Our Approach


Expeditionary Learning at DDES

At DDES, we offer an Expeditionary Learning education, or EL. This educational approach focuses on learning through expeditions, which integrate hands-on, real-world experiences to enhance student learning and engagement.

Our students dive into real-world projects that spark their curiosity and teach them lessons beyond the textbook. When a DDES student takes the next academic step, he or she will have:

  • Demonstrated mastery of the standards.
  • Articulated the steps he or she took as a learner to address challenges.
  • Created professional products to impact the world.
  • Reflected on his or her growth as a member of the community. 

With this EL approach guiding their educational journey, students grow up to be caring leaders and clever problem-solvers. It’s all about preparing kids not just for tests, but for life.

A smiling child in a colorful shirt reaches out while playing with a large, multicolored parachute in a school gymnasium.

Three Dimensions of Student Achievement

EL is rooted in three dimensions of student achievement: Mastery of Knowledge and Skills, Character, and High Quality Work. Find out more about each of these key elements: