AUTHENTIC LEARNING

  • ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø offers several Gold Seal Schools of Choice with various areas of focus at different grade levels. These innovative and authentic learning model schools offer a smaller learning community of students with similar interests, all of whom were assigned to the campus through the Choices application process.


    Applied Learning

     

    Applied learning asks students to learn curriculum content and to use what they learn in solving a problem or fulfilling some important need. It leads to a solution that addresses an audience. Applied learning is based on the belief that to be relevant, learning must apply to real situations. Famed philosopher and educator John Dewey described it as “the idea that there is an intimate and necessary relation between the processes of actual experience and education.” The approach requires students to communicate in different circumstances, in a variety of media, and with a variety of technology. Teachers and students share responsibility for defining problems, figuring out the best way(s) to solve problems, finding resources, and engaging in tasks that are increasingly demanding and complex.

    Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center

    Riverside Applied Learning

    J.T. Stevens Applied Learning Program

    Applied Learning Academy

      

    Academic Collegiate Academies

     

    High-achieving students who want a head start on college have the opportunity to earn college credits while learning to become confident, thoughtful, and collaborative lifelong learners. Both AP Capstone and New Tech pathways expand students’ horizons and provide an invaluable high school education experience.

    Arlington Heights High School (AP Capstone)  

    Paschal High School (AP Capstone)  

    Benbrook Middle-High School (AP Capstone)

    Western Hills (New Tech)


    Montessori

    Montessori is a unique and innovative learning community founded on the highly successful theories and principles of Maria Montessori. The primary focus of Montessori education is the emphasis on the development of the whole child (intellectually, socially, and emotionally). The Montessori cornerstones are teacher observation, the prepared environment, and the cultivation of the inner discipline of the child. Multi-aged, heterogeneous grouping of students (K, 1/2/3/4/5, and 6/7/8) promotes responsibility, self-management, and learning through peer teaching and social interaction. Montessori work plans are a discussion between adult and child to aid the child in planning his or her own life. Large blocks of uninterrupted work time provide opportunities for depth and complexity of work and enhance critical thinking skills. Montessori-trained teachers work within a challenging curriculum as they guide and motivate students to become lifelong learners.

    Daggett Montessori

     

    Single Gender Leadership Academy

    Fort Worth ISD offers two single-gender campuses that educate and nurture the whole child. These Schools of Choice begin in 6th grade and provide rigorous instruction with dynamic courses and opportunities that continue through the 12th grade.

    Young Men's Leadership Academy

    Young Women's Leadership Academy

     

    Visual and Performing Arts/STEM

    The apprentices of I.M. Terrell Academy have the opportunity to pursue high-level mathematics and science courses while utilizing high-tech tools in a blended and challenging learning environment that nurtures the relationship between the two academies. Students also participate in the Cowan Humanities Academy, which provides an enriched, cross-discipline approach to college-prep level humanities study. I.M. Terrell provides accelerated opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery in a flexible schedule and spend greater time and attention in areas of interest. Apprentices benefit from community partnerships with industry professionals. They attend performances and educational field trips with behind-the-scenes exposure to subject matter experts. Guest speakers representing their area of expertise provide information on postsecondary education and current career-related opportunities and the guidance needed to succeed at both. The strong support system of faculty and local professionals equips students with the discipline and skills needed to start the next chapter of their lives.

     

    World Language

    World Languages Institute is a secondary (6th-12th) School of Choice is the first multilingual school that provides a focus for students who are interested in pursuing a rigorous, accelerated academic program that includes options to complete one or more endorsements: Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Multi-Disciplinary Studies and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.), as well as CTE Pathways (PLTW Computer Science and Business Management).