About Expeditionary Learning Schools
5K Celebration of Learning – Home Expedition
Expeditionary Learning Schools (ELS) were first developed in 1991 in response to the national New American Schools competition for new educational models. Drawing on the work of educator Kurt Hahn and on research into best practices for quality schools, ELS was selected as one of 11 designs for New American Schools out of 700 proposals. It has been available in a whole-school program since 1993 and is now used in 170 urban and rural schools in 31 states. The Russell Byers Charter School is an ELS urban demonstration model and the only ELS school in the state of Pennsylvania.
ELS was chosen for the Russell Byers Charter School in large part because it complements the life of the man to whom the school is dedicated. The late Russell Byers was a well-known columnist at the Philadelphia Daily News, writing there for 10 years about many issues—most notably education and school reform. Russell believed both in going to the source for information and that the best learning occurred while doing. He was also a passionate advocate for personal and public accountability. His values are clearly reflected in the ELS model.
Learn More About Expeditionary Learning Schools by visiting the Expeditionary Learning website.
