Welcome 
to the La Plata Field School Semester Program ( in process of being developed)

Mission: 
To provide a unique high school semester, focused on experiential academics, and service learning, in a cross-cultural context, and to offer challenging and rewarding adventures in the outdoor environment.
What we do: 
We educate high school students in a "field" setting, in order to infuse their lives with real-world lessons, to awaken their sense of morality and justice, and to teach them tools for working towards a world they can believe in.
We immerse students in the rugged and beautiful wilderness of the American Southwest and the unique cultural areas of Native American communities. We bring studies in science, math, history, art, and languages to life. 

We guide students in becoming self-reliant, inspired learners and doers in the world. Students will come away from this semester with solid academic skills, advanced abilities in cross-cultural living and communication and the knowledge and tools to positively impact their world.

Who are the students? 
The Semester Program is designed for students in 9th-12th grades from both independent and public schools as well as home-school students.

When does the Semester begin? 
The Semester begins September 1, 2012 and ends November 22, 2012. Because our semester schedule includes academic work on weekend days and evenings for 3 months, students will complete all courses in time to end at the Thanksgiving break so that they can be home for that holiday and cut down on travel cost. All grades are finalized and transferred to your school by December 15 2012.

Who are the teachers?
We are experienced educators and seasoned outdoor education instructors with dedicated attention to individualized and well-rounded learning and to safety and student well being.  

Does La Plata Field School give credit? 
Yes! We work with your school to match our course credit hours to your the students' academic graduation requirements.
What are the tangible results? 
The education that we provide enhances academics and challenges students to apply what they are learning to real life situations in context.
What safety precautions does La Plata Field School have in place ? 
La Plata Field School staff are trained in the academic area that they are teaching and are also skilled outdoor educators with a minimum of 5 years of a safe leadership record, are certified in wilderness medicine, river rescue, snow and avalanche safety and trained in defensive driving. 

Students who complete the Semester Program will return home having:

1. Increased critical thinking skills

2. Improved study habits

3. Improved leadership skills

4. Practiced new group-building and problem-solving skills

5. Gained hands-on skills in construction with sustainable materials 

6. Written a project plan (Thesis) on a topic of their choosing related to their studies over the semester
7. Completed an independent apprenticeship with a specialist in a particular field, for example, a local politician, a farmer, a doctor, a musician, etc.

8. Gained many new friends

9.  Gained an intimate knowledge of the southwest US: its Native American communities, natural environment, climate systems and the interconnections of this geographical region to the wider USA and the world.

10. Grown as an independent young person while away from the comforts of home.

Cost:  9,000 USD
Please call or email for details 
Please inquire about scholarships. Donations for our scholarship fund are tax deductible and also help fund a major service project.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Director, La Plata Field School
PO BOX 723 Mancos, CO. 81328

970-903-1203
info@lpfs.org