The start of a new year is a natural moment to look ahead and set new goals, and at Summit Charter School this mindset is woven directly into our educational curriculum.
Each school year, every grade from kindergarten through 12th participates in our 13 Summits Program, an annual hike of a local or regional peak that connects students to the natural environment and to one another.
Over their years at Summit, students progress from gentle introductory trails for younger grades, such as Sunset Rock and Whiteside Mountain, to more challenging peaks like Yellow Mountain, Looking Glass, Black Balsam, and The Pinnacle. Even with varied ages and abilities, each class approaches its summit with the same goals: to learn, to explore, and to engage with the world beyond the classroom walls.
As a key part of our place-based education model, these excursions utilize our natural Blue Ridge surroundings as an extension of the classroom.
Students learn about local ecology, geography, environmental stewardship, and trail safety as they prepare for and complete their grade-level summit. At the top, they take time to journal about what they observed and reflect on their current place in what could become their full 13-year Summit journey.
The 13 Summits Program also reinforces core aspects of Summit’s culture, especially the Seven Virtues that guide our school community: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, and Giving. On their hikes, students practice communication and collaboration, contributing to a supportive school community by strengthening relationships across grade levels, faculty, and family volunteers.
As we look ahead to the year to come, the 13 Summits Program remains a meaningful way to anchor learning, encourage curiosity, and help students build confidence through real-world experiences. The New Year reminds us that growth happens over time and, at Summit Charter School, we’re proud to give students opportunities to take those steps in this tremendous landscape we call home.
Favorites Count: 0