Philosophy

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Mission

The mission of Venture Academy Family of Schools is to awaken the imagination, passion, dreams and curiosity of TK-12 students by providing rich, standards-based educational opportunities for those who seek innovative, non-traditional approaches to learning. Our students will become literate, lifelong learners empowered to embrace challenge, think critically, play passionately, live responsibly and imagine possibilities.

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Schoolwide Learning Outcomes

Schoolwide Learning Outcomes (SLO's) define what each student should know, understand, and be able to do upon leaving Venture Academy. They are the framework around which the academic program is built and reflect the mission, vision and beliefs of the school. The six SLO's, developed by Venture Academy staff are listed below. Throughout their education at Venture Academy students are challenged to demonstrate the following:

Venture Academy students will embrace challenge.        
Students may demonstrate this by (but are not limited to):

• Identifying and reflecting on challenges
• Identifying tools and talents
• Developing and implementing a plan of action

Venture Academy students will think critically.
Students may demonstrate this by (but are not limited to):

• Evaluating and applying knowledge/skills in a variety of situations and contexts
• Acquiring knowledge necessary to form an educated opinion

Venture Academy students will live responsibly.
Students may demonstrate this by (but are not limited to):

• Exhibiting and making healthy lifestyle choices
• Identifying community needs
• Serving the community

Venture Academy students will play passionately.
Students may demonstrate this by (but are not limited to):

• Playing to learn
• Learning to play
• Balancing lives (work and play)
• Exploring the connection between passion and work

Venture Academy students will learn infinitely.
Students may demonstrate this by (but are not limited to):

• Realizing the world is a classroom
• Demonstrating continuous progress toward mastery of a core body of knowledge
• Initiating and facilitating their own learning

Venture Academy students will imagine possibilities

Belief Statement

We believe that…

• Each individual can learn
• Education empowers individuals
• Each individual has unique strengths and intelligences
• Each individual is important and can make a difference in the world
• Individuals joining together for a common purpose produce powerful results
• Individuals learn best in a nurturing non-threatening environment
• Imagination, passion, dreams, and curiosity are gateways to learning
• Play is an essential part of learning
• Learning involves embracing challenge and being willing to risk
• Students’ needs direct their educational paths
• Education is a team effort involving students, families, teachers and community
• Real world connections enhance learning
• Learning is lifelong

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