During the last 50 years, the world has changed dramatically–the classroom has not. Many educational institutions still rely on teacher-led instruction directed at the masses with little consideration of individual student’s needs and goals. At Accelerator School, we know there’s a better way.
We have combined advances in technology, evidence-based learning, and feedback from leaders in the workforce as well as parents and students to create an environment that prepares students to be truly successful; success that can be seen, measured, and felt through high school, college, and beyond while balancing academics and personal interests.
Our goals are straightforward. We want to help our students:
- Recognize and organize their own learning system–their way of acquiring, processing, and structuring information.
- Be precise in thought and communication. Eliminate the noise and identify the signal.
- Be confident in managing situations where there are lots of unknowns.
- Be able to self-direct inquiry with an independent, entrepreneurial mindset.
- Develop the skills, confidence, and initiative to create and execute their plans.
How we build success
By Implementing a Personalized Approach
Accelerator School values the relationship with our students and families. We recognize that parents, students, and the school are partners working towards a common goal: student success. Working together to achieve that is our priority. Our Education Coordinator works with students and their families to design a program based on each student’s goals. A plan is established and a trajectory set that allows each student to meet his or her self-defined intentions while ensuring all academic requirements are met.
By Implementing a 21st Century Approach
We have partnered with Edgenuity Instructional Services to provide a proven, engaging, and rigorous online curriculum that fosters the flexibility and mobility required by 21st century learners. Students of today are not content to sit passively waiting for knowledge to be bestowed upon them; they are active learners who want to take charge of their education. When schools relinquish control of knowledge, students feel empowered, take ownership, and accomplish greatness. Providing a portable and adaptable learning path gives them that opportunity while allowing them the freedom to pursue personal passions. A solid education and commitment to an outside pursuit should not be mutually exclusive.
By Implementing an Experiential Approach
Learning by doing is powerful. We help students identify areas of interest and connect with outside experts to learn through meaningful and real interactions.
By Implementing an International Approach
U.S.-based Accelerator students are given opportunities to participate in international cultural and training experiences during winter, spring, and summer breaks. We also offer 10-month international programs that allow Accelerator students to gain a global perspective on life while experiencing high-level training at an established international academy. Because our learning management system is mobile, students who attend Accelerator School never have to worry about losing credits or recalibrating for different graduation requirements. Their personalized learning paths travel with them, so their education can continue uninterrupted no matter where in the world their goals may lead them.
Curriculum
The Edgenuity curriculum is accredited by Cognia, Inc., formerly known as AdvancED. Cognia is responsible for the accreditation of over 36,000 educational institutions in 85 countries. As well, for students interested in attending North American-based post-secondary institutions, Edgenuity offers an NCAA-approved course of study to ensure collegiate athlete eligibility.
Online courses include a teacher who tracks student progress and is available for real-time interaction, video lectures, readings, writing assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, and exams that ensure a content-rich education. As well, Accelerator School provides a classroom setting in which collaboration with peers and regular discussions with the Academic Coordinator allow students to be actively engaged and accountable for their learning. It’s neither a traditional classroom nor is it strictly an independent online learning environment; it’s the best of both worlds.
Core Courses
Students enroll in mathematics, language arts, social studies, science, and foreign language classes. We offer standard, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses to challenge students at their level. Each course is assigned an online teacher and Edgenuity on-demand live help is available 15 hours a day. As well, Accelerator School provides an Academic Coordinator who is in the classroom daily with students assisting as necessary. Students are accountable for their individualized learning plans and well supported in their educational journey.
Electives
Along with the core courses, there are a variety of electives offered relating to art, engineering, technology, sports, business, and other areas of interest. Our curriculum also offers preparation courses for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT.
With the help of their Education Coordinator, students select courses that interest them and build a solid foundation for their future based on their post-secondary school plans.
21st Century Skills
For Accelerator School students based in the U.S., time is devoted to building skills related to entrepreneurial thinking and design, web development and analytics, “soft skills,” presentation techniques, authentic networking, entertaining and building brands, and other future-ready ingenuity that makes Accelerator School students exceptional.
For students taking part in an Accelerator School international program, 21st Century Skills emphasize honing language abilities, learning to adapt to and be successful in new environments, building independence, increasing international career prospects, and developing a global mindset.