Terra Nova

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Terra Nova was nominated

Terra Nova is a teacher powered. project-based secondary public charter school. They are focused on environmental education and frequently support students in engaging in the surrounding environment and community. , Terra Nova School, located in rural Minnesota, offers a unique, student-driven learning experience for grades 6–12 that blends real-world engagement, environmental awareness, and personalized support. Through a small, tight-knit community where each student has an advisor and belongs to a mixed-grade advisory group, Terra Nova emphasizes autonomy, curiosity, and innovation. Its project-based, experiential curriculum encourages students to design their own learning around passions and interests — often “out of the classroom, into the world” — while building lifelong skills like leadership, environmental stewardship, critical thinking, and problem-solving. With authentic assessments instead of a heavy focus on traditional tests, and opportunities for expeditions, hands-on projects, and community involvement, Terra Nova reimagines school as a launching pad for self-motivated, capable, and socially conscious young adults.

Student experience design

Terra Nova is a unique public charter school serving students in grades 6-12 in Savage, Minnesota. Formerly known as Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences Academy, our school embraces an innovative educational approach that centers on student agency, competency-based learning, and environmental stewardship. Our Educational Philosophy At Terra Nova, we believe education should be driven by curiosity rather than content delivery. Our competency-based approach moves beyond traditional letter grades, focusing instead on authentic demonstration of both academic knowledge and essential life skills. Students progress through personalized learning pathways that honor their unique interests, cultural backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles. As a teacher-powered school, Terra Nova operates through a collaborative governance model where educators make key decisions about curriculum, assessment, school policies, and resource allocation. This empowers our teachers to create responsive learning environments that truly meet student needs while modeling democratic principles in action. Core Program Elements Competency-Based Learning Students at Terra Nova demonstrate mastery through tiered, interest-based seminars, individual and small group projects, and experiential learning opportunities. Rather than receiving traditional grades, students engage in meaningful evaluations with staff, peers, and community experts, allowing for continuous feedback and deep reflection on their learning journey. Environmental Focus Our curriculum is rooted in environmental sciences and sustainability, encouraging students to develop ecological awareness and become responsible stewards of our natural world. Through hands-on field experiences, conservation projects, and community partnerships, students explore environmental issues while contributing to real-world solutions. Student-Centered Approach Terra Nova's educational model places students at the center of their learning experience. Through ongoing advisement and mentorship, students develop the skills to set meaningful goals, manage complex projects, engage in self-reflection, and direct their own educational path. Community Engagement We believe learning extends beyond classroom walls. Terra Nova students regularly collaborate with local businesses, environmental organizations, and community members to apply their knowledge in authentic contexts while developing a sense of civic responsibility and connection to place. Our Impact Terra Nova graduates emerge as confident, competent individuals prepared to pursue higher education, career opportunities, and community engagement with purpose and passion. Through our innovative approach to education, we are nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and environmental advocates ready to make positive contributions to our changing world. By choosing Terra Nova, families join a supportive community dedicated to reimagining education for the 21st century—where student voice matters, where learning is meaningful and relevant, and where success is defined by growth, mastery, and authentic contribution.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Student Advisories	5+ years
Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning	5+ years
Competency/mastery-based Education	5+ years
Individual Learning Paths	5+ years

All Practices

Adaptive Learning Software

Advancement On Mastery

AI For Learning Materials

AI For Teacher Productivity

Anti-racist Practices

Assessments For Career Readiness

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Blended Learning

Co-leadership

Community And Workforce Partnerships

Culturally Responsive Practices

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

All Courses Designed For Inclusion

Individual Learner Profiles

Mental Health Services

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

Multi-age Classrooms

No Tracked Classes

Project-based Learning

Performance Based Assessment

Reallocation Of Resources For Students Most In Need

Restorative Practices

SEL Curriculum

SEL Integration School-wide

Students Access Their Own Data

Student-led Goal Setting

Self-paced Learning

Students Develop Projects

Trauma-informed Practices

Universal Design For Learning

key reasons for innovating