Farmington High School (CT)

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Farmington High School (CT) was nominated

Farmington High School (FHS) enrolls approximately 1300 students in grades 9-12. The school implements a student-centered approach aligned to Farmington's improvement design. Classroom practices are student-centered, with student voice and agency being emphasized. Curriculum, instruction, programming and assessment is aligned to a purpose-driven, socially-constructed, mastery-based and self-directed learning. One example to share is student-engaged rounds. For several years, students at FHS have engaged in instructional rounds. This year, rounds has evolved to include an equity focus. Students join administrators and educators on instructional rounds throughout each school year. A problem of instructional practice is shared and all participants visit classrooms, gather observational evidence and engage in an affinity protocol to determine the school's next level of work. It is important to note that Farmington students engage in rounds with administrators and educators beginning in 3rd grade. Teaching a...

Student experience design

In partnership with our students, faculty, and staff, this school year we remain committed to cultivating a shared sense of ownership over our new physical space and overall school community, resulting in a deep sense of inclusivity and belonging. Teaching and learning at Farmington High School is active, engaging, challenging, purposeful, and student-centered, as aligned with the Farmington Public Schools Vision of the Global Citizen and the Framework for Teaching and Learning. As “leaders of their own learning,” students are independent and resourceful. Our primary goal is to ensure that all students have access to and are successful in appropriately challenging and rigorous coursework. All students will see themselves represented within our curriculum and will work for an authentic purpose, ensuring their education is relevant and meaningful to their lives and future aspirations. We seek to ensure that all students graduate from Farmington High School as lifelong leaders of their own learning, both college and career ready, and global citizens who actively seek opportunities for civic engagement.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Assessments For Deeper Learning	5+ years
Competency/mastery-based Education	5+ years
Mental Health Services	1-2 years
Project-based Learning	3-4 years
High Quality Instructional Materials	5+ years

All Practices

Student Advisories

Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning

Community And Business Partnerships

Disaggregated Data On Student Participation

Early College High School

Extended Learning Opportunities

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Interdisciplinary

Individual Learning Paths

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

No Tracked Classes

Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery

Performance Based Assessment

Social Justice Focus

Student-led Conferences

Student-led Goal Setting

Students Develop Projects

Tutoring

Universal Design For Learning

key reasons for innovating