Tahoe Expedition Academy
General Information
Reviews
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 is widely recognized for its expeditionary learning model that integrates rigorous academics with outdoor education, leadership development, and community engagement. Reviews from families and students frequently emphasize the school’s distinctive approach to learning, which blends classroom instruction with field-based experiences designed to build resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking. Parents often highlight the personalized attention students receive due to small class sizes and strong mentorship structures, noting that teachers know students well and actively support both academic and personal growth. Students commonly describe the school culture as inclusive, adventurous, and intellectually stimulating, where curiosity and responsibility are strongly encouraged. Alumni feedback frequently reflects high levels of preparedness for college and life beyond school, citing strong problem-solving skills, independence, and confidence developed through expeditions and interdisciplinary projects. Overall, the school is viewed as a mission-driven K–12 institution that successfully combines academic excellence with character education, appealing to families seeking an alternative, experiential model rooted in real-world learning and environmental stewardship.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: 775-832-9850
- Main Address: 9765 Schaffer Mill Road, Truckee, California 96161, United States
- General Email Address: info@tahoeexpeditionacademy.org
- Admissions Office: 9765 Schaffer Mill Road, Truckee, California 96161
- Administrative Office: 9765 Schaffer Mill Road, Truckee, California 96161
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2011 |
| School Type | Independent K–12 School |
| Educational Model | Expeditionary and experiential learning |
| Motto | Learning Through Challenge and Exploration |
| Campus Setting | Mountain and outdoor-based |
| Grade Levels Served | Kindergarten through Grade 12 |
Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| Country Ranking | Recognized among innovative K–12 experiential schools |
| State Ranking | Well-regarded independent school in California |
| Global Ranking | Not formally ranked |
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Lower School Education
- Middle School Studies
- Upper School Studies
- Mathematics
- Science and Environmental Studies
- Humanities
- Outdoor and Expeditionary Education
- Arts and Creative Expression
- Physical Education and Wellness
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Integrated Humanities and Literacy
- Progressive Mathematics Curriculum
- Life and Physical Sciences
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Outdoor Leadership and Expedition Programs
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Technology and Applied Learning
- College Preparatory Upper School Program
Online Learning
Online learning at Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 is used strategically to complement in-person instruction and field-based education. Digital platforms support research, collaboration, and project development, allowing students to access academic resources while maintaining flexibility during expeditions and outdoor learning experiences. Teachers integrate online tools to enhance organization, reflection, and interdisciplinary study, ensuring continuity when students are engaged in off-campus learning. This blended approach strengthens digital literacy while preserving the school’s core emphasis on experiential, hands-on education.
Degrees and Certifications
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 awards a standard high school diploma upon successful completion of Upper School graduation requirements. The diploma represents mastery of a college-preparatory curriculum combined with experiential learning outcomes, leadership development, and community engagement. While the school does not confer postsecondary degrees, graduates are well prepared for higher education, gap-year programs, and career exploration pathways. Internal recognitions may acknowledge leadership, expedition completion, and service learning achievements.
Summer School
The school offers summer programming that emphasizes outdoor education, academic enrichment, and leadership development. Summer sessions often include expeditions, skill-building workshops, and interdisciplinary projects that align with the school’s mission while maintaining academic engagement during the break period.
Average Test Scores
| Assessment | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Approximately 1200 |
| ACT | Approximately 26 |
| Internal Academic Benchmarks | Consistently strong |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 maintains strong retention and graduation rates, reflecting high student engagement and effective academic support. Most Upper School students graduate on time and transition successfully to colleges or structured postsecondary pathways.
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As an independent K–12 school, Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 does not apply fixed GPA or standardized test score cutoffs. Admissions decisions are holistic, emphasizing academic readiness, character, curiosity, and alignment with the school’s experiential philosophy.
Acceptance Rate
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Selective, based on fit and capacity |
Application Requirements
The admissions process is comprehensive and student-centered, requiring submission of an application form, academic records, teacher recommendations, and family interviews. The school evaluates applicants based on academic preparedness, motivation, adaptability, and interest in experiential learning, ensuring a strong match between student and school values.
Enrollment Overview
Enrollment spans Kindergarten through Grade 12, with intentionally small class sizes that support individualized instruction and strong community relationships across grade levels.
Application Process
- Submit completed application
- Provide academic records and recommendations
- Participate in student and family interviews
- Receive admissions decision
Application Deadlines and Important Dates
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Fall |
| Priority Review | Winter |
| Final Decisions | Spring |
Essay Prompt
Applicants may be asked to submit a reflective essay describing learning experiences, personal challenges, and goals aligned with experiential education.
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Scholarships
The school offers need-based financial aid to promote access and socioeconomic diversity. Scholarship decisions are made through a confidential review of family financial circumstances and demonstrated need.
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Tuition Fees and Costs
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Varies by grade level |
| Enrollment Fees | Annual |
| Expedition Fees | Included or program-based |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds, with learners drawn to experiential education and outdoor-based learning across K–12 grade levels.
Low-Income Students and Students with Disabilities
The school supports low-income students and students with disabilities through financial aid, individualized learning plans, and accommodations integrated into academic and expeditionary programs.
Student Body Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 150 students |
| Grade Levels | K–12 |
| Average Class Size | Small |
University Diversity
Diversity at Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 is valued as a core educational strength. Students come from varied cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, enriching classroom discussion and collaborative learning. The curriculum integrates diverse perspectives through interdisciplinary projects, environmental studies, and community engagement, encouraging respect, empathy, and global awareness.
Average Earnings
Average earnings data are not directly applicable to a K–12 institution; however, graduates are well positioned for long-term success through strong college preparation, leadership skills, and adaptability developed through experiential learning. These attributes support positive future academic and career outcomes.
Graduation Rate
The school reports a high graduation rate, with nearly all Upper School students completing requirements successfully and transitioning to postsecondary education or structured gap-year opportunities.
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty and staff are experienced educators committed to experiential instruction, mentorship, and interdisciplinary teaching. Ongoing professional development supports instructional quality and outdoor education safety.
Faculty Profiles
Teachers bring diverse academic and professional backgrounds, combining subject expertise with leadership and expeditionary skills to support holistic student development.
Tahoe Expedition Academy, California, K12 Campus and Student Life
Campus Life and Housing
The campus offers a non-residential, day-school environment with extensive access to outdoor learning spaces. Student life centers on expeditions, collaboration, and community engagement.
Transportation
Transportation is primarily family-provided, with coordinated arrangements for expeditions and off-campus learning activities.
Job Openings and Career Opportunities
Career opportunities include teaching, outdoor education, and administrative roles. The school seeks professionals aligned with its mission of experiential, student-centered education.