About Us

Welcome to The Fred Tjardes School of Innovation (TSOI), a pioneering educational community located in the heart of Greeley, Colorado. We are a K-8 school designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving in students from diverse backgrounds.

At TSOI, we believe that education should go beyond traditional classrooms and textbooks. That’s why our learning environment is driven by student inquiry, hands-on projects, and cross-disciplinary approaches. We empower students to take ownership of their education by encouraging them to pursue projects that reflect their passions, creativity, and future aspirations.

As a micro-school with just 124 students and class sizes capped at 18, we are able to develop deep relationships with students and understand just what it takes to help them grow. 

Project-Based Learning

Central to our educational philosophy is Project-Based Learning (PBL), where students work on real-world challenges that integrate various subjects.. Whether it’s designing sustainable solutions for the local community, creating art that inspires social change, or building prototypes that demonstrate innovative thinking, our students learn by doing.

Off-Road Learning

At TSOI, we understand that learning must happen beyond the school walls. We regularly use the community as a learning space, taking frequent field trips within the city of Greeley to learn and explore. We also take at least three larger field trips each year at each grade level to connect what we are learning to the wider world. We also utilize outdoor learning spaces like the Poudre Learning Center, several times per year. 

A Community of Innovators

Our school embraces collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage students to work in teams, where they learn from one another, share ideas, and develop solutions that are bigger than any individual contribution. Teachers at TSOI are guides, mentors, and Collaborators helping students to challenge conventional thinking, ask meaningful questions, and find creative ways to express their ideas.

Personalized Learning Paths

We know that every student is unique. Our approach to personalized learning allows each student to chart their own academic journey. Students work with their Collaborators to create personalized learning plans, set individual goals, and track their progress. This flexibility allows students to develop skills and knowledge at their own pace while gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Building a Better Tomorrow

Named in honor of Fred Tjardes, a visionary educator and master of relationship building, TSOI is committed to building a better tomorrow through education. We believe that by equipping our students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, they will become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

Join us as we reimagine education and inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and changemakers.