Chrysalis School

Affective Education

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head and brainResearch: Research on the brain’s affective filter demonstrates that a student’s emotional state is closely linked to their ability to learn. When the brain is in a positive emotional state students can learn more effectively and at higher levels of cognition. Neurologist Judy Willis concludes, “With such evidence-based research, the affective filter theories cannot be disparaged as ‘feel-good education’ or an ‘excuse to coddle students’—if students are stressed out, the information cannot get in. This is a matter of science.”
Practice: Our program incorporates the elements of an affective education, meaning that we are just as concerned with the personal and social development of the individual as we are with their academic or cognitive development. We know that when these are out of balance negative emotions can present themselves in a number of ways. We work to minimize the stress and anxiety around schooling and keep positive attitudes about learning and school.

Learning Never Ends

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DSC_0367 (3)Research: Jerome Bruns, author of “They Can But They Don’t,” argues that learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom or traditional worksheets, lectures, and homework. He’s a firm believer that kids are natural learners and that as parents we are their first and most influential teachers. The time we spend with them is simply irreplaceable. Spending time with them, observing and participating in their areas of interest, encouraging them without evaluating or pointing out their errors, and helping correct them in nonjudgmental ways are incredibly valuable learning opportunities.
Practice: Families who are new to Chrysalis may find themselves asking, what should we do with all this extra time that my child’s not in school?! Think of all the life skills your child will need in the future. They will need to cook, manage their finances, find their way around town, board a bus…it’s endless and learning is hidden in many activities. Cooking is math, TV sparks discussion, excursions are lessons in how to navigate the region, read maps, plan and organize an outing. Chores, PE, community service, times with family and friends, sports, and extra sleep are all valuable activities!

Maker Space

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DSC_7093Research: One of the hottest new trends in education is based in the maker movement, an extension of “do-it-yourself” culture. It combines the elements of shop class, the arts, engineering, and home economics to promote creativity and teach real-world skills within the school day. The school offers a space where tools, supplies, and other resources are available for students to tinker and experiment with. These hands-on learning opportunities introduce new hobbies and passions to students, and according to Roland Barth of the Harvard Principals’ Center, develop risk taking, purposefulness, the ability to pose important questions, freedom, hard work, collective learning, leadership, and a sense of responsibility for one’s self and others.

Practice: Last year we applied for a received a grant from the Glendorn Foundation to bolster hands-on learning. We will be creating maker spaces at both campuses that offer tools, supplies, and other resources to tinker and experiment with outside of class. We see great potential in this project as so many of our students are experiential, or hand-on, learners. At the South Campus activity centers will provide choice in how students spend their time during their activity/study period. At the high school breaks in their schedules will offer time for experimentation.

Problem Solving With Minecraft

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minecraft_2_lResearch: Minecraft has been hailed as a “virtual sandbox,” with opportunities for kids to build, explore, and create on a digital platform. Education writer James Drzewiecki identifies many benefits to using Minecraft in the classroom, which include: increased engagement, collaboration and teamwork, building social skills, increased problem-solving skills, the creative introduction of curricular content, the incorporation of student choice and creativity, and incredible potential for use in endless subject areas. Its overwhelming appeal to many students makes it an accessible and comfortable format for them to engage in the learning process and demonstrate what they know.
Practice: As a tool that so many of our students are familiar with and enjoy, we see a world of opportunities for learning with Minecraft. We are extremely grateful to the parent who made a generous donation to the South Campus this summer. We are now outfitted with new computers, iPads, and our own server so that we can begin to explore the potential for this new technology. We can’t wait for it to transpire!

Highly Selective

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matt chessResearch: There’s currently a nationwide teacher shortage, as the number of college students who choose to become teachers drops and teachers already in the field leave the career. Schools are scrambling to hire the teachers they need and stretching the qualifications necessary to make it happen.

Practice: Our process for hiring new teachers is highly selective, going well beyond credentials to ensure that candidates are in line philosophically in how they think about children, learning, and the school community. Once they’re hired they go through teacher training and are assigned a mentor teacher to learn our culture and practices. Being at Chrysalis is a continual process of learning and discovery for everyone who works and studies here. We’ve made a few outstanding hires this summer who we’re really excited about…we can’t wait for you to meet them!

Our Campuses

Chrysalis High School and Middle School
15900 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE
Woodinville, WA p: (425) 481-2228

Chrysalis Elementary Campus
17005 140th Ave NE
Woodinville, WA p: (425) 481-2228

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