THE EXPEDITION SCHOOL

The Expedition School is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the The Expedition School school district, located in Hillsborough, NC with about 336 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 26 teachers, The Expedition School has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Expedition School, located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a K-8 public charter school that distinguishes itself through an experiential and inquiry-based approach to learning. Rooted in the principles of Expeditionary Learning (EL Education), the school emphasizes rigorous academics combined with character development and community engagement. Instead of traditional lecture-based instruction, students participate in long-term, interdisciplinary "expeditions" that connect classroom curriculum to real-world problems and fieldwork, fostering a deeper, more practical understanding of subjects.

The school places a strong focus on community, outdoor exploration, and active citizenship, aiming to create a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. By integrating high academic standards with social-emotional growth, The Expedition School seeks to graduate students who are not only prepared for high school but are also compassionate, critical thinkers. Its location near the Eno River further supports the school’s mission of environmental stewardship, providing a natural laboratory for students to connect with their local ecosystem.

For more information, contact The Expedition School at (919) 245-8432 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.