Student Experience

Our student-driven curriculum empowers learners to take ownership of their education. By choosing projects aligned with their interests, students drive their own learning, fostering independence and mastery.

Our project-led curriculum encourages students to explore real-world challenges through hands-on projects. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while driving meaningful learning.

Our competency-based curriculum allows students to progress at their own pace, mastering skills and concepts before moving forward. This ensures deep understanding and personal growth for every learner.

SELAH Institute offers an agriculture-focused curriculum where all students are members of the National FFA Organization, participating in competitions and events while developing hands-on skills in the field.

SELAH Institute emphasizes leadership development through hands-on projects, student-led initiatives, and real-world problem solving, helping students grow into confident, responsible leaders in their communities. 

While SELAH Institute is not a religious school and does not include Bible instruction as part of the curriculum, we embrace a Christian worldview in our approach to education. As a Christian founder, I believe in fostering an environment where values like integrity, empathy, and leadership are emphasized. These principles guide our teaching and interactions with students, helping to shape thoughtful, compassionate individuals.

At SELAH Institute, students engage in experiential learning with weekly field trips to local businesses, farms, museums, and more. They'll also participate in national trips like the National FFA Convention and Washington, D.C. Students have the opportunity to propose trip ideas and take an active leadership role in shaping these experiences. 

Every student is paired with a community mentor who helps connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. These mentors—local professionals, farmers, business owners, and leaders—support our students’ personal growth, career exploration, and leadership development through regular check-ins, guidance, and hands-on opportunities. This partnership ensures that each student builds meaningful relationships and gains insights that extend far beyond the classroom.

Every student is a member of FFA, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), and National Honor Society (NHS), reinforcing our commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and career readiness. Students also have the opportunity to explore and participate in a wide range of organizations—such as 4-H, Grange, SkillsUSA, DECA, and FBLA. If there's a club or competition that aligns with a student’s goals, we’ll help them pursue it. All they have to do is ask. 

At SELAH Institute, students don’t just learn about their community—they become active participants in it. Through hands-on experiences in local government, service projects, historical site visits, and collaboration with area artists and organizations, students gain a deeper understanding of where they live and how they can make a difference. Whether it’s volunteering at community events, interviewing local leaders, or exploring regional history and culture, our students are immersed in real-world learning that connects their education to the people and places around them. 

Project-based learning lets students explore real-world topics and develop skills through hands-on projects. This approach encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving while allowing students to take ownership of their learning.

For example, students could explore how the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technology by researching ancient trade routes and creating a model or presentation that highlights the interconnectedness of civilizations.

Students will collaborate with their learning coach to develop grading rubrics, project timelines, and set goals. They’ll have weekly meetings to reflect on their progress and ensure they stay on track with their projects. Once they demonstrate mastry of a standard, they get to move on to the next topic. 

Field trips and experiential learning offer real-world experiences that connect classroom learning with practical applications. Students visit businesses, farms, museums, and more, and even propose trips based on their interests.

For example, while studying civics, students will tour local government offices and meet with county officials to understand how local government functions and interact with those in leadership positions.

Leadership in education empowers students to guide their learning journey. We partner with families to create personalized plans and foster self-direction. Students develop leadership skills through projects and active involvement in their learning.

Students choose how they learn—through books, podcasts, videos, expert interviews, etc.—and decide how to demonstrate their understanding. This might include writing an article, giving a presentation, creating a piece of art, or providing additional examples.

Leadership development is woven into everything we do, from student-led projects to collaboration with peers. Our goal is to help students develop the confidence, problem-solving, and decision-making skills they need for the future.

Students can take on leadership roles such as being a chapter, federation, or regional FFA officer. They can also participate in 4-H, Grange, Honor Societies, competitions, and showcase their skills at county and state fairs.

Agricultural focus offers hands-on experience with farming, business, and leadership. Students become members of the National FFA Organization, engaging in competitions and activities that connect classroom learning with agricultural careers.

Agriculture impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, from food and clothing to energy, medicine, and construction. By integrating agriculture into the curriculum, we help students understand its global importance, whether they pursue an agricultural career or simply gain a deeper appreciation for the industry.