Personalized Learning Program

Personalized Learning Programs at the Academy

The work you do at the Academy probably isn't the only learning you'll do during high school — and we support you (academically and on your transcript) in pursuing independent learning opportunities. Many of our students use their generous summer breaks to pursue self-directed learning; sometimes, students may want to add a self-directed class to their work for the academic year. We think this is awesome! Some of the best educational experiences are the ones born from your personal needs and interest, and we know that students learn best when they actively involved in and responsible for their learning. We especially encourage seniors to take advantage of personalized learning programs to create a Senior Project focused on a particular area of interest. Here's how personalized learning programs work at the Academy.

• Students are invited to propose their ideas for independent learning to the faculty adviser of their choice. Students must have a detailed proposal including plans for resources and learning milestones, with the understanding that some plans may shift over the course of the independent study. Your faculty advisor will review your project plan and work with you to write a contract outlining requirements and timelines for the project. Options for independent study in the past have included: in-depth study of a topic of interest, creative writing/art/music projects, internships, community service/volunteer projects, and outside classes — were open to other ideas!

• Requirements for credit including biweekly update meetings with your faculty adviser, a journal record of activities, thoughts, and progress submitted biweekly, and a minimum of five hours per week devoted to the project.

• At the end of the project, students will submit a paper or agreed-upon cumulative project that presents their finished product or experience. Students will participate in a Q&A with faculty members about the results of their study.