Personalized Learning
How do we personalize learning for each student?
We have an intimate setting that allows for a smaller school and more one on one interaction between students and teachers. We take the time to learn about each student’s strengths and weaknesses in order to create an effective learning environment where each child can succeed. We provide the students with the tools they need to guide their progress and learn to be proud of their accomplishments. By integrating technology, we are able to meet individual student needs and allow the students to develop skills necessary to be competent in today’s changing society. Our goal is for every student to become a life-long learner.
Why personalize learning?
Not all children learn the same way. Some need to move, to have hands-on experiences. Some like to read. Some learn better in different environments or like to express their learning creatively. In order for each child to succeed to the best of their ability, it’s important to recognize their learning needs. Personalized learning meets those needs and allows the students, not just to meet state standards, but master the content.
Mission
Each day, our mission is to personalize learning for every student based on interest and need by using diverse assessment tools, collaborative and self-reflective practices that allow for goal-setting based on data, and individualized support to ensure each student’s highest level of engagement and success.
Vision
Through the daily practices of our mission, our vision is to build a learning environment where students, staff, and families value integrity and accountability, community engagement, social justice, emotional support and safety, rigor through real-world experiences, and a culture of praise.
Goal Setting
A teacher can list objectives and let the students know what is expected all day long, but if the student is not invested in the lessons, learning will not occur. When students set their own goals, either personal or academic, they are taking an active part in their education. Having a goal makes the actual learning matter more than just getting the final grade.
Student Community
Learning is not limited to the classroom. Along with academics, we encourage personal growth and character development. Interpersonal skills, the understanding of how to interact with others, prepares students for life success outside of school. Recognizing what respect looks like towards their peers, authority figures, and for themselves paves the way for future careers or continued studies. Our student community learns to work together in both small and large groups, to take responsibility in governing oneself, to have a sense of pride in school property, and to play their individual role in keeping the culture of our school safe and positive.
A Day at Renaissance Valley Academy
Students arrive in the morning dressed in their school uniforms. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors wear the purple, RVA polo shirt. Seniors wear either the black, RVA polo. Middle school students wear the gray, RVA polo shirt. All students wear tan/khaki, school uniform slacks (no sagging or skinny), shorts or skirts (no more than two inches above the knee).
The uniform helps create a sense of community and pride in the school without the pressure of having to keep up with the latest, fashion trends or the distraction of students dressed inappropriately. Upon entering classrooms, RVA teachers and staff welcome each student at the door by shaking their hands and greeting them by name. Students know their teachers really care about them as individuals and are there to help them succeed. Classes begin with good news and every class gives the opportunity for students to write an affirmation note to a friend or staff.
Academics are based on state standards but the lessons are differentiated to help the student take charge of their learning. Teachers provide their students with different learning strategies to give them the tools they need to master the content, along with internalizing and applying the facts to real-life situations. Students are often given choices in the way they wish to approach their project, offering them opportunities to express their creativity or skill set.
Our school culture is based on character growth and mutual respect. Elective classes include multiple grade levels allowing for mentorship opportunities and leading by example. With a smaller population, students have the opportunity to know every student at the school and hold each other accountable both in the classroom and beyond. Students learn that each class offers more than units and a grade; it gives them the skills they’ll need as adults in a professional community.
Students are supervised while on campus to provide a secure environment. Teachers keep parents informed of student progress with regular progress reports, interactive online grade books, a virtual classroom, and conferences as needed.
