We have a saying at Next:
“Learning is what happens when the learner
makes meaning for themself.”
It is essential that our curriculum is designed to engage students in the process of making meaning. To do this, we use a project-based approach to instruction and assessment. These projects are designed to connect students with content or skill work that prepares each student for college, career, or life after high school. With that in mind, projects model real-world scenarios and outcomes.
At Next, students “opt in” to learning experiences that align to one or more competencies based on their interests and academic needs. Through a deep exploration of specific topics, students demonstrate understanding by creating a product or a performance that is assessed by staff members. In some cases, students design their own learning experiences in collaboration with staff. In the end, curriculum represents a pathway to learning, and there are an infinite number of pathways.