TRIBUTARIES

1-DAY PROGRAM

The Tributaries Program is a one day per week short-form offering rooted in Watershed Schoolhouses’ integrated, project-based curriculum. Just as a river is made up of many smaller tributaries—creeks and streams—the Tributaries program is a smaller-scale program that feeds into the overall work of Watershed Schoolhouse.

The program serves students in grades K-6 and operates out of Watershed Schoolhouse’s main campus, based in the current and ancestral homelands of the Mechoopda (Chico, California). Space in the cohort is limited to 12 students.

Apply FOR TRIBUTARIES

Learn About the Watershed Approach

The Tributaries Program follows a year-long arc, exploring one theme in depth through several projects. Each theme is broad enough and complex enough to serve as an entry point for many different kinds of learning and for individual exploration and curiosity. As a nature-based curriculum, the projects and rhythm follow the seasons and the arc of a day. Click here to learn more about Watershed’s rhythm.

Calendar & Rhythm

The Tributaries Program meets Fridays, from 9am-3pm.

SEMESTER 1

(13 weeks)

Sep 19, 25

Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Nov 7, 14, 21

Dec 5, 12, 19

SEMESTER 2

(17 weeks)

Jan 9, 16, 23, 30

Feb 6, 20, 27

Mar 6, 13, 27

Apr 10, 17, 24

May 8, 15, 22, 29

*With some exceptions, the calendar generally aligns with the CUSD Calendar.

Tributaries Tuition

Watershed Schoolhouse is committed to making transformative education accessible to all.

The Tributaries Program is based on an annual tuition rate and a commitment to the full school year (Sep-May). Tuition can be paid in 1, 2, or 9 (monthly) payments. Specific details sent upon acceptance and registration.

$2520 Annual Tuition

($280 per month)

First payment due August 1st.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Enrolled with an independent study homeschool charter? Looking to use your funds for the Tributaries Program?

Watershed Schoolhouse is currently seeking to become a community partner with Lake View Charter, South Sutter Charter, and CORE Butte Charter. Stay tuned!

WATERSHED BENEFITS

Nature as Teacher

Watershed Schoolhouse is hosted on a beautiful 43-acre campus with a year round creek and a simple schoolhouse just a few minutes outside of Chico.
Integrated Learning

Real learning goes beyond tests and piece-meal experiences; it engages whole humans through coherent projects, rooted in community.
Small Cohort Size

Small by design, the small, multi-age cohort allows families, teachers, and students alike to grow together and deepen their relationships over time.
Screen-free Environment

The screen-free environment allows for direct experience—rather than mere information—as the foundation for learning.