Discover Excellence in Education at Validus Preparatory Academy: An Expeditionary Learning School
Are you searching for a school that not only educates your child but also instills in them a sense of adventure and discovery? Look no further than Validus Preparatory Academy - an Expeditionary Learning School located in Bronx, New York.
At Validus, learning is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. Our unique approach to education emphasizes hands-on experiences, fieldwork, and community engagement to help students develop critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the world around them.
Statistics show that Validus students consistently outperform their peers on exams and have high rates of college acceptance. But our impact goes beyond test scores - our graduates are well-prepared to not just get into college, but to succeed in whatever path they choose.
One of the hallmarks of an Expeditionary Learning School is its focus on character development, and Validus is no exception. We strive to nurture our students' compassion, curiosity and perseverance, helping them become well-rounded, responsible global citizens.
Unlike traditional schools, where teachers simply impart knowledge from textbooks, Validus educators see themselves as facilitators, helping students take ownership of their learning and encouraging them to ask questions, discover answers, and take risks.
But don't take our word for it - visit our school and see for yourself. Schedule a tour and witness firsthand the excitement and enthusiasm our students have for learning. Chat with our friendly staff and learn more about how we integrate technology, art, and real-world experiences into our curriculum.
At Validus Preparatory Academy, we believe that every student has the potential to excel and make a positive impact on the world - all they need is the right environment to thrive. Join our community of learners and become part of the Validus family today!
So why wait? Give your child the gift of a holistic, challenging education and enroll them at Validus Preparatory Academy. With our proven track record and innovative approach, we are confident that your family will love being part of our community!
"Validus Preparatory Academy An Expeditionary Learning School" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Are you looking for a school that not only prepares your child academically but also builds their character? Validus Preparatory Academy might just be what you need. This charter school provides an education experience unlike any other. Their expeditionary learning approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills, building character, and fostering a sense of responsibility in their students.The Background of Validus Preparatory Academy
Validus Preparatory Academy is a charter middle school located in the South Bronx in New York City. The school was founded in 2013, and it has since been providing a transformative education experience to its students. The school's mission is to engage students in their own learning through real-world projects and community involvement.What is Expeditionary Learning?
As mentioned earlier, Validus uses an expeditionary learning approach to teaching. Expeditionary learning is a project-based learning approach that integrates academic content with real-world issues and challenges. Students work in groups to solve complex problems and contribute to their community while developing important life skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience.The Curriculum
Validus Preparatory Academy combines traditional academic subjects with real-world projects. These projects are usually collaborative and involve solving social issues in the community, a process that helps in fostering student engagement. Subjects taught in this school include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, and Physical Education.The School's Core Values
Validus Preparatory Academy has three core values that guide its approach - Respect, Responsibility, and Courage. The school believes that these qualities are essential for creating learners and contributing citizens.The Design Principles of Validus Preparatory Academy
Validus Preparatory Academy is guided by ten design principles when it comes to its approach. These principles include:- Empathy and Care:
- Collaboration:
- Rigorous Expeditions:
- Active Pedagogy:
- Learning Gradually:
- Personalization:
- Authenticity:
- Assessment:
- Culturally Responsive Education:
- Continuous Learning:
Teachers are encouraged to show empathy and care towards their students to foster strong relationships, facilitate learning, and build a caring community.
In Validus Preparatory Academy, students work in small groups to solve problems, and this approach encourages them to learn from one another and develop teamwork skills.
Expeditions are challenging, and students have to think critically to solve real-world problems. The result is that they acquire new knowledge and skills, become independent thinkers, and develop confidence in their abilities
Validus Preparatory Academy uses an active pedagogy- students engage in projects and hands-on activities, encouraging them to take accountability for their learning while teachers act as facilitators.
Expeditions progressively become more complex and challenging, allowing the student's skills and knowledge to grow and be consolidated as they progress.
The school understands that every student is unique, and therefore each receives personalized attention to support their specific needs.
Students are engaged with real-world challenges through expeditions in their communities hence providing an authentic, practical learning experience.
Assessment is integrated throughout the learning process. It is not just a summative event but part of the formative process. Students get feedback on their performance across all aspects of the school's curriculum and related personal growth.
The school emphasizes that appreciating diversity fosters respect, responsibility, and courageous learners. Students gain a deeper understanding of how culture impacts the world around them
Ultimately all schools have a desire to promote lifelong learning. At Validus Preparatory Academy, learning is not just about passing tests but making sure that students develop the skills needed to become lifelong learners who can continuously acquire new knowledge, self-assess, and seek out opportunities to learn.
The School's Results
In 2021, Validus Preparatory Academy was named the best Middle School by Niche, a ranking and review site that provides data on schools. The ranking was based on teacher quality, resources, facilities, extracurricular activities as well as student performance.The Conclusion
Overall, Validus Preparatory Academy is an Expeditionary Learning School that fosters critical thinking skills and character development, giving its students exceptional exposure in their community. The school's unique approach, coupled with its emphasis on personalization, instills resilience, teamwork, responsibility, and empathy in every student - while also offering academic excellence. This approach ensures that students strive for success not only academically but beyond.Validus Preparatory Academy vs An Expeditionary Learning School: A Comparison
Introduction
Validus Preparatory Academy (VPA) and An Expeditionary Learning School (ELS) are two very different types of educational institutions. VPA is a public high school in the Bronx, New York City, while ELS is a network of public schools that is based on the principles of expeditionary learning, an approach to education that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning.Background and Philosophy
VPA was established in 2005 as part of the New York City Department of Education's small schools initiative. The school's mission is to provide a high-quality, college-preparatory education to students in one of the city's most underserved areas. ELS, on the other hand, was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education through a focus on experiential, project-based learning. ELS partners with schools across the country to implement its model.VPA's Educational Approach
At VPA, the focus is on preparing students for college and career success. The school offers a rigorous academic program that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and a range of extracurricular activities to help students develop their skills and interests. The school also provides a range of support services to help students succeed, including tutoring, counseling, and college advising.ELS's Educational Approach
ELS's educational approach is based on four core practices: learning expeditions, where students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects; character development, which emphasizes the development of social and emotional skills; service learning, which connects classroom learning to real-world issues; and a culture of continuous improvement, which encourages teachers and students to reflect on their practice and make improvements.Academic Programs
VPA offers a range of academic programs to prepare students for success in college and beyond. In addition to AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities, the school has a strong STEM program, as well as courses in the arts and humanities. VPA also offers a range of career and technical education (CTE) programs, including culinary arts, computer science, and medical careers.ELS schools also offer a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and career success. In addition to the core practices outlined above, ELS schools offer a range of elective courses in areas such as the arts, foreign languages, and physical education.Table Comparison: Academic Programs
| | Validus Preparatory Academy | An Expeditionary Learning School ||-------------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------|| Advanced Placement Courses | Available | Available || Dual Enrollment Opportunities | Available | Not specified || STEM Program | Strong Program | Not specified || Career and Technical Education| Available | Not specified || Elective Courses | Available | Available |Extracurricular Activities
VPA offers a range of extracurricular activities to help students develop their skills and interests. These include sports teams, clubs, and student organizations. The school also has a strong music and performing arts program, with opportunities to participate in chorus, band, and theater productions.ELS schools also offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and student organizations. In addition, ELS schools often incorporate outdoor education and adventure activities into their programs, giving students opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and other skills.Table Comparison: Extracurricular Activities
| | Validus Preparatory Academy | An Expeditionary Learning School ||-------------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------|| Sports Teams | Available | Available || Clubs and Organizations | Available | Available || Music and Performing Arts | Strong Program | Not specified || Outdoor Education and Adventure| Not specified | Available |Support Services
VPA is committed to providing a range of support services to help students succeed. These include tutoring, counseling, and college advising. The school also has a dedicated student support team that works with students and families to address issues related to attendance, behavior, and academics.ELS schools also provide a range of support services to help students succeed. These may include academic support, counseling, and mentoring. ELS schools also have a strong focus on building relationships between students and teachers, which can help foster a positive school culture.Table Comparison: Support Services
| | Validus Preparatory Academy | An Expeditionary Learning School ||--------------------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------|| Tutoring | Available | Available || Counseling | Available | Available || College Advising | Available | Not specified || Dedicated Student Support Team | Available | Not specified || Mentoring | Not specified | Available || Relationship Building between Students| Not specified | Available |Conclusion
Overall, both Validus Preparatory Academy and An Expeditionary Learning School offer unique and valuable educational experiences for students. VPA provides a rigorous, college-preparatory education with a range of support services to help students succeed. ELS schools provide an innovative, project-based learning approach that emphasizes character development, service learning, and a culture of continuous improvement. While both approaches have their strengths, the best choice for a particular student will depend on their individual needs, interests, and goals.Validus Preparatory Academy An Expeditionary Learning School: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
Validus Preparatory Academy is a public high school situated in the Bronx, New York City. It's an Expeditionary Learning School that was founded in 2010. It serves students between grades 9 and 12 who wish to pursue college preparatory courses, build academic skills, and improve their social and emotional learning skills.Academics
Validus Preparatory Academy provides an array of rigorous and engaging courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses in various subjects, such as Calculus, English, Biology, and U.S History. They also provide elective courses that allow students to pursue unique interests like playing an instrument, learning a new language, or mastering film production.All courses are aligned with the Common Core standard and are geared towards full and broad understanding, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving. The faculty is highly skilled and experienced, and they offer personalized attention to every student, making sure each one receives tailored instruction suitable for their learning needs.Extracurricular Activities
Validus Preparatory Academy provides meaningful extracurricular opportunities for students to explore interests beyond the classroom. The school has an array of clubs and activities such as drama, chess, debate, robotics, and dance. The school also provides competitive sports teams for both boys and girls, including baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.Community Service
The school's commitment to Expeditionary Learning is reflected in its emphasis on service learning. Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours of community service before graduation. This helps students develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of civic responsibility.Instructional Approach
Expeditionary Learning is an approach to teaching and learning that immerses students in complex, real-world problems and challenges while fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Here, students are urged to engage with immersive projects rather than rigid textbook lessons, and faculty acts as coaches and co-collaborators.At Validus Preparatory Academy, learning is not passive; instead, it provokes students to take responsibility for their learning actively. Faculty facilitates the inquiry-based method's use to inspire students to build real-life connections with what they learn, providing them a more profound and long-lasting understanding of the concepts.Student Support Services
The school aims for every student to succeed academically and socially. To achieve this, the school offers many student support services such as a guidance counselor, college advisor, tutoring, and a partnership with the Child Study Center at NYU Langone Health, providing school-based health and mental services.Technology
Technology is frontline at Validus Preparatory Academy. Scholarly-focused tools including personal laptops, interactive projection, mp3 players alongside science labs and network infrastructure support all classrooms. The commitment to technology allows students to work efficiently with technology during assignments, research, and even class discussions.Parent Involvement
Validus Preparatory Academy recognizes the value in parent/community engagement to increase student achievements. The school has a supportive Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that regularly meets to foster collaboration between parents and teachers. Parents can also access their child's academic progress through an online portal, sign up for newsletters and emails, and attend bi-annual parent-teacher conferences. Furthermore, the school provides workshops, webinars, and training on various education-related topics to enhance parent knowledge and skills to support their children's education.Application and Admission Requirements
To apply to the Validus Preparatory Academy, one needs to attend open houses or schedule a visit and submit an online application via the school's website. Validus Preparatory Academy accepts students based on a random lottery system that doesn't consider grades, test scores, admission essays, or interviews.Conclusion
Validus Preparatory Academy is a unique school providing an empowering education experience for students in the Bronx. With its focus on Expeditionary Learning, rigorous academics, technology integration, robust extracurricular activities, and parent/community involvement, it fosters exceptional growth towards success and intellectual development for every student. If you're looking for a high school that prioritizes personalized attention, community service learning, and academic excellence, then Validus Preparatory Academy might be the perfect choice for you.Discover the Validus Preparatory Academy: Where Learning Meets Adventure
Validus Preparatory Academy is a vibrant and dynamic community located in the heart of the Bronx, NY. We are an Expeditionary Learning School with a focus on providing our students with an engaging and immersive learning experience that connects them with the wider world. Our motto, “Where Learning Meets Adventure,” encapsulates our philosophy perfectly – we believe education is not just about academic excellence but also about developing character, fostering relationships, and building skills that will serve our students for a lifetime.
At Validus, we implement a project-based learning approach that encourages students to engage in real-world challenges. We believe in experiential learning where students get hands-on experience through fieldwork, service-learning projects, and other activities. Our faculty understands that every student has unique talents and interests, so we personalize our instruction to meet each student's needs. We challenge our students to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with peers, and become responsible citizens.
One of the reasons why Validus is an excellent choice for students is the wide range of programs we offer. From arts and music to athletics and community service, we have something for everyone. Our extracurricular activities complement academics and help students develop confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork abilities. Some of our popular programs include dance, theater, soccer, basketball, debate, and robotics.
We are proud to offer a robust college preparatory program that prepares our students for post-secondary education. Our students have access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which offer college credit and increase their chances of being admitted to competitive universities. We also encourage our students to participate in internships, research projects, and leadership opportunities that help them build important skills. Additionally, we offer support with college application essays, scholarships, and financial aid.
Our faculty members are experienced, caring, and dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help every student succeed. They provide timely feedback, encourage growth mindset, and ensure that each student feels supported in their learning journey. Our teachers use a variety of instructional strategies such as project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and technology-enhanced learning to keep students engaged and motivated.
We understand that students need a safe and nurturing environment to thrive, and we take the safety and well-being of our students seriously. We have a comprehensive system in place to ensure that our students feel safe and respected at all times. We have a strict code of conduct that promotes positive behavior, and we have counseling services available for students who need emotional support or guidance.
We believe that our school is more than just a place where students come to learn – it's a community where they can grow, be challenged, and have fun. Validus Preparatory Academy values diversity, inclusivity, and equity. We celebrate our differences and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding. We respect our students' cultural backgrounds, and we provide opportunities for them to share their unique perspectives with others.
If you're considering a school for your child, we highly recommend that you visit Validus Preparatory Academy. Come see for yourself what we have to offer. Meet our students and faculty, tour our facilities, and get a sense of what makes us different. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have and help you make an informed decision about your child's education.
At Validus Preparatory Academy, we believe that every child has the potential to achieve greatness. We are committed to empowering our students to succeed academically, socially, and personally. We invite you to join our community and be part of a school that values innovation, adventure, and lifelong learning. Thank you for considering Validus Preparatory Academy – we look forward to meeting you soon!
Validus Preparatory Academy
People also Ask about Validus Preparatory Academy
What is Validus Preparatory Academy?
Validus Preparatory Academy is an Expeditionary Learning school that offers a rigorous and engaging curriculum to middle and high school students. The school seeks to provide students with an education that is relevant, impactful, and inspiring.
What is the philosophy of Expeditionary Learning?
Expeditionary Learning is a teaching model that emphasizes experiential learning, hands-on activities, and real-world connections. It encourages students to take ownership of their learning and to engage deeply with the material.
What grades does Validus Preparatory Academy serve?
Validus Preparatory Academy serves students in grades 6 through 12. The middle school program includes grades 6, 7, and 8, while the high school program includes grades 9 through 12.
What is the school culture like at Validus Preparatory Academy?
Validus Preparatory Academy promotes a culture of respect, responsibility, and community. The school emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and social-emotional learning in order to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
What extracurricular activities are offered at Validus Preparatory Academy?
Validus Preparatory Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and student organizations. Some of the options include basketball, volleyball, debate club, robotics club, and student government.
What are the admissions requirements for Validus Preparatory Academy?
Validus Preparatory Academy is a public school, and as such, does not have admissions requirements. All students who reside in New York City are eligible to apply.
How can I learn more about Validus Preparatory Academy?
You can learn more about Validus Preparatory Academy by visiting the school's website, attending an open house or information session, or contacting the school directly.