Tahoe Expedition Academy

9765 Schaffer Mill Road

Truckee, CA 96161

38 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 25, 2024

TEA has been helpful to teach my husband and I to be better parents, and for my son a center for joy and learning.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2024

If you want your child to LOVE learning in the real world, Tahoe Expedition Academy is the place. Their Pre-K program is pure magic! The teachers are amazing, the environment is inspiring, and our child is thriving. We can't recommend it enough and our kiddo is stoked to be joining Kindergarten this Sept.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2024

Tahoe Expedition Academy is an outstanding college prep school and K-12 independent school in Truckee Tahoe. It is an expeditionary learning school that breaks free of the four walls of a classroom and immerses students in their curriculum. It is not for the faint of heart but for students who love adventure and project based learning. The teachers are magnificent and the courses far more rigorous than the public school options.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2024

Tahoe Expedition Academy is a unique and special place that is educating the whole child to be the curious and adventurous learners that will build a better future for all of us. The school values and philosophy are clear and represented through my kid's entire curriculum. The world is changing rapidly and TEA is building an educational experience that is about the future, not the past. And, my kids LOVE going to school!
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2024

We love this school! I have a middle schooler as well as a lower school student. They love going to school, I'm so glad its not a struggle!The academics are exceptional and the help they receive is great! I love that when they leave there they will be ready to attend a great college!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2024

My two kids have attended TEA for the last 10-13 years. Where to begin... TEA has been the best for both my kids socially, emotionally, and academically. They are better critical thinkers and investigators, and more resilient, confident, and empathetic human beings because of the education at TEA. They dive deep into real-world problems, regularly interact with experts, are encouraged to take on hard projects where "failure" is part of the process, make time to reflect and self-assess, are taught to be contributors, and are known and cared for by their teachers. My oldest is now in college and thriving. TEA set him up for his future education as well. I wouldn't want any other education for my kids.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2024

I can't think of a better school to help prepare kids for the evolving world we're living in. TEA has been amazing for our 2 girls, now in their 4th year with TEA. They LOVE going to school every day, are challenged and inspired and are living the 'Real World Problem Solver' motto that TEA promotes. It's truly a unique place and we're grateful every day we found TEA.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

We enrolled our two daughters four years ago, as 4th & 5th graders during COVID; they are now in 7th and 8th grades. This school is truly unique in that it's a LIFE prep school, not a college prep school. The difference is meaningful. Our older daughter is part of a relatively small class, and she has learned empathy, collaboration, and self evaluation skills. Our younger daughter is in a relatively large class and has had multiple teachers who also helped found the school, so she has been even more exposed to the school's values and mission. Both kids have been on multiple outdoor expeditions each year, being challenged and challenging themselves in so many different ways. We also cherish the community of families at this school, who tend to have a love for the outdoors and genuinely like spending time together. About a year after we arrived, TEA hired its first Head of School (equivalent to a principal). He has brought a new level of energy to school and has hired an entire leadership team to support various aspects of the school. This change has stabilized the teaching staff, improved communications across the board, and created a new level of reliability and responsiveness. This is an amazing school if you're looking for something different than the traditional approach to education.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

I am a parent of four students at TEA (2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th) and I cannot say enough about how wonderful this school has been for them. They migrated to TEA from a spectacular public school in Woodside CA where they were also thriving. What we didn't know when we moved to Truckee and enrolled at TEA was how UNBELIEVABLE an outdoor-centric project based learning curriculum would be. This is experiential learning brought down to the grammar and middle school level in a way that no other school on the planet could possibly replicate. TEA's location in Truckee affords the school an amazing set of resources around the Tahoe basin and beyond to enrich this program. Our students our out in the field on a weekly basis learning biology by testing water samples in creeks, lakes and local water treatment facilities. They are learning ecology from local firefighters and forestry management experts. They are putting their geometry to work designing bus stop solutions for students at a nearby Reno shelter for homeless families. ETC, ETC, ETC. These kids are out in the world in a way that is fundamentally impossible at a traditional school. The activation of passion and their desire to learn is triggered in ways that I could never have dreamed possible as a parent. This school is INCREDIBLE. If you are lucky enough to live in this area and have the ability to attend this school, you should be RUNNING at this opportunity. Their world class ski programs are just a fantastic bonus!
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

This our son's 5th year at TEA and we/he could not be happier! Although academics and character are a priority for us, of equal importance is having TEA staff (people who spend 35+ hours per week with him) as a partner in raising this beautiful human being. The academics meet him where he is at-and then push his limits to foster growth. There is always a common thread between the academics, the real-world problems being addressed and across the coarse work. And very importantly, the work is based on mastery. It is not a one and done submittal, but revisions and revisiting to produce high quality work. He is never spoon fed academics or thoughts, but guided to find his own mind and voice to advocate for himself, his community or his cause. And of course, the expeditions and experts, it doesn't get more real world than this! The fieldwork is expertly and thoughtfully coordinated, with scaffolded responsibilities and real-world pivots to provide challenges. We have found our communiTEA!
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

This is our 5th year at TEA. The teachers and staff have nurtured our daughters every year. The strength, perseverance and self esteem that TEA teaches is something I never received in my education. Along with that, TEA teachers instill a love for learning that allows the kids to thrive through their struggles. TEA teaches our kids that even when things seem impossible or too much of a challenge, they can do hard things and make it through. We are so thankful to have found TEA and be able to send our kids to this exceptional school
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

This is “thinking outside of the box” education. Students learn by doing, seeing, creating—hands on learning at its best. My kids are challenged daily academically, physically, mentally-strong character traits are developed-with a lens on both our local community and the world. I wish every child had the chance to experience an education like this—top notch educators help lead the way and encourage each student to push themselves beyond their comfort level and be their best self. It’s amazing to see what education can look like.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

Our family is extremely grateful for Tahoe Expedition Academy's amazing and unique community! My two children are both thriving in this setting (this is our 4th year at TEA). The teachers and staff genuinely know and understand each student and are there to support them in any situation. I have witnessed my children grow more independent and confident by regularly challenging themselves and getting outside their comfort zone. The emphasis on character is invaluable; it's a safe environment for learning and taking risks, and no one is left feeling "invisible" or flying under the radar.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2024

At the foundation of the experience at TEA is the fundamental belief and trust in the strength and power of young people. Instead of spending a lot of time in theory/paper, the learning tangible and steeped in the ability to authentically manage curveballs and live in character and values. The outdoor expeditions leave a lasting impact and help young people be more of who they are rather than fitting into some societal construct. TEA kids will impact the world around them in positive ways, they just do not accept the status quo when it comes to world problems. They are taught and believe one person can and will make a difference. SO much admiration and respect to the founders, the incredible team, and staff.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2024

As a parent, I cannot say enough positive things about Tahoe Expedition Academy (TEA). My boys have been attending TEA for the past three years, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional.TEA has created a nurturing and challenging environment that encourages students to explore their passions and excel academically. The school's unique approach to education, combining rigorous academics with outdoor experiential learning, has truly made a difference in my child's education journey.The teachers and staff at TEA are outstanding. They are not only highly qualified educators but also genuinely care about the well-being and growth of each student. They provide personalized attention and support, ensuring that every child receives the guidance they need to succeed.One of the aspects that I appreciate most about TEA is their commitment to outdoor education. The opportunities for outdoor learning, including field trips, outdoor sports, and environmental science projects, have not only enriched my child's academic experience but also fostered a deep appreciation for nature and the environment.Additionally, TEA promotes a strong sense of community and values. They emphasize character development, leadership skills, and social responsibility, which are all integral parts of their curriculum.Overall, I am incredibly grateful to have found Tahoe Expedition Academy for my child's education. It has been a transformative experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend TEA to any parent looking for a school that values academic excellence, outdoor education, and character development.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2023

We have attended TEA for over six years. We are so grateful to have found a school like TEA. The COVID years were challenging, as they were for ALL schools, but TEA was able to come out of it stronger than ever. TEA is truly creating "A generation of creative problem solvers with a social conscience". I have worked in education for over 20 years and I have yet to experience the whole-child approach to education that TEA offers.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2023

As a parent, I couldn't be more impressed with the experience my sophomore son is having at TEA. Not only is he excited by the academic projects he is doing inside and out of the classroom, but he is seen and supported as an individual by his teachers and peers. His strengths and opportunities for growth are recognized and he feels safe to take risks because he knows that he is sincerely cared about. The teachers at TEA meet students where they are and engage them as learners -- whether they are doing a chemistry lab about water filtration that leads into a trip they will take later this fall to the Rio Grande where they will visit a water desalination plant OR they are studying US History through the lens of conflict as represented in the media, the classroom assignments connect to real world problems in a way that keeps him interested. The intentional focus on character development means that I have a school partner that I trust to help me raise an empathetic, compassionate, person who is willing and able to advocate for himself and others. The small school environment, while challenging in some ways -- no football team, means that there are plenty of opportunities for him to try new sports (ultimate frisbee) and participate on student council, where he can develop valuable leadership skills. It also means that he develops important relationships skills as he has to work through conflicts with his fellow students because there is no where for him to "hide" or move on. He has learned to work with students who are different from him and has subsequently developed an appreciation and respect for students he might have just avoided at a bigger school. The program just keeps getting better each year and I am tremendously jealous that my own education didn't look like this!
Submitted by other on September 13, 2023

The school has been fantastic for our son in all areas. He is thriving academically and is fully engaged in learning. He feels connected to the world around him in a very real way, much to the credit of the many projects he has engaged in at this school. We are so grateful he is there.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2023

Poorly planned trips that compromise safety. Academics are 1-2 years behind any accredited school. Self serving admin who are true salesman. Beware Bay Area Families, ask the local community before you commit as you will likely run into hundreds of families who have pulled their kids and not because of constructive adversity... Numbers are slowly dwindling but they are fishing for new families and have fantastic marketing to do so.
Submitted by other on August 10, 2023

Inside & out its a free for all for the kids. Very little structure, no discipline, safety issues, etc. The school will sell you on its vision of what the campus will be but does not actually practice or enforce that vision. Tuition is not cheap. After many years there, the school has not made progress- only to find out that the school is on leased land and the permanent buildings are not owned by the school. It's a lot of smoking mirrors, pressure for donations and a lot of turnover in faculty.