Overview
Exploration High School centers student voice and prioritizes feedback to create authentic learning experiences. We foster intrinsic motivation through inquiry and exploration, posing questions to deepen knowledge and self-awareness. Relationships and expanding community partnerships are core to our mission. We personalize metrics of success beyond tests and homework. We emphasize fun and social-emotional growth, creating spaces where students want to be and have a sense of belonging. Our approach encourages students to explore new environments, embrace unknowns, and live a life of choice, continually learning and growing.
Why are we reimagining high school?
Exploration High School addresses the core design flaw in 20th century schools
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SCHOOLS were DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY
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Evidence:
Rigid time and space arrangements: sometimes referred to as "cells and bells"
Siloed subjects: learning in disjointed parts unlike every other aspect of life
Single-teacher classrooms: maintains teacher-directed passive learning environments
Normative pacing: whole class standard pacing geared towards the "average" student
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This means:
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Schools cannot address meaningful community problems.
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All individuals' needs cannot be met
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Schools are unable to include students in authentic decisions.
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Teachers often work hard to make learning relevant and personalized, but are inhibited by the constraints of the efficiency model.
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This leads to:
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NEGATIVE STUDENT OUTCOMES - Far too many...
...students are
bored
...students are
disengaged
...students
act out
...students
drop-out
To address this problem we created a 21st century school.
A 21st Century School
To meet the diverse needs and aspirations of all students, Exploration High School is designed for flexibility.
Restructuring Time
Explorers know that time is their most precious resource. They learn to spend it on their terms in pursuit of mastery, self-discovery, and community service. Explorers collaborate with advisors and each other to discover their goals and align their daily, weekly, and long-term schedules to achieve them.
Repurposing Space
Exploration High School is made to feel like a welcoming home, and the world is our classroom. We invite the community into our space to learn with us and celebrate the achievements of Explorers. Explorers are challenged to go into their communities to learn by doing from experts.
Reimagining Roles
Students are Explorers design their unique learning pathway with guidance, structure, and support. The job of Explorers is to discover their passions, cultivate mastery, and improve the world. Adults are Guides who advocate, celebrate, and empower every Explorer to thrive now and in the future.
Redefining Goals
Our goals aren’t set by an ancient bureaucracy-- they are personal, relevant, and meaningful. Exploration High School’s goal is to add value to our community and help young people become empathetic and empowered 21st century change agents. Explorers and Guides work together to discover and achieve academic and personal goals.
How We Learn
Community Asset Projects
CAPs are how we learn and how we change the world. Explorers work with guides, professionals, and each other to understand and solve meaningful projects in their communities.
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Career Readiness
Exploration High School is committed to teaching skills that matter. Through partnerships with local companies, organizations, and individuals, Explorers can spend their time doing what they love and the world needs.
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Advisories
Explorers and guides collaborate daily to set goals, reflect on learning and progress, and foster mutual understanding and respect. In advisory, we celebrate the successes of Explorers, navigate through the difficulties of the learning journey, and hold each other accountable for achieving our potential.
Extracurriculars
Exploration listens to our students and their interests. Whether it is robotics, athletics, or the arts, our flexible schedule lets students commit to their passions.
Accreditation
Exploration is a fully accredited, public, tuition-free high school in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Guild serves as our authorizer and reports on our behalf to the Minnesota Department of Education. Explorers will graduate with a 4 year diploma ready for post-secondary education or to start their career.
