages and in varying classes in one classroom. To do this, core skills are taught in an integrated way, then students are assigned jobs based on their specific class and aptitude (zone of proximal development). In this way, students are on their own educational paths while still being part of a collaborative team. Instead of tests, students showcase their knowledge in projects. For example, algebra students are currently showcasing their knowledge of functions by creating “graph art,” while geometry students are utilizing geometry tools to create optical illusions with self-designed equations.

In science classes, students are working through the semester two NGSS standards by creating their own learning experiences.  Student choice is highlighted in this process, students have identified their project topic, leaning objectives, standards they are addressing, how they will showcase what they learned and even when they will turn in the final product.

Students are investigating a variety of questions some include:

Why are Axolotls going extinct?

How does your body react to trauma?

How does music affect your mood?

Are 3D-printed foods in our future?

Students going to showcase their science projects at the end of the 3^rd quarter.

Currently, students are building geodesic domes in math. In doing so, math students are deepening their knowledge of structural integrity, and will use their domes to explore equation development and the properties of triangles. Science students are making their geodesic domes into greenhouses to investigate how micronutrients affect plant growth.

As the project progresses, students will gain a deeper understanding of geometric shapes used in construction, how to prepare budgets for construction projects, how the nutrients we take in affect our health, how planting a garden affects communities and how to use computer assisted technologies to create blueprints.

Our school’s accreditation comes up for renewal in 2023, which means that we will be working on our review this year. We are excited to show the commission the amazing things we are accomplishing at our school! During a WASC review, all members of the school participate in a rigorous self-study process to review the school’s mission and goals and ensure they are being met with high-quality programs and instruction.

An ACS WASC team then visits the school. During the visit they will:

• Clarify the school’s purpose and the schoolwide learner outcomes.
• Assess the student program and its impact on student learning with respect to the ACS WASC criteria.
• Develop a schoolwide action plan to address any identified areas for improvement.
• Validate the accreditation based on accreditation criteria and standards, self-study, and findings from the visit.

After we receive our new accreditation, the review process continues with an annual assessment of the action plan and annual progress reports to ensure we continue to meet the high standards set by ACS WASC.

We are proud to have this opportunity to show the amazing things our staff and students are accomplishing at TCHS!

Students attending TCHS will now choose one of two concentrations: Design Thinking or Leadership and Public Service. These concentrations will combine in-person instruction within the chosen concentration along with online courses that will give students flexibility to choose additional courses to be completely asynchronously.

Both concentrations have graduation requirements that align with the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) A-G expectations, ensuring that students are college- and career-ready by graduation.

On-site instruction is 8:30am to 1:00pm Monday – Thursday at our campus in El Dorado Hills. Our High School Learning Center is open from 1:00pm-3:00pm Monday – Thursday, providing students a place and time to practice, enrich, reteach, and enhance their learning with the support of the site-based staff.

Learn more about our Design Thinking Concentration and our Leadership and Public Service Concentration.

El Dorado County Fair

Summer and the county fair go together like funnel cakes and Ferris wheels. El Dorado’s annual county fair features all the traditions you’ve come to expect, along with a few new ones. Bring the family and enjoy food, rides, agricultural competitions, children’s activities, jugglers, clowns, live music, a variety show, a fun zone, and yes, mutton-bustin’.

Lavender Blue Festival

This exciting, new, Apple Hill Growers event will span the last two weekends in June and celebrate Summer with activities and offerings at various Apple Hill Growers that feature lavender, blueberries, strawberries, wine, flowers, hard cider, olive oil, baked goods, jams, treats and more! It also features craft vendors, workshops, train rides, duck races, and more.

Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival

Love to mountain bike? You won’t want to miss this annual celebration of mountain biking at Lake Tahoe. The two-day event features the famed Triple Crown Ride on Saturday (30 miles, 5,200 feet of elevation gain) along with a festival with food, brews, vendors, a raffle, and live music. On Sunday, riders can get a lift up the road and test drive a new set of wheels down Corral Trail.