To engage students in independent learning through authentic, complex projects in a positive collaborative setting.

Students who learn to apply knowledge and skills in positive, collaborative, supportive settings will be prepared for their future.  This educational philosophy is based on four fundamental beliefs:

1. Quality education is the key to a successful future.
2. Students learn best when they are personally invested in their own learning. 
3. Students are more likely to be personally invested in learning that has authentic value to them such as Project Based Learning.
4. Students learn best in a safe, supportive environment.

The educational program at ISTCS is centered on a project-based learning philosophy aligned with Idaho State Standards.  Students learn best when they are personally invested in their own learning.  Project-based learning encourages active student engagement as students “learn how to apply knowledge [gained in core ELA and math courses] to the real world, and use it to solve problems, answer complex questions, and create high-quality products.” (Buck Institute for Education, 2015). While project-based classes may be taught in a variety of subjects, many project-based classes will focus on teaching the application of skills necessary to succeed in science such as problem solving, inquiry, collaboration, constructing and testing a hypothesis, and effectively communicating results.

ISTCS will promote a supportive and collaborative school culture. ISTCS will actively encourage collaboration amongst faculty and students. This emphasis will inform school decisions in scheduling, professional development, curriculum, and discipline. ISTCS will maintain a 4-day instructional week; Fridays will be focused teachers’ professional development and collaboration. ISTCS will implement classroom strategies and activities designed to explicitly teach students how to contribute in a collaborative, supportive academic effort.