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At A Glance

Valley New School

Valley New School is a coeducational public charter school for students in grades 7 through 12.

87
Education Quality
78
Cost Of Living
71
Climate
71
Outcomes
Institution Type: Public Setting: Small City

Contact

Directions Link
Phone
(920) 993-7037
Website
valleynewschool.com

Valley New School's Full Profile

Overview

Overview

Valley New School says

ABOUT US Valley New School: • is a project-based school for 68 students in grades 7-12. • is a charter school—a tuition-free public school of the Appleton Area School District that is allowed to be more innovative, yet provide a structured learning environment for students. Charter schools, like traditional schools, are held accountable for improved student achievement.
• is a learning community—a positive, safe, collaborative culture where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. • celebrated its 10th year of innovative education in 2012-2013.

PHILOSOPHY VNS is based on the philosophy that: • Learning how to learn is more important that memorizing a particular set of facts. • Belongingness and empowerment lead to engagement in school and, in turn, achievement. • Each individual is unique and, therefore, warrants an individualized education.

AFTER VNS A VNS education prepares students for college and career. College-bound graduates consistently attend their first choice school. Students who choose to enter the workforce upon graduation consistently garner stable positions in their chosen fields.

Curriculum

ACADEMIC PROCESS VNS employs a pure project-based learning (PBL) curriculum, a dynamic, student-led approach to education. Students propose and implement independent studies on topics of interest, conducting in-depth research, creating high-quality products, and presenting/defending their learning. PBL: • is rigorous—students plan and manage their own time and workload • values process as much as products • fosters inquisitive natures and hones critical thinking skills • develops transferable, applicable skills • facilitates awareness of interdisciplinary connections and interdependence among and to each other, the community and our planet • cultivates understanding that collaboration with others and the larger community is an important part of being a contributing member of any group • integrates writing, speaking, and student-centered technology in all studies

CULTURE Community is an integral part of VNS. Students form meaningful, long-term relationships with their Advisor, the other 16 students in their Advisory, and the entire student body. These relationships lead to belongingness, mutual respect, and strong support of diverse pursuits.

Mission Statement

To create a learning community that empowers individuals to become purposeful adults

Finance

Finance

Public charter schools are supported through lower levels of direct, public funding, as well as though private subsidies. As with district public schools, they do not charge tuition to students who attend them.

Academics

Academics

51% of students graduate from Valley New School

The average attendance rate at Valley New School is 100%

Academic Calendar: Year

Test Scores

22 Average score for the ACT Composite

Adequate Yearly Progress

AYP was Met Overall for the year 2012.

AYP for Math was Met for the year 2012.

AYP for Reading was Met for the year 2012.

AYP is a measurement defined by the United States federal No Child Left Behind Act that allows the U.S. Department of Education to determine how every public school and school district in the country is performing academically according to results on standardized tests.

Students and Faculty

Students and Faculty

Enrollment Data

Total Enrollment 64
Enrollment By Grade
Grade Number of Students
7 11
8 11
9 16
10 11
11 7
12 8

Valley New School's relatively variable enrollment profile may offer insights into student retention rates, local population changes, real estate costs, and the accessibility of alternative educational options. to find out more about the specific factors influencing Valley New School's enrollment numbers.

Student Teacher Ratio 17 : 1
Gender 70% Male / 30% Female
Socioeconomic Diversity

30% of students qualify for a free or reduced price school lunch at Valley New School.

Student Diversity
Percentage of Student Body
White 92%
Asian 5%
American Indian or Alaska Native 3%

Extracurriculars

VNS views students holistically and, therefore, many activities typically seen as "extracurricular" are incorporated into students' Personal Learning Plans. For instance, a student who participates in ballet classes, a community swim team, or a traditional athletic team at one of the district's neighborhood middle or high schools (open to all, will set wellness goals, record progress, and log all time as part of their Wellness project. Another student might choose to lead a group of VNS peers; recent examples include ultimate frisbee team, a theater production, creative writing group, and a Live-Action Role Play club. Service learning within the larger community is required annually and seen as both academically and personally valuable rather than optional or extracurricular.
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