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Tahoe Expedition Academy

Academics. Character. Adventure.

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Individualized Adventure Program

Built for Students Who Learn Beyond the Classroom

At TEA, we know some of the best learning happens outside our walls—on mountains, in studios, on stages, in communities around the world. The Individualized Adventure Plan is our flexible learning program designed for students whose passions take them beyond the classroom, while keeping them connected to TEA’s academic rigor, community, and values.

Whether you’re training, competing, performing, or traveling, the Individualized Adventure Plan through Tahoe Expedition Academy keeps you on track academically while you chase big goals. 

Now, you can choose between two unique pathways:

  • For students who are regularly on campus but need flexibility for weekly training, performances, or travel.

    This pathway keeps you fully integrated into TEA’s classes while providing the adjustments and support you need to balance academics with your commitments.

    What’s Included:

    • Integrated Classroom Learning – Stay engaged in core classes, intensives, and crew activities with adjustments to fit your schedule.
    • Pull-Out & Small Group Support – Get focused 1:1 and small group instruction and support on mised classtime before/after school or during the day.
    • Customized Schedules & Assignments – Projects and coursework adapted to your activities and absences.
    • Ongoing Communication – Regular check-ins and open availability to share what’s been missed and provide updates on progress. 
    • Assessment Analysis – Ensuring academic standards are met despite time away.
    • Coach/Leader Collaboration – Align expectations and support academic accountability when applicable.


    Perfect for:

    • Students with consistent weekly commitments (sports, arts, community involvement)
    • Students missing more than one day a week, but still engaged in regular classroom learning
    • This pathway keeps you connected with peers and engaged in TEA’s hands-on, community-driven learning, while providing full support in balancing your busy schedule beyond the classroom.
       

    A program summary table outlines support services for individualized adventure plans.


    Read more about our students’ experiences with the Individualized Adventure Program.

  • For students whose schedules take them away from campus for extended periods, our Full-Year Blended Model offers the best of both worlds, extreme flexibility and connection. Unlike traditional, face-to-face learning, this program allows students to complete core academics online from anywhere, while still staying rooted in TEA’s vibrant community, character-driven values, and academic standards. When schedules allow, students can join in-person meetups, collaborative learning sessions, and immersive crew trips.

    What’s Included:

    • Four Core Online Courses + Online Intensives + Individualized Portfolio Project – Choose from a variety of engaging electives to explore passions or start career pathways.
    • Accelerated Learning Options – Advance more quickly in specific subjects like math.
    • Optional block scheduling to lighten academic workloads during peak extracurricular seasons.
    • Character & Crew Connection – Continue portfolio development with goal-setting, reflection, and mentorship.
    • Flexible Teacher Support – Up to 2 hours/week of live 1:1 Zoom sessions, plus on-campus check-ins.
    • Intensives & Fieldwork – Participate in power block days and intensives (fieldwork/expeditions available for an additional fee).
    • Parent & Student Tools – Real-time progress tracking through our online platform with flexible pacing.
    • Manageable Commitment – 14–20 hours/week of independent work plus optional on-campus engagement.
    • Accredited & UC A–G Approved Courses – Remain a full-time TEA student with report cards, transcripts, and diploma eligibility.
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    Perfect for:

    • Competitive athletes
    • Performing artists
    • Traveling students
    • Independent learners seeking more control over their schedule


    With the Blended IAP Pathway, you get the best of both worlds—the freedom to learn from anywhere and the support, community, and experiences that make TEA unique—plus curated learning tied to your travels, sports, or passions, all aligned with TEA’s core values.

    IAP Blended Programming Document

Partnerships That Power the IAP

Success in IAP is built on collaboration between students, families, teachers, and mentors:

  • Student – Collaborates with TEA teacher and IAP Coordinator to set goals, follow plans, and stay organized while away.
  • IAP Coordinator & Teacher – Serve as the main contact, approve absences, design tailored assignments, monitor progress, and provide feedback.
  • Parent/Guardian – Ensure students have tools and support, stay engaged in progress monitoring, and maintain communication for weekly-commitment IAPs.
  • Coach/Leader – Understand academic expectations, encourage accountability, and help balance training with academics.

Meet the IAP Coordinator – Emily Reid

With three years at TEA and over 20 years in customized education, Emily knows how to keep the TEA experience alive—even when students are learning beyond the classroom. She creates personalized learning pathways connected to travel, passions, and real-world experiences, helping students engage deeply with the communities they’re exploring while staying rooted in TEA’s values.

 

“By blending academic rigor with real-world applications, we create meaningful learning opportunities that align with each student’s unique journey.” – Emily Reid
 

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles broadly at the camera.

 

IAP @ TEA Cost Structure

On-Campus Supported IAP – Price varies by grade level and situation.
Blended IAP Pathway – $16,160

Check Out What Our IAP Students Are Doing

 

View our IAP Presentation from the Spring of 2022