Sample Daily Schedule

  • Tall Oaks supports the transition from home to school by allowing children to choose activities that will set them up for a successful school day.

  • We believe in fostering a strong sense of community where students feel connected to one another, the world around them, and the curriculum they explore.

  • We nourish a love of learning through engaging experiences that align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) through small group instruction, 1:1 student conferences, and community-connected inquiry projects.

  • Our commitment to outdoor learning goes beyond textbooks, nurturing healthy, curious, and engaged students who are prepared to succeed in a world that needs responsible environmental stewards.

  • We encourage our families to send nutritious, waste-free lunches for their children.

  • We foster a love of reading by providing opportunities for children to explore books in a variety of ways.

  • Art and music classes help learning come alive by empowering students to become passionate, creative, and well-rounded individuals who embrace learning as a lifelong adventure.

  • We nourish a love of learning through engaging experiences that align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) through small group instruction, 1:1 student conferences, and community-connected inquiry projects.

  • Our commitment to outdoor learning goes beyond textbooks, nurturing healthy, curious, and engaged students who are prepared to succeed in a world that needs responsible environmental stewards.

  • We believe in fostering a strong sense of community where students feel connected to one another, the world around them, and the curriculum they explore.

Quests, Intersessions,

and Exhibition Nights

Quests

The word "quest" originates from the Latin word meaning "to seek." At Tall Oaks, quests embody the spirit of exploration within our learning communities. These quests replace traditional units and themes, transforming learning into exciting adventures. There are three quest pathways to guide students on their learning journey.

Students, alongside their teachers, embark on journeys of discovery, choosing the best approach – community-based, inquiry-based, or challenge-based – to delve into their chosen area of interest. 

Our quests can unfold entirely on campus or venture out into the community during intersession weeks. These off-site adventures connect students with local businesses and organizations, fostering real-world learning experiences supported by our dedicated community partners.

Culminating each quest is a special exhibition night, a chance for learners to showcase their discoveries. This exciting event welcomes families, community members, and even guests chosen by the students themselves – a testament to their ownership over their learning journey.

Quest Pathways

Quest Guides for Each Pathway

Each pathway contains questions to guide students on their quest for impact, understanding, or collective contributions to problems based on the pathway they choose. In addition to offering guidance, these questions will be addressed during Exhibition Nights to effectively outline the process and learning outcomes.

Intersessions

Intersessions are the cornerstone of our hands-on learning approach. These week-long adventures occurring four to six times a school year, take students off campus and into the heart of our community, where they partner with local businesses and organizations. Quests can occur on campus, but will likely align with the Intersessions.

Each intersession follows a clear structure:

  • Planning Week(s): Students collaborate with teachers to choose their area of focus and begin researching alongside community partners. During this time, they will determine what pathway they will take for the quest.

  • Immersion Week: The real adventure begins! Students dive deep into their quest pathway through hands-on experiences at their partner location.

  • Reflection & Exhibition Week: Returning to campus, students reflect on their learnings, solidify their findings, and prepare for the grand finale: exhibition night!

Exhibition Nights

Throughout the year, we celebrate student learning with exciting Exhibition Nights! These events, happening four to six times a year, showcase the culmination of our students' quests – immersive learning adventures that explore fascinating topics.

Exhibition Nights are a chance for families and community members to witness the fruits of these quests firsthand. Students proudly present their findings through engaging displays, presentations, or demonstrations.  We strongly encourage all families to attend, and students are also welcome to invite extended family, friends, and community members outlined as their audience. It's a night filled with pride, discovery, and a chance to celebrate the joy of learning together!