ESBR bases its Program of Studies upon three areas: 

  1. Traditional instructional time inside the classroom using the  Expeditionary Learning approach which includes inquiry-based study outside of the classroom (field trips and projects ) in specific subject areas. Credits are defined as Carnegie Units, which is “125 hours of class or contact time with a teacher over the course of a year in one year at the secondary level (VT Statutes T.16)

  2. Academic Proficiency is aligned with national/state standards and the Profile of a Graduate is the basis for communicating a student’s knowledge base with transferable skills needed to be self-sufficient in any work setting or classroom. We use a Proficiency Based Grading System, with Quarterly Report Cards, Interim Progress Reports and Conferences with students and parents about their progress.

  3. Personalized Learning Plan. Each student creates a map of their learning, which can be achieved through guided independent study with a coach, and supervising teacher.

ESBR’s requires 24 credits for Academic Proficiency are as follows:

English - 4 credits

  • English Literature and Composition

  • American Literature

  • World Literature

  • Shakespeare (1 semester)

  • Poetry (1 semester)

Math - 3 credits

  • Algebra

  • Geometry

  • Financial Literacy

  • Calculus

Science - 3 credits 

  • Physical Science and Earth

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

Social Studies 3-4 credits 

  • Civics and Local Community Studies

  • Vermont Studies

  • United States Studies

  • World Studies

World Cultures (Foreign Languages) 2 credits

  • Spanish 1

  • Spanish 2

Physical Education 1.5 credits

Health .5 credits

Electives:

Art 1- 2 credits

Theater/Drama 1-2 Credits


Additional Learning Opportunities 1-6 credits:

  • Guided Independent Study: Students may earn credits through Guided Independent Study utilizing an advisory of a teacher, school guidance counselor  and a coach who is an expert in that area. Students may complete Independent Studies independently or in a small group. All independent Studies must be approved through the advisory and credits will be determined by the hours of learning. 

Some samples of Independent Study: 

  • Video Production 

  • Photography

  • Agriculture and Gardening

  • Multimedia Studies

  • Nutrition and Cooking

  • Dance

Partnerships with other Educational Organizations and Schools: For students who want to access learning in an area that is not on our course list, we  partner with the following schools:

  • Vermont Virtual Learning Collaborative which is an approved virtual high school in Vermont. For more information, click here: VTVLC.org. 

River Valley Technical Center, a career and technical center that provides 13 program areas. For more information, click here: RVTC.org