Welcome to Our QUEST Clubs
Welcome to Our QUEST Clubs
Questioning, Understanding, Experimenting, Seeking, Thinking
Questioning, Understanding, Experimenting, Seeking, Thinking
Weekly Gatherings + Socratic-based Learning + Learning Celebrations
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We are Washington State's only outdoor Self-Directed Education Center
QUEST Clubs
QUEST Clubs
Mixed-Age Educational Enrichment
Mixed-Age Educational Enrichment
Starting Fall 2025 - Join the Interest List Now
Starting Fall 2025 - Join the Interest List Now
Instead of conventional classes, we offer clubs. Here's why:
Clubs allow kids and teens to join at any time instead of having to wait until the next term.
With no arbitrary end date, clubs allow kids and teens to keep going deeper into their interests.
Clubs evolve over time according to the interests of its members.
Kids and teens' own interests shape the formation of new clubs.
How It Works
How It Works
Socratic-Based Learning: A More Natural Way to Learn
Ready to go deep? Forget lectures, powerpoints, and worksheets. Instead of memorizing facts or being told what to think, kids and teens explore their questions together by asking, listening, and building on each other’s thoughts. Together, we develop critical thinking skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Discussions are lively and open-ended, sparked by great books, real-world problems, and the natural wonder of “why?” Kids and teens learn to think for themselves, challenge assumptions, and express their ideas with confidence. It’s not about finding the fastest answer — it’s about discovering how to think, question, and grow.
Show What You Know: A More Natural Way to Celebrate Learning
Here's another big difference between clubs vs. classes...
Instead of tests or grades, we use a mastery model where kids periodically show what they've learned. This is an assessment model I developed during my Masters in Teaching program. I've had the opportunity to present it at international conferences. I've used it with my teacher training students at Gonzaga. I call it Show What You Know. It is the most challenging yet delightful "exam" you've ever seen.
It is is effective because this structured yet open-ended method works for all kinds of learners. It gives kids a voice. Unlike as with tests and grades, kids' learning is not reduced to number, compared against other people's numbers. Instead, Show What You Know is a dynamic display of current understanding, knowledge, and skill.
Perhaps even better, since they literally show what they know (you might say, "show off what they know") everybody gets to benefit from their newfound knowledge as well. It's true learning in community.
Because of this approach, I've never seen students want to work so hard, to push themselves so much, to relish in the expansion of their own creativity, to make good on their promises to themselves to be the kind of person they want to be.
What Ages can Join?
If your child, teen (or yourself!) is interested enough to participate, they (and/or YOU) are welcome to join!
Transcripts
Transcript advice available from our WA State Certificated Teacher.
QUEST Clubs
QUEST Clubs
Story Spark Academy: Where Young Writers Come Alive
Story Spark Academy: Where Young Writers Come Alive
Do you dream of creating magical worlds, unforgettable characters, and stories that stay with people forever? In this creative writing class, you’ll dive deep into what makes writing powerful, exciting, and real — from poetry and short stories to fantasy adventures and heartwarming scenes.
Through thought-provoking discussions, fun writing challenges, and idea-sparking exercises, you'll uncover the secrets of great storytelling, banish boring clichés, and find your unique voice. No boring lectures—just open-ended conversations, inspiring prompts, and a space where your imagination can soar.
Perfect for kids and teens who love books, writing, and big ideas. Come ready to dream, write, and create something amazing!
Boss Mode: Start Your Own Business
Boss Mode: Start Your Own Business
Got a genius idea? A creative talent? A product or service people need? It’s time to turn your big idea into a real business! In this hands-on business incubator, you’ll learn how to brainstorm, brand, market, and manage money like a true entrepreneur. Whether you want to sell handmade jewelry, design a fashion line, start a baking business, or launch a social media brand, this class will give you the tools to make it happen.
No boring lectures — just real-world skills, creative problem-solving, and expert feedback as you develop, test, and refine your ideas. Work alongside other kids and teens entrepreneurs, gain confidence, and take your first steps toward being your own boss.
If you love thinking big, taking action, and building something of your own, this class is for you. Dream it. Design it. Do it!
Building Dreams: Sustainable Architecture & Design
Building Dreams: Sustainable Architecture & Design
If you could design your dream home, what would it look like? A cozy tree house with secret hideaways? A modern mansion with a rooftop garden? A fairy tale cottage with a glass-ceiling bedroom for stargazing? In this hands-on architecture & design class, you’ll get to bring your dream home to life!
We’ll explore the basics of architecture, floor plans, and interior design while sketching, experimenting with 3D models, and thinking like real architects. Along the way, we’ll talk about how homes reflect personality, culture, and creativity — and how smart design makes a space both beautiful and functional.
If you love drawing, decorating, or imagining the perfect space to call your own, this class is for you. Come ready to dream big, design boldly, and create a home that’s uniquely you!
Rebels, Visionaries & World-Changers in our American Story
Rebels, Visionaries & World-Changers in our American Story
History is more than wars and presidents — it’s the story of people who dared to imagine something better. In this life-changing experience, we’ll uncover the lives of bold, brilliant women who shaped our country through courage, creativity, and conviction.
From abolitionists and artists to scientists, spiritual leaders, and social justice warriors, we’ll explore the stories of women who broke the mold — not for fame or glory, but because they believed in something bigger than themselves.
This is a space for curious learners who love good stories, deep questions, and hands-on discovery. Whether you’re drawn to history, justice, leadership, or just want to know the real stories behind America’s most important moments, you’ll find something here to ignite your imagination.
Parents are welcome to join their kids and learn side-by-side. We'll dive into powerful biographies, thought-provoking films, creative projects, and lively discussions. You’ll come away not just knowing what these women did — but how their choices still shape the world we live in, and how you can make a difference too.
If you're ready to rethink what history means — and who gets remembered — join us for a journey through the stories you didn't hear in school… but should have.
Mandarin Made Easy: Learn Through Stories & Art
Mandarin Made Easy: Learn Through Stories & Art
What if learning Mandarin felt as easy as drawing a picture or telling a story? In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll bring the language to life through creativity — using art, storytelling, and fun activities to make words and characters stick without boring drills or endless memorization.
Instead of cramming vocabulary, we’ll sketch out meanings, build simple stories, and use our imaginations to connect with the language in a way that feels natural. You’ll start speaking, listening, and recognizing Chinese characters with confidence — without even realizing how much you’ve learned!
Perfect for creative minds who love to draw, tell stories, and explore new languages in a fun, pressure-free way. Come ready to play with words and bring Mandarin to life!
Learn How to Teach Your Language
Learn How to Teach Your Language
Are you a native speaker of a language other than English? Our very own teacher of teachers, Katy, will teach you how to teach your language. Learn how to do it, practice it with each other, and then practice with other Co-op members! It's nothing like "language class" in high school -- it's way more fun, and effective!
您的母语是英语以外的语言吗？我们自己的老师 Katy 可以教您如何教授您的语言。学习如何作，互相练习，然后与其他合作社成员一起练习！这与高中的"语言课"完全不同 - 它更有趣、更有效！
Являетесь ли вы носителем языка, отличного от английского? Наш собственный учитель учителей, Кэти, может научить вас, как преподавать свой язык. Узнайте, как это делать, практикуйтесь друг с другом, а затем практикуйтесь с другими членами кооператива! Это совсем не похоже на "языковой класс" в старшей школе - это намного веселее и эффективнее!
هل أنت متحدث أصلي للغة أخرى غير الإنجليزية؟ يمكن لمعلمة المعلمين الخاصة بنا ، كاتي ، أن تعلمك كيفية تعليم لغتك. تعلم كيفية القيام بذلك ، وممارسته مع بعضكما البعض ، ثم تدرب مع أعضاء Co-op الآخرين! إنه لا يشبه "فصل اللغة" في المدرسة الثانوية - إنه أكثر متعة وفعالية!
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