How many ways are there to learn? We live in a traditional community with traditional schools. However, there are some very creative, different approaches to education being tested all over the world. Your job this weekend is to find a non-traditional school, provide a link, and explain in the blog what makes this school unique. What methods are they using, how is their approach different, and what is it that makes the school successful?
Here is an example. Good Luck!
http://academy.interlochen.org/motion-picture-arts-major?utm_campaign=iaa_mpa&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CO_FrdPe37wCFacDOgod2XQALQ
You may not repeat a school and/or a type of school. So far, I found a film school and Jessica has an alternative education school listed. Go for different! There are some really interesting schools out there.
“One size does not fit all”, well in this case anyway. As I learn throughout my years of education, but mostly while researching for our Common Core debate, every student is different. By this I mean that no student learns exactly the same because no one person is exactly like another. Niles Community Schools in Michigan understand that students learn differently and, for lack of a better phrase, bend over backwards to accommodate their students.
ReplyDeleteOn top of having the newest technology to help their students with their studies, they also provide extensive classroom assistance. At Niles Community Schools each teacher comes up with a curriculum map. This map has one major question. This question is what the students need to be able to answer at the end of the unit or lesson. These maps, however, are not a barrier. They do not say how the student has to obtain the answer, just that they must learn it. This leaves the options for different learning techniques.
What I found most interesting about Niles Community Schools is that every student is provided with a computer in their home which is used to communicate with W-A-Y researchers to also help the students fully grasp the concepts they are learning in class. This would be very helpful because most of us can relate that we thought we understood something in class only to go home and realize we have no idea what we were supposed to do.
Niles Community Schools also have an adult program to aid those adults that did not have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma in their teenage years. Their adult education program offers open labs, online classes, and preparation tools that could only help them in the long run. I find this very cool that this school offers classes for adults.
Not everyone is the same, and Niles Community Schools acknowledges this while working very hard to accommodate as many people as possible to help them earn their high school diploma. They have organized specialized learning tactics for students that have difficult time learning in a traditional educational environment. More schools should work on adapting to creative ways of teaching and learning because after all, “one size does not fit all”.
http://nilesschools.schoolwires.net/Page/2447
DeleteInteresting. This looks like an alternative education school providing recovery credits and an opportunity for adults who had formerly dropped out a chance to earn a high school degree. They have individual learning plans, but still have typical teacher lead instruction. Definitely different.
DeleteJess, I really like how they have computers to take home because like you said we think we understand something and then we get home and have absolutely no idea what is going on. I also really liked how it gives adults like a second chance. That sounds very different, but also very good and impressive. Nice work!
DeleteJessica, I completely agree with you: students DO learn differently. It sounds like this system does a great job of allowing students to think on their own and to use as much creativity as possible. It is neat that the teachers tell the students what they must get out of each lesson, but not how to go about obtaining that answer. While researching Common Core, the government said that they tell teachers what to teach, but not how to teach it. I think this concept applies here. I also like the idea of communicating with the W-A-Y researchers to fully comprehend each topic. As Mrs. Messineo stated above, it is a great opportunity for some adults to get back on track.
DeleteI also loved how you started and finished with the statement, "One size does not fit all." Nice job, as always, Jessica!
This blog was very interesting. I truly never thought about non-traditional schools before. As I was researching this topic, I came across an interesting school, Hampshire College, which approaches education in a completely different way than I was expecting.
ReplyDeleteThe link to this school is here -- > https://www.hampshire.edu/
Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college located in Massachusetts. This school opened in 1970 because the presidents from four colleges -- Pioneer Valley: Amherst College, Mount Holyoke, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst -- wanted to develop an opportunity for alternative education.
Hampshire College focuses more on independent work and is widely recognized for its unique curriculum. Narrative evaluations play a greater role than grades or GPAs. The school is designed to motivate and aid curious students. Their interests are considered while concentrating on major projects. Students advance through three levels: Division I, Division II, and Division III. In the first stage, students must participate in "Schools of Thought" along with other courses on and off campus. In the next level, they fully concentrate on their specific field of study. In Division III, each student must complete an in-depth, advanced project. This project may be a long academic paper, a collection of works, or even creating his or her own invention.
This school is very successful because every student must develop an individual program in order to graduate. The students are encouraged to ask and answer many questions that were never asked before. They develop unique skills and learn to "think outside of the box."
I found it very interesting that this school gives its students so much freedom. They learn to think on their own with passion. Not only are they thinking on their own, but they are forced to use their minds and resources to their fullest potential. I think it is incredible that most of their graduates actually come up with their own inventions. The teachers also support and motivate each student along the way. It takes learning to a whole new level.
I usually find liberal arts schools intriguing while exploring what they have to offer, but Hampshire College is a school unlike its kind. Success comes because the students develop higher levels of confidence and understanding than most traditional schools have to offer.
Wow Sam, that sounds like a really unique way of learning. Honestly, I think that sounds harder than what most other schools are doing, but maybe that's just me. I do like how they give so much freedom, it just sounds like you really need to think if you go there. Good work Sam. I thought that was very interesting.
DeleteSam, one of the best phrases I read in your blog was that this school teaches students to "learn with passion". That is such a great way of putting the method of this school. It really allows them to decide if what they are going for is what they want. Great job!
DeleteSam, I believe that the school you chose was somewhat like mine in the way they drive the students to learn. They want to effect the students in a way in which they become smarter as well as get a fantastic work ethic. Beautiful work!
DeleteAfter all of the research I've been doing due to our debate, I have realized there are many different ways for teaching methods in existence. Every student learns in a different way, and every teacher educates in different way. Without the Common Core, I do not think any two schools teach exactly the same. This is true for the Oliverian School. This public school has a very different way of teaching and learning than what I am use to hearing about.
ReplyDeleteThe Oliverian School has a slogan that I really like. It is "Our school is as unique as our students." I like this because every student is and should be unique in their own way. Everyone wants to learn about different things. Some students are more interested in math and science where others are stronger in the english department. Well, this high school is almost like a college prep school. They have a variety of subjects and programs that students have the option of taking to match their career choice. They also have life skills class that deal with actual situations in life they may later encounter. The faculty increases the students knowledge about academics and practical life.
A really unique aspect is that they have an optional summer school session. In the summer, students live similar to college life, living in dorm rooms. Throughout the summer they do outside and adventurous activities outside of the norm.
The Oliverian School feels they are reaching students full potential when they give them all of these choices to take part in. Finally, they have a senior project. In this project students must use their talents and skills they have picked up throughout their years and in some way show their abilities to the rest of the class and faculty.
I think this type of learning would be very successful and they say it is. It would prepare students for the outside world and what to expect in college and then the rest of their life. Still like regular schools, they have teachers teaching and still take most classes we do, but then they work on actual life which would be very beneficial. These students are reaching their full potential or close to it with learning academics and future living skills.
http://www.oliverianschool.org/academics/
Jolene, this was very interesting to read. The school I chose was a college, and their students have to develop a project at the end, too, demonstrating everything they learned throughout the years. I think it is neat to see this system applied to a high school. The Oliverian School sounds like it would be extremely beneficial to students, especially with the optional summer school classes. I'm interested in how many students actually attend that summer session. I also like how it operates like a traditional school, but goes above and beyond with its curriculum, preparing students for their future in a creative way. Nice work, Jolene!
DeleteJolene, I thought it was neat and creative of you to start out by quoting the Oliverian School. I actually think it would be exciting and fun to live a college life and live in dorm rooms in the summer. It would provide great experience as to what college life really is like. The Oliverian School System is a great example of a school that truly does care about the future of their students; they want them to succeed.
DeleteJolene, it is neat how this school really prepares students for college. This would be a big benefit to helping students get ahead with what they want to do in life so they can be 100% ready for college and for life after college. Like many of the schools blogged about, it is easy to see that this school really cares about its students futures. Fantastic job!
DeleteThere are many different ways to teach a certain skill or subject in school. I thought this was a very interesting and exciting topic for the blog. It made me think of how their way of teaching would apply to the Common Core theme.
ReplyDeleteThe Hampton City Schools in Hampton, Virginia have a new approach to teaching and broadening a child's mind, at all grade levels. For example, in the elementary schools, they have implemented the Armstrong School of the Arts. This is a program in which dance, the visual arts, drama, and music are incorporated into 4 core subjects in school: English, math, social studies, and science. The teachers work and plan together in order to integrate all these skills in one subject. This is an effective way of learning, because it teaches the mind to think about more than one aspect of school at once.
At the middle school level, the Hampton City Schools have several advanced-learning programs in place. One of these is the Andrew STEM Engineering Choice Program. This is a three-year program in which students are exposed to the different "STEM" careers: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is designed to motivate and challenge students by building on previous knowledge and testing their critical thinking skills.
Finally, during a student's Junior or Senior year, they have the opportunity to enroll in a rigorous college preparatory program, the Diploma Program, for highly motivated students. This program is meant to instill skills emphasized by colleges such as research and critical thinking. Students who successfully complete the program will earn the IB Diploma, Virginia Diploma, and the Advanced Studies Diploma.
The Hampton City Schools have implemented many advanced programs that will help their students learn and have greater success in their academic careers. I think the STEM program would be very effective because it provides students with hands on experience.
Here is the link to the Hampton City Schools and their programs: http://www.sbo.hampton.k12.va.us/programs/programs.html#.UwlNSH-9KSM
Tori, wow! You really found an interesting one! I find it amazing that the schools took it upon themselves to add dance and other visual arts into their children' studies. It definitely is a good idea, as most people learn kinesthetically. This would allow their children to remember things better too, as they would have the chance to add movement and other forms to subject matter. Great find!
DeleteTori, your choice in school is very interesting. I love how they teach their students through the visual arts, dance, drama, and music as they are important to appreciate to be well rounded. The school's approach to education is original and I'm sure many of its students enjoy the uniqueness of their education. The school sounds like a very interesting one to visit.
DeleteThere are many different ways to teach a lesson. Some teachers will allow the students to discover the answer themselves, others will guide them along the right path to the answer, others still will present it to them, and even more will use multiple other different methods. So, if teachers can do this in their respective classes, why can't universities and other schools.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about alternative methods of teaching, except for the one example we have in Fr. Ross' room. I didn't think it would apply to me, so why should I bother. But now as I look at them, I realize that maybe some of the ones that I have seen might help me to learn better, when applied to my own lifestyle.
My favorite was the methods used at Bennington University, http://bennington.edu/home.aspx . The school, located in Vermont, offers a great variety paths to follow on the educational journey. But, it's not the normal path taken. In the first year, each student devises their own curriculum, with guidance from their advisors, which will continue all four years, and is mandatory. They don't jump straight into classes about their profession though. The first year is about broadening your horizons and studying many different subjects, and then slowly working into your favorite subjects you have discovered. The next two years allow you to dig even deeper into one subject, a group if them, or even a question that you would like to answer. When senior year comes around, each student is asked to acknowledge how their studies have affected, and will affect their community and the world. They continue to search for the perfect balance of classes, and some choose to write a thesis paper or other collective work, but it is not required.
This may not seem so crazy, and it is not. It is a logical approach to allowing students to accept responsibility for their own advancement and future opportunities based on it. But one of the most fascinating things is the essays they are required to write. The first year, its subject is their transition into the program and articulates their interests. The second year, the subject is the plan they have devised for their time there. This is approved by a meeting held by advisors. The third year, they reflect on their progress in their area of study and present the final year's curriculum. They must also meet with the Plan Committee, which will decide whether or not the student has done enough to continue on to the next year as planned. The final year, the subject is a total reflection of their education at Bennington, and their feelings on how they have achieved their goals that they had personally decided on.
I really think this is a good way to teach responsibility for one's self. And, it does not limit a student to one discipline such as physics or theology. They can combine subjects as they wish, and this will allow them to become even more involved, as they are learning about things they want to learn about. Also, with continued guidance, they are receiving advice from people that know about the subjects taken. Also, they must work hard, or they will not be allowed to continue past their third year. This creates a lot of incentive for the student to try their hardest. These alternative ways of teaching definitely are thought provoking to someone like myself who has never really experienced any non traditional schooling.
Hannah, I thought your post was very insightful and interesting to read. I have never heard of the approach where the student actually creates their own curriculum. I could see where some kids would take advantage of this privilege and choose easy, blow-off classes, but I also see some students really challenging themselves. I also think it is smart of the school to have the students take preliminary classes instead of ones focused on a specific profession. Therefore, the student really has time to think on what they really want to pursue as a career.
DeleteHan, it is really definitely neat that their students can formulate their own curriculum plan. It is almost like that are creating their own personalized way to adulthood. I have not heard of this before, but it makes a lot of sense and I'm sure is extremely effective in the lives of the students. This was a very interesting approach to a different way of education.
DeleteThe blog this week was very intriguing to me when I first learned the topic. Since we have been learning about Common Core it has become more clear to me that there are many different types of schools and schooling. It was interesting to read about a private school called the Delphian School. Delphian prides itself by saying "like no other school in the world". The school is a Scientology school and believes in a new form of teaching. The school believes that the students should not be just sitting and taking notes but actively engaging in their learning. Delphian also hoped that they will empower their students to want more and become more responsible for their whole lives.
ReplyDeleteTo me the Delphian School seems like the exact opposite of what Common Core is trying to do. It is unconventional and the students are learning for life, not to pass tests. Students do not take notes and do work sheets but actively learn. I would certainly like to visit this school and see how different their school day is from ours.
The Delphian School also operates by something called forms. They believe that not all students should have to be stuck in one grade for a whole year if they are more advanced then others. A form is a set of standards a student must reach to pass a grade. It is related to age group but some students advance more quickly then others.
Delphian is extremely high on the concept that memorizing is not learning and that is why they do not have lectures. Their main goal is to give their students the ability to function in later life and that is why they have become successful. Students at Delphian also put over 1,000 hours into things like internships to put them on the path to success. I also believe that Delphian's system is correct. If you are not preparing for later life and just trying to pass tests, what is the point of schooling anyway.
The link to Delphian's website is here:
http://www.delphian.org/page.cfm?p=1
Austin, Delphian sounds like a really cool school to attend. I'm a firm believer that to truly learn something you have to do it hands on not just learn facts about it for a test. The internships the students do sound tedious but it's better to learn if you like a career in high school than after college when you have already invested so much into your education. Likewise I would really like to visit and see how different their curriculum is compared to ours.
DeleteAustin, this school certainly is different! I think its nice that they don't make the students sit all day taking notes, but rather have them actively participating in their work. The whole idea of forms makes me wish we had them. Some people do learn faster than others and like to challenge themselves.
DeleteGreat job!
In today's society, there are many non-traditional colleges such as vocational or trade schools located all around the country. A new trend occurring in the Baltimore area takes the idea of students learning these skills into the high school setting. In the past ten years, charter, innovation, and transformation schools have been opened up each taking a different approach towards how their students learn. One example of a charter/transformation school is Baltimore Information Technology Academy.
ReplyDeleteBaltimore IT Academy is a high school which focuses its curriculum on math and the informational technologies. It opened up in 2010 and accepts students from 6th grade up to 12th who want to hone their skills in IT and math skills. In the future, its faculty and board believe it will reach the standards for success it's sister organization, Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School CSP, has reached as a leader in standardized test scores in the state. The sole purpose of Baltimore IT is to give students a sound foundation in mathematics, computers, and technology to help them succeed in job market after schooling.
More and more schools are becoming charter and vo-tech schools in the United States and more and more students are attending them. The skills a pupil learns there are instrumental in the basis for his future education and job. Charter schools are becoming a new norm in today's society and could possibly be the future of schooling.
http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/Page/13471
Erin, from my own experience in Emporium, people locally don't really embrace the vo-tech schools as the great opportunity that they are. I think that this specialized schooling is amazing, it gives kids a head start in their education. And I also agree that it may be the future of schooling, great job!
DeleteErin, this seems a lot like the school I did my blog on. They just had a different focus of studies. From what I gather, charter schools seem like the ideal education. Most are very successful and broaden the students' horizons in a particular field. Nice work!
DeleteI believe that education through different ways of learning is extremely interesting. I have never really enjoyed going to school, but that may be because I've always gone too a traditional school. Sometimes I wonder if I might enjoy it more if it came through a different way of learning.
ReplyDeleteDuring my search for a school with a different way of teaching, I knew that I wanted to incorporate an aspect of our common core debate. Standardized tests are a large part of the common core requirements. However there is a school that disagrees with standardized tests. At the Alverno College there are no standardized tests or grades. Students instead are assessed in eight major areas. These are communication, analysis, problem solving, valuing in decision making, social interaction, developing a global perspective, effective citizenship, and aesthetic engagement. This would make learning a whole different experience. You wouldn't have to worry about grades or tests of you are a bad test taker.
The Alverno College wants to prepare their students for the real world, no matter what field of study they choose. As long as they are ready to enter into the rest of their adult life, fully prepared, then I believe learning learning in a different way is perfectly fine.
http://www.alverno.edu/aboutalverno/
Erin, this school sounds like a great option! I like how you incorporated our debate into your blog. I think the assessments would be a good choice, rather than taking standardized tests. I think it would allow you to see what your strong areas are and which ones you need to work on.
DeleteGreat job, Erin!
Erin, I like that Alverno College does not have any grades. I think that this allows students to actually focus on learning, and not just passing the class. I also think it is rather unique that the school grades their students on eight diverse aspects. Alverno College seems like it truly does prepare its students for the real world. Good work!
DeleteErin, your school sounds very unique. It is definitely a different approach. I don't think I would do very well though because I do well with scores and being able to see where I'm at. If I wasn't graded I feel like I would have know way to measure my success. Interesting idea though, good job!
DeleteErin, I really liked how you specifically wanted to incoorporate stuff about the common core debate. I also really like the school you chose; no grade or standardize testing, THAT'S AWESOME! Overall, great job!
DeleteI was really excited to do this blog. I guess I never really thought about other kinds of schools being available. I chose Jordanstown, which is actually located in Northern Ireland. Through all of my searching, it was the only one that really caught my attention.
ReplyDeleteJordanstown provides a unique approach to education for those who are deaf or visually impaired. The school offers a full education for ages 4-19. What makes Jordanstown different, is its path to communication and education. First, Jordanstown provides housing for anyone who cannot be driven to school each day. Jordanstown's main goal is to meet the needs of every child, and to cut down the "barrier to concentration, achievement, and happiness." To do this, the school has all of the latest technologies and attentive teachers who specialize in deaf/blind education. Those teachers don't just use Braille and BSL; they also use closed circuit electronic magnification tools, FM and Soundfield Systems, Moon, and Total Communication. There are also on-site assessments for all students.
Besides education, Jordanstown also provides testing and therapy facilities so that students do not have miss school to attend appointments. The school actually has a new hydrotherapy pool, therapy rooms, and training rooms for the children.
Jordanstown also offers plenty of after school activities located right on campus. They have a recording studio, art room, technology room, rock climbing wall, tennis courts, and a running track. A changing facility is also provided. The school feels that their students need more than an education while at Jordanstown, and with these new activity centers, they can actively get to know each other while having vibrant fun. The students are also able to find out what interests them, and are able to expand on the hobbies they already have.
http://www.jordanstownschool.org/material/prospectus.pdf
Natalie, it is definitely cool that Jordanstown is able to provide housing for students who are unable to be transported to school each day. I also like how this school really focuses on the deaf and blind. It is crucial that schools do this because otherwise, these children will not have anywhere to learn. I enjoy how Jordanstown makes it easy for kids with appointments. Great job!
DeleteNatalie, I think that it is very interesting how Jordanstown offers education for those ages 4-19. It is interesting to hear that because normally you just hear that schools teach first through twelfth grade or kindergarten through fifth. Jordanstown also seems to have it all, from rock climbing walls and tennis courts, it seems pretty awesome. I also love the opportunities that Jordanstown provides for deaf and blind. I think that it is important for those less fortunate to also receive a high quality education.
DeleteNice job Natalie!
Natalie, I really enjoy the school you selected. I especially liked how they provide housing and so many different activity buildings. I have to agree with the school system, students need more than just an education, they need to have fun and experience other things. Excellent work!
DeleteI knew right when I read what this blog was all about, that it would be pretty interesting. I truly was not aware of how many different ways there were to teach students. In our area, the teacher goes over material and the students take notes. After a while, the students take a test on the information that they have taken notes on. After this process is over, the teacher begins a new lesson. When I searched for a unique school for this blog, St. John’s College really grabbed my attention.
ReplyDeleteSt. John’s College has two universities. One university located in Annapolis, Maryland, and the other is in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At these universities students will never have trouble finding a major. Why? St. John’s College only offers one undergraduate degree. Liberal arts is the only possible major at this university. Although this may not sound like a good idea for a school, St. John’s College actually focuses on students learning and becoming a better person. They do not worry about grades too much at all. In fact, there are very few grades!
It sounds crazy, but at St. John’s a students will never take a test during their college career. Students will follow a curriculum that really does not leave any room for electives. The Great Books Program is the basis of education at this school. A variety of Western Civilization material is used to enhance the education of students at the university. The College of St. John’s is so confident in their curriculum that they believe all of their students will do well when they graduate because everyone takes the exact same classes. Writing papers and seminars in class is what St. John’s is all about. They believe that if a student can write and are able to work with other people, that they will be successful in the future.
I think St. John’s College is far from being a traditional school. I believe that this is a good thing. It is not good for every school to teach and learn the same exact way. How many schools can say that they don’t have textbooks? St. John’s only has textbooks for ancient Greek and French classes. After learning about Common Core for our debate, I like what St. John’s College does. Interaction is a big part of this school, and it is essential to be capable of communicating with others on a daily basis later on in life. There is no doubt about it that St. John’s College is a unique university.
http://www.sjca.edu/academic/features/2013_03_20_ctcl.shtml
Drew, St. John's College seems to be pretty interesting. I think I may speak for a lot of students when I say that I would love to not take any tests for a whole year. I also likes St. John's philosophy about writing. I also believe that if one can write, then they can communicate with anyone and therefore can learn to do anything they want.
DeleteNice job Drew!
The school I chose is probably one in which most people are familiar with. The school I am referring to is Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. Lincoln Park is located in western Pennsylvania in a town called Midland, which is located little outside of Pittsburgh. The school only opened in 2006 and it offers education for students from seventh grade through twelfth grade. Lincoln Park is considered a public school, but students still must apply in order to attend. The student’s tuition is paid by the public school district in which the student resides. Lincoln Park is also run by a board of seven trustees, who in turn appoint the school administration.
ReplyDeleteLincoln Park is quite different from your ordinary school. Instead of focusing on normal subjects like history, math, or biology, Lincoln Park focuses on six arts, or six areas of study. They include Dance, Literary Arts, Media Arts, Music, Health Science and the Arts, and Theatre. Students partake in many performances throughout the year which are hosted at the school. Such performances include plays like the Sound of Music and the Little Shop of Horrors, Lincoln Park music students also take part in large symphonies, like Jazz in the Box, a show that features four groups of students performing four different Jazz concerts.
What makes Lincoln Park so successful is its affordability and high quality teachers. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one hundred percent, or all twenty-six, of Lincoln Park’s teachers were rated “high qualified” by the No Child Left Behind initiative. Lincoln Park also brings in Resident Artists, who have decades of experience, to teach and bring their love and passion for the arts to the school. Also, since Lincoln Park is a considered a public school, those wanting an education in the arts do not have to pay a ridiculous amount of tuition. Students can also take their classes online, making education accessible to everyone.
Speaking from experience, Lincoln Park also has a great men’s basketball team. Many of their athletes have gone on to play division one basketball with full scholarships.
Lincoln Park is a pretty successful charter school that gives students with a knack for arts a chance to explore their talents. Not everyone is cut out to be great at math or English, so Lincoln Park hopes to provide for those kids who want to do something different with their life.
http://www.lppacenter.org/
There is a girl from Ridgway who teaches creative writing at Lincoln Park!!! Many, many people in this area are opposed to charter schools. Great basketball program!
DeleteSuccess. For the most part, it is something everyone hopes to achieve. And most often, people want to take the quickest and most effective path. As such, one often questions if what they are currently doing is the best way to succeed. Is there not a better way to prepare for what is ahead. This is true for high school and education as a whole as well. Is the orthodox method of teaching the best there is?
ReplyDeleteI myself want to be an architectural engineer. While I am able to take classes such as physics, drafting, and a variety of math courses, I am not able to take anything directly related to my major. However, at other schools, kids do have the opportunities I do not. Charter High School for Architecture + Design, CHAD, provides such an education. Founded by the American Institute of Architects, CHAD is a four year, tuition free, public independent high school. It has 585 students from 9-12 grade.
Besides unique programs, CHAD has a higher graduation requirement, and the passing grade is 70 instead of the usual 65. But that is not what makes CHAD so exceptional. Freshmen take two courses in Foundational Observation Drawing, and all other grades take four design classes of their choice. The staff is made of architects, designers, and developers to name a few that work alongside the teachers to help the students.
To some this school may not seem interesting, but to me it sounds like a dream school. I would love to be able to learn the basic concepts of the field that fascinates me so. This just adds to another reason I think Common Core is bad. Would schools like this exist if the Common Core standards were enforced? I like the idea that you learn that which will help you on your exciting road to success, and the thought of losing it seems like a monumental error.
http://www.chadphila.org/node/44