Village High School

Why Village High School was nominated

Village Academy has developed a flexible learning environment that adapts to students' needs and interests and empowers them to pursue their interests and passions., The school provides a flexible schedule for students involved in athletics, music, theater, or other community activities. Students learn through individualized competency-based curriculum, engage in collaborative problem solving activities, and conduct personal inquiry investigations. All upperclassmen have the opportunity to participate in community-based career exploration and internship experiences. Each grade level has a small number of students. This small learning environment allows the school to build deep relationships with students and to further personalize the learning experience. , Village High School offers its core content instruction in an online, competency-based format so that students can have the time, place, path and pace of instruction tailored to their needs and so that the school has more time and capacity to offer an array of engaging non-core learning experiences aligned to the interests and passions of students and staff., Their flexible blended learning model enables students to explore their passions., Village High School in Academy District 20 functions like a workplace, providing students with customized learning opportunities and the agency to direct their own learning. The school’s unique hybrid learning model combines online, competency-based core classes that students complete at their own pace with in-person elective courses, such as international foods, bioethics, and sports science. Students are able to ask for and design electives that align with their interests, and upperclassmen have opportunities for career exploration and internships. Students create their own schedules and are on campus Monday through Thursday for four hours each day, using this time for electives, lunch, personal learning, and office hours. Select Fridays throughout the year provide additional time for students to get help from staff on academics and broader needs. This flexible, personalized approach enables students to take control of their learning while pursuing passions outside of academics, such as sports, music, theater, and other community activities. At the heart of the Village model is a culture of high expectations and rigor, paired with student-centered care. The model emphasizes meaningful teacher-student interaction through small class sizes and dedicated office hours, where educators provide feedback and offer support in person, over the phone, or via text. These practices reflect a deep belief in each student’s ability to succeed, helping them internalize that they can master challenging academic content while pursuing their passions. Additionally, the college-like, workplace environment—where students are on a first-name basis with staff, and attendance is not formally taken—treats students with the respect and autonomy adolescents need to thrive. This environment fosters an ownership mindset, builds time management skills, and encourages healthy habits that prepare students for future careers and life beyond school.