Who We Are
EmpowerEd is a nonprofit school in Rapid City that provides a collaborative, diverse, and holistic education for young people aged 3 to 19. Our learners collaborate across ages while working with experienced, certified teachers. They also engage with the larger community through frequent field trips, community service, and special projects.
EmpowerEd respects and encourages diversity in culture, identity, and belief. We intentionally provide opportunities for learners to share their own perspectives and cultures. We respect and use the names and pronouns that they share with us. They learn World Languages starting at the youngest ages. We reach beyond the textbook to find authentic learning opportunities, including field trips and guest educators.
We nurture a holistic environment where social emotional well being, mental health, physical growth, and intellectual progress are all equally important. One major component is the integration of resilience skills, which are proven to mitigate and even counteract the negative consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). At EmpowerEd, these strategies are interwoven with the fabric of the school on a daily basis.
Our distinct learning community makes space at the very center of the mission for students to deeply explore the impact that their actions have on their community. While learning about water treatment, food access, sustainable farming, and personal health, students are given information to expand their world vision and given choices about how to utilize that information.
What We Do
We strive to provide a learning community where all kids can be CREATIVE.
Conscientious - aware of global and community challenges and have a desire to overcome them.
Resilient - understand that there will be failures and how to learn from them.
Empowered - have the strength to be themselves and to create change in the world.
Adventurous - feel safe enough to take risks.
Thoughtful - are kind to themselves and others.
Inquisitive - have a curiosity of people, cultures, things, etc. and seek to understand the world better.
Valiant - brave in the face of adversity.
Engaged - positively involved in their community and world.
