Formed in 1992, ELOB is based on the principles of the Outward Bound , which educator Kurt Hahn founded in 1941. Teachers, students, and school leadership work together to cultivate a culture of respect at ELOB schools, with high expectations for all. Students stay with the same teacher for more than one year. Expeditionary Learning focuses teaching and learning toward enabling students to meet high academic standards and character goals.
Expeditions are often interdisciplinary and engage students in real-world investigations .
ELOB teachers develop their own expeditions based upon the ten design principles and set of guiding questions, learning goals, projects, and student assessments. Learning expeditions are designed with clear learning goals and are aligned with state and district standards . Ongoing assessment is woven throughout each learning expedition on a classroom and school-wide level. Student learning is measured by portfolios, public performances, and presentations of student work as well as by state and local standardized tests . ELOB schools also develop culminating exhibitions and graduation requirements for students to gauge academic and character development.