.jpg)
WHO WE ARE
We are a community of creative problem solvers learning to use our hearts and minds together. Monarch Elementary School is a free, alternative PUBLIC SCHOOL in the Santa Cruz City School District.
​
Our small, family-oriented, cooperative community relies on dependable parent participation. We offer equal access to our program regardless of in-district address, ability, personal connections, and language.
At Monarch, all families are welcome!
our philosophy
At Monarch Community School we believe that for a school to operate effectively, its staff, parents, and students need to have a shared educational philosophy. We believe that learning is a lifelong process, that we are all learners, (students, teachers, and parents alike), and that there are developmental stages of social and academic maturity. People learn best from hands-on experiences both individually and in multi-age groups. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we must feel safe and cared for in order to develop to our fullest potential.
​
learning together
At Monarch, we believe that learning happens best when we are all working together, (students, teachers, and parents), to develop a rich learning environment spanning home, school, and the greater community.
We are committed to providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment in which students are 'constructing' their own knowledge connected to their real lives and building upon their prior experiences. We believe that students learn best when they are involved and engaged in purposeful learning in which they have:
​
-
Ownership and responsibility
-
A balance of choice and direction, experience and practice
-
Knowledgeable guides (adults, parents, mentor students)
At Monarch, we nurture a culture of respect, where each individual works toward his or her personal best both academically and socially.