Many families find themselves looking for alternatives when existing options don’t seem to meet their children’s particular needs. The Hart district estimates there are over 2,000 homeschoolers in our area. This network of families is gradually expanding educational choices, the latest of which is SCVi Charter School, opening Fall 2008. This classroom-based alternative will appeal to many homeschoolers, using hands-on instruction to engage students actively in real world learning. At an age when socialization is a developmental priority, many seventh grade students find themselves wanting to attend a full time school. SCVi’s intimate family-like atmosphere will be attractive to many families that would like a full schedule with a non-traditional approach.
In Project Based Learning (PBL), students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing academic skills. Working in small collaborative groups, students are actively engaged in learning and often get inspired to seek deeper knowledge of the subjects they’re studying. Research indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-centered learning. In addition, students develop confidence and self-direction through both team-based and independent work. Through projects, students hone their organizational and research skills, develop better communication with their peers and adults, and often work within their community while seeing the positive effect of their work. PBL is also an effective way to develop students’ technology skills. Projects can easily accommodate computers and the Internet, as well as interactive whiteboards, global-positioning-system (GPS) devices, digital still cameras, video cameras and editing equipment. Academics become energized with real-world relevance, sparking students’ desire to explore, investigate, and understand their world. SCVi puts a twist on PBL through its international focus. The program aims to create global citizens with the skills to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world.
Indeed, helping every student succeed is a top priority at SCVi. Knowing that all children learn in different ways, teachers will use Individual Learning Plans to involve the parent and the student in planning for each student’s unique needs and interests. Built on an ethic of caring, SCVi’s school culture will ensure that every student is safe and is supported to reach his or her full potential.
There are a few seventh grade and Kindergarten openings left for this Fall, for other elementary grades there is a waiting list.
For more information, please visit www.scvcharterschool.org or call 661-362-8066.