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Welcome to Sanctuary Schoolhouse, where EVERY learner LEVELS UP!
Sanctuary Schoolhouse is a nonprofit microschool serving students in grades 5 through 12, with a focus on game theory, STEAM instruction, and hands on learning.
Through the support of The Village Sanctuary Comics and Games we have access to the space to serve students within their shop, but have rural and virtual only options to serve students statewide. Our vision is to bring life back into learning by embracing each student’s strengths, curiosity, and individuality where we create an environment for neurodivergent learners to feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their passions through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Students play Ampe, a game traditionally played in Ghana, during a guest speaker presentation following their novel study on "A Long Walk to Water"
"Settlers of Catan" Lab Style
"Settlers of Catan" Lab Style
Most people see just another board game, but at Sanctuary Schoolhouse, we know the game IS the work.
In traditional schools, games are a reward for finishing the "real" work. At Sanctuary, game mechanics are the engine for mastery. We use game theory to teach complex systems, grit, and logic, ultimately turning passive students into active players.
When we look at Settlers of Catan, we look beyond the surface and we see see cross-curricular lessons to tie in subjects such as:
Mathematics: Probability, statistics, and frequency distribution
Economics: Resource management, supply and demand, and the "Opportunity Cost" of a trade.
Social Studies: A critical look at colonialism, expansionism, and the ethics of land development.
Executive Function: Long-term planning, negotiation under pressure, and emotional regulation when "The Robber" strikes.
Our custom micro-games (found throughout the site) are more than just a brain break, they are active simulations of real world concepts. We use these "Serious Games" to help students practice Systems Thinking, Executive Function, and Active Literacy.
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