A NEW Expeditionary Learning School

Families in the Two Creeks neighborhood have watched schools come and go. Programs cut. Opportunities relocated somewhere else. MESA was founded because every family deserves a real choice — and because this community deserves a school that was actually built for it. Upon authorization, MESA will be the first K-8 Expeditionary Learning school in Jefferson County, and it’s right here. Where it belongs.

 We are guided by four core values:

• Motivation: We take initiative and drive change.
• Engagement: We show up with energy, curiosity, and purpose.
• Service: We work to meet the needs of those around us.
• Accountability: We have high expectations for ourselves and each other.

Expeditionary Learning is a proven model and curriculum with proven results for all students.  It is an engaging educational approach that combines three components: integration of rigorous curriculum with real world experiences, multidisciplinary curriculum and expeditions, and additional opportunities for hands-on learning. 

Oftentimes, students in poverty do not get this same curricular and real-world experience -  This is what MESA is bringing to the table to make more accessible to all students.  MESA will begin the EL credential path in late 2027. 

At MESA, we use the UConn Enrichment for All model, a nationally recognized approach for identifying and growing the strengths of diverse learners. First, students maintain reflection portfolios, where they track their goals, growth, and work over time—building ownership of their learning. Second, we use cluster grouping, placing students with similar strengths together so teachers can provide deeper, more challenging instruction. Third, teachers use curriculum compacting, which allows students who have already mastered material to move ahead and engage in more advanced learning.  Together, these practices ensure that every student’s talents are identified early, nurtured intentionally, and celebrated.

The UConn Enrichment for All model removes barriers to opportunity while intentionally building on students’ strengths. Research shows that with curriculum compacting, teachers can eliminate up to 50% of material students already know with no drop in achievement, freeing time for deeper learning. And in schools serving many low-income students, the model has produced significant gains in reading fluency and comprehension compared to traditional programs. In short—when we stop reteaching what students already know and instead develop their talents, all students, especially historically underserved students, accelerate.

MESA is designed to expand both access and opportunity for families in our community. Unlike most charters in the area, MESA will provide transportation, removing one of the biggest barriers to enrollment. Students will benefit from a longer school day and extended school year, giving them more time for deep learning and hands-on experiences. We are also committed to supporting working families by providing before- and after-school care. What makes MESA especially unique is the richness of the student experience: students will participate in daily specials including PE, visual arts, and performing arts. We will provide clear communication in all home languages -  porque todas las personas merecen comunicar en la lengua nativa - and have professional uniform policy that helps foster a culture of belonging. Finally, MESA will remain intentionally small so every child is safe, supported and challenged.

MESA isn’t an outside solution dropped into a neighborhood. It’s been built through hundreds of individual conversations with families, showing up at story times, city council meetings, and doorsteps.  This school belongs to the scholars who attend it — and to the community that called for it. They have real jobs. Real responsibilities. Real voice. That’s not a metaphor.