A life-preparatory high school opening fall 2021

Our regular high school program reimagines what education should be with the sole objective of developing lifelong love for learning. Our curriculum combines a broad-based liberal arts education based on the Western Canon (augmented with world and contemporary literature) and hands-on study of practical knowledge, such as organizational skills, self-efficacy, personal finance, ethics and information technology, to ensure that students are prepared for life, career and college. Our instruction is primarily through the Socratic method in small class settings, which elicit connection between what’s taught and what’s happening in the world.

With courses that are relevant to the times, access to state-of-the-art technology and a flexible approach, parents can be confident that their kid’s education and interests are aligned. Below are some of the key differentiators that make Vidya stand out from traditional public and private schools.

"There is no substitute for hard work." - Thomas Edison

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Project-based learning is a critical part of what learners do at Vidya. This revolutionary model helps students learn the valuable collaboration, academic, and problem-solving skills our global economy will demand from them. Our partner, Maker Learning Network, formerly iLEAD Schools Development, has significant experience implementing PBL at their schools. (Read more here!) Through the PBL method, learners tackle deeply engaging projects about real-world issues that require critical thought, inquiry, and synthesis and culminate in regular Presentations of Learning (POLs) to their peers, facilitators, community members, and parents. The freedom to choose their projects, consistent with their interests, allows learners to stay actively engaged at school.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Vidya emphasizes methods, such as Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits, that foster learners’ social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning is the process through which learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, and establish and maintain positive relationships to make responsible decisions.

We believe it’s vital to help learners develop skills such as social awareness, self-management, regulation of emotions, and self-awareness so they can weave these abilities through every facet of their lives. When emotional intelligence is nurtured and developed, it can inspire creativity and increased engagement. SEL progress is assessed and reported as part of every project, Individualized Learning Plan goal, and progress report.

Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)

Learning at Vidya starts with an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), developed jointly with the learner, parents and facilitated by one of our staff members. The ILP allows the learners themselves to focus on their own personal growth and what they want to achieve both academically and socially-emotionally in the coming school year. In their ILP, the learners set goals and create a plan of action to achieve those goals. With family support of setting goals, our learners can achieve anything! The ILP is revised at the beginning of each year, allowing for flexibility as the learner matures.

Learner-Led Conference (LLC)

Different from a traditional school’s Parent-Teacher Conference, our Learner-Led Conferences allow each child to take the lead and personally communicate their learning and progress toward the goals they set for themselves in their ILP. During the conference, typically held near the end of each term, your learner will guide you through their growth and provide you with insight into what they’ve been working on. Learner-Led Conferences allow each child to take ownership of their learning and play an active role in a valuable reflection process. With the support of facilitators and parents, our learners walk away from the conference feeling empowered and motivated. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see your learner in action!