FAQs
Where is the school located?
We are at the base of Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho. Our physical address is 506 Base Court Road, Donnelly, Idaho 83615.
From Highway 55 in Donnelly head West on Roseberry Road following the signs to Tamarack Resort, then take a left on West Mountain Road. From the lake you’ll turn right at the roundabout directing you up to the resort, shortly after a second roundabout you will see our sign on the right and a parking area entrance, prior to entering the main area of Tamarack Resort. Our office is directly down the steps to the school from the parking lot.
Who is the school for?
Anyone and everyone! Many families realize their children don’t learn by a set schedule and are ready to advance earlier than their peers or may need help in a specific area to advance to the next level. MCS offers a choice for students who progress at a different pace. Children are given extra support when needed, and allowed to move ahead when they are ready. This school is for all learners as it caters to student’s individual learning pace and needs. MCS is for students seeking an enriching curriculum that integrates all subjects in an authentic, meaningful way and for families looking for an emphasis on social-emotional well being as well as academics. MCS has an emphasis on getting students not only outside but also out in the community, and working on hands-on materials while building leadership and confidence. MCS offers a choice for children who thrive in smaller learning environments, or who are motivated by taking control over their own learning.
What curriculum do you use?
The core of our model is based on place-based and project-based education. The framework we use comes from the Place Network from Teton Science School. We are a part of a consortium of schools throughout the nation that utilize the Place Network philosophies and trainings to offer students a more enriching and hands-on learning experience (see What is place-based education FAQ). For our core curriculum time we use Wit and Wisdom for English Language Arts K-8, Phonics for Reading, and Phonics of Reading for supplemental reading instruction. For math we use Every Day Math in grades K-5, and Eureka Math in grades 6-8. Imagine Math is our supplemental program. For all other subject areas we pull from various resources including but not limited to local experts, government documents, published research, validated websites, local libraries, and our library. Since students are engaged in Community Projects that are working on learning about current issues students are interested in, we need current materials and resources to provide our students the most up to date information available.
What is place-based education?
We define place-based learning as education that is centered around local themes/problems that uses an interdisciplinary approach to involve students in our local community with the help of bringing in community members as experts (Project-Based); it means supporting students on their educational journeys by allowing them to move forward when they are ready and have demonstrated mastery (Competency-Based); it means offering a personalized learning approach that meets students individual academic and personal needs including their personal interests (Personalized Learning); it means teaching and encouraging students to grow as leaders and community members with excellent collaboration and communication skills (Character and Leadership).
"Local learning serves as a model for understanding regional and global challenges, opportunities and connections. An understanding of self is a starting point to understanding place” (Place Network). At MCS place-based education is not just a program that happens occasionally but is the foundation of our curriculum model
Is there a bus?
Yes! We have a bus that picks up at set drop points to reduce the amount of time the bus is winding through neighborhoods. Pickup locations are Ridley’s parking lot, Lake Fork, Donnelly Bus Stop, and the Meadows. For bus times please go here.
Do you offer lunch?
We have a lunch service provided through Tamarack Resort. Students can order lunches ahead of time that are then delivered to the school. This is not a federal lunch program so we do not have a free and reduced lunch program, however, we have had some generous donors help us create a scholarship program for those that need assistance. For more information please call the office.
We do ask for ALL students to come with water bottles and snacks daily.
How does enrollment work?
Each year the MCS board approves the dates for open enrollment and the equitable selection process. For this years dates please see the current enrollment form.
New to MCS students hoping to start next Fall, need to follow these steps:
Enroll during the open enrollment period. (Please note, if you filled out an enrollment form prior to the open enrollment dates you will need to complete it again).
Cross your fingers on the day of the Equitable Selection Process (lottery).
Look for an email within the week of the lottery and respond immediately. Families have 48 hours to respond if they do want the seat(s) otherwise they will be passed on to the next child on the waitlist.
Once confirmed, look for an email for the registration link.
Do a happy dance and wait for the first day of school!
Missed the lottery altogether? You can still enroll to be added to the waitlist. Any available seats following the lottery are to be filled by a first come, first served basis.
New to MCS students can enroll at any time of the year to begin immediately, if seats are available.
Where can I find Board Information?
Agendas/Minutes/Policies can all be found here: Board Information
Where can I find School Financial Records?
Legal documents including expenditures, contracts and annual reports can be found here: School Financial Records