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Exploration High School

Time for Change

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:
 

  • Schools cannot address meaningful community problems.
     

  • All individuals' needs cannot be met

 

  • Schools are unable to include students in authentic decisions.

 

  • 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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How We Learn

How We Learn

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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.

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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

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.

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Schools with a Similar Focus

Schools We Love

Iowa BIG

Iowa BIG was created when local stakeholders in business, industry, and government saw a widening gap between what school was teaching and what the modern workforce demanded. They developed projects that connect young people to community initiatives that make an impact.

Crosstown High

Converting a rundown building in the heart of Memphis into a thriving metropolitan hub, Crosstown High shows us what's possible if we bring community partners together around a bold and audacious mission and vision. 

One Stone

One Stone in Boise, Idaho provides a learning environment that allows individuals to flourish. Using design thinking, personalized learning, one-on-one advisory, and real world work experiences; students are able to go out into the world with the skills and belief to make a difference. 

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