What makes going to school at the academy different?

Our daily Advisory class focused on personal growth and character development of our students, project-based learning, enrichment courses, and an education that is rooted in community values and civic responsibility.

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What is Project-Based Learning and Why Do We Teach This Way?

Project-based learning starts with an essential question or situation that the learning in class seeks to answer. Lessons are designed on what students need to know in order to let students answer that question or navigate the situation. Student voice and choice are priorities, letting each student decide how to present their results to classmates and teachers. Questions vary by academic subject area. Teaching this way allows students to understand the practical, real-world implications of what they learn in class, as well as lets different subjects collaborate to answer a question.

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Example of essential questions in project-based learning:

Math and Science: How can we design a sustainable energy solution for our school?

Humanities: How can we promote cultural diversity in our community?

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What is the Grading System Like?

The Spring Academy uses a standards-based grading system that evaluates students individually, based on their mastery and understanding of various subjects, as well as their habits and behaviors as students. During evaluations, students who do not meet expectations have time to practice, re-learn and re-take the assessment. Standards are set for each subject area as well as overall academic habits.

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What is Advisory?

Advisory is a meeting between teachers and students in small groups. A pair of teachers/staff ("advisors") will meet with 6-7 students to build community, form relationships and provide support. An advisor is someone a student can go to if they have any issues. There is a curriculum that includes goal-setting, accountability, expectations as well as programming focused on personal development and community engagement.

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What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is how people learn and develop skills for understanding and managing emotions, creating healthy relationships and making good decisions. These skills and behaviors help our students mature and continue to develop as they become young adults ready for high school and beyond.

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For more information about our educational approach at The Spring Academy, located at 3626 Blue Ridge Blvd, Independence, MO 64052 USA, please email us at springacademy@hallspring.edu.