Latitude High School

Why Latitude High School was nominated

Latitude 37.8 is a public charter high school focused on real world Project-Based Learning, with strong arts, multimedia, and technology integration. Opened in fall 2018, Latitude uses an academically rigorous, hands-on approach to education that sets high standards for students and equips them with practical skills to succeed in college and career. We are excited to nominate the school because stakeholders at Latitude 37.8 High School are united around a mission and vision for student learning that articulates high expectations for meeting the needs and aspirations of their learners and is deeply grounded in positive youth development. Stakeholders understand the boundless potential of all students to thrive inside and outside of school, as well as the key components of Latitude�s model that support all students in doing so. The school�s mission - demystifying access to the Bay Area�s cultural and economic assets and expanding students� sense of possibility for their future - is core to students� experience and the staff�s approach. Students and staff understand the value of field experiences and collaborations with adult professionals, which provide students with a rich array of experiences that allow them to explore potential futures for themselves. Latitude 37.8 High School has developed curriculum and instructional practices that are driving students toward a deep understanding of content and the development of complex skills, using an authentic and thoughtful project based learning (PBL) approach that will prepare students for college and careers. School leaders and teachers have collaboratively designed a series of projects that form the backbone of a rich and exciting curriculum for students. Further projects are designed with a primary focus on rigorous student work, and on developing critical skills that align with state standards and prepare students for workplace internships and careers. Finally, advisory is strategically used to help students build some of their most important relationships at Latitude, with their peers and a trusted adult, build their socioemotional skills and learn to hone their physical and mental well-being, and work to discover their interests and sense of purpose for career and life., As a school in the Big Picture Learning network, this school supports the organizational mission of activating the potential of Schools, Systems, and Education through student-driven, real-world learning. Its design helps to scaffold and facilitate student learning aligned with the "10 Expectations" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K96c-TGnSf4) and it is organized to implement the "10 distinguishers" (https://www.bigpicture.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=389353&type=d&pREC_ID=902235) to deliver "one kid at a time" personalized learning situated in the communities it serves., Latitude High School is focused on real world Project-Based Learning, with strong arts, multimedia, and technology integration. From the time they are 9th graders, students visit over ten different workplaces every year to ignite their career interests and to collaborate with professionals on Real World Projects. All students participate in Extended Learning Opportunities, including internships and student-designed businesses. Latitude graduates are confident leaders, prepared for college and beyond., Students visit over 10 workplaces per year to explore career interests; collaborate with working professionals on Real World Projects; complete internships and student designed businesses; develop portfolios to match with local clients in the arts, multimedia, technology, etc.