Our Mission Statement
Based in Sioux Falls, SD, Chrysalis Collective’s mission is to nurture joyful, lifelong learners through the development of Christian character, investment in relationships, exploration of God’s world, and emphasis on each child’s God-given gifts and purpose. This alternative education offering provides a Montessori-inspired Christian education with many additional benefits that come from integration of the best qualities of project-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and a Forest School.
Our Christian learning adventure aims to provide an option for both homeschooling and full-time schooling families that encourages children to become curious, courageous learners, formed by Christian character and inspired by the beauty and joy to be found adventuring in God’s creation.
Chrysalis Collective does not discriminate based on race, color, or national/ethnic origin. This includes all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available in the school or in the administration of education policies.
Academic Work
Our classrooms are carefully prepared, engaging, hands-on environments that enable us to present both inspiring and practical lessons on a wide variety of subjects. Projects, presentations, and skits are critical components of our classroom time. These types of projects are also an opportunity to grow both individual skills as well as build relationships among peers. We believe the relationships that we, as guides, foster with our students allow us to be in tune with the learning styles and individual personalities of our students which enables us to be uniquely prepared to support the children as they learn and grow.
Character Development
Our prayer is that, in the midst of these academic pursuits, our students will always recognize the most important action in community: pausing, in order to help another up. We pray they will be courageous followers of Christ as they practice love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Above all, we pray they will know that their true worth does not lie in academic achievements but in their value as a beloved child of God. As guides, we believe it is our gift to love them into this truth.
Adventure Days
Our joy is real as we traipse through muddy creek beds, build crackling fires to warm chilly fingers, and pause to examine tiny snails on the forest floor. Adventure days aim to build confidence and perseverance, as well as to spark curiosity and wonder. They give opportunity to develop life skills and offer time for reflection and thoughtful inquiries. We believe the hours spent with trees over our head and dirt under our feet is not only the basis for childhood joy but that it is integral to physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.
Approach to Child Development and Education
Our schools have a limited and defined role in supporting the family’s responsibility for the education of a child.
The development of Christian character traits such as: gratitude, courage, sacrificial love, industriousness, resourcefulness, and perseverance are an equal priority to the acquisition of knowledge and abilities.
Allowing movement and physical exploration supports integrated understanding.
We believe character, knowledge, and abilities are best developed through inspiring, practical lessons, and many opportunities to practice.
We value a daily routine that encourages healthy habit formation and teaches the balance of freedom and responsibility.
We believe creativity should be encouraged and guided toward meaningful purposes.