Saved Schools

Burlington City & Lake Semester

Burlington City & Lake Semester, nominated by Vermont Learning for the Future, is a high school in Burlington, Vermont that describes itself as a public district school serving learners from a primarily urban/suburban area.

Location Burlington, Vermont

Governance Public district school

Grades High

Students 23

Locale Suburban

Lead Teacher -- Burlington City & Lake Semester Program Dov Stucker

Demographics

Percentage of students*

7%

English Learners

40%

Free/Reduced Lunch

19%

Students with Disabilities

African American or Black 28%

American Indian/Alaska Native

Asian 17%

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Hispanic or Latino 2%

White 42%

2+ Races 11%

Why Burlington City & Lake Semester was nominated

This program was created to actively engage students in understanding and improving the quality of life for all within the greater Burlington area. Students were partners in the design and implementation of the program, and continue to shape the evolution of the model. Many schools-within-schools intend to serve as innovation hubs for the greater school district; BCL is making good on that promise.

Student experience design

Burlington City & Lake Semester is an award-winning program offered for Burlington High School students that focuses on Burlington’s culture, people, and natural environment; city systems; local issues; and the elements that help make a community thrive. Students earn English, Social Studies, and elective credit while working together on projects that address real-world issues. Students learn about themselves and their community. They collaborate daily with community partners and local professionals, and have a real impact on their community. They also invest in their own community, and have fun together.

Core Practices

Core Practices Length of Use

Assessments For Deeper Learning

5+ years

Community And Business Partnerships

5+ years

Interdisciplinary

5+ years

Place-based Learning

5+ years

Restorative Practices

5+ years

All Practices

Student Advisories

Anti-racist Practices

Bilingual Assessments

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Blended Learning

Co-leadership

Family And Community Support Services

Competency/mastery-based Education

Competency Framework

Culturally Responsive Practices

Extended Learning Opportunities

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Hiring For Equity And Inclusion Values

All Courses Designed For Inclusion

Individual Learning Paths

Mental Health Services

1:1 Mentoring

Multi-age Classrooms

No Tracked Classes

Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery

Project-based Learning

Peer To Peer Support

Performance Based Assessment

Physical Well Being Services

SEL Integration School-wide

Social Justice Focus

Student-led Conferences

Student-led Goal Setting

Students Develop Projects

Trauma-informed Practices

Universal Design For Learning

key reasons for innovating

Increase student agency

Date Updated: 4/1/2025

*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.