Project-based high school opens this fall

Students with an interest in doing things a little differently, like getting out of the classroom and into the real world more often, are encouraged to apply to the West Valley School District’s new project-based high school opening this fall.

The district is hoping to attract about 40 students to the new school, which will have an outdoor and technology focus. Students will complete hands-on projects in lieu of traditional classroom work.

“We’re hoping to give kids a new option for learning,” said Chris Sande, one of two teachers who will run the new nontraditional high school. “The target is to take kids that are bored with the traditional model, and give them a passion for learning.”

The school is open to all students in the Spokane area.

The district was awarded a $150,000 grant from a Minnesota-based education cooperative to start the school. EdVisions, which has helped start almost 30 similar schools across the country, is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

West Valley is the first school district in Washington to replicate the EdVisions model.

Sande, who has been a teacher at Rogers High School in Spokane for 13 years, and teacher Eric Christianson, who was previously employed as a lawyer and changed professions, were both hired by the district to oversee the operation of the school.

Part of the uniqueness of the school model is that is run by the teachers and students, and governed by a small board separate from the West Valley School Board, although ultimately the school will answer to the school board.

The first class of students will spend four days climbing and hiking on Mount Rainer in September to build leadership skills, and then a week at a computer “boot camp” to learn about technology.

The students will build the school’s Web page, name the school, and even select a school mascot for future classes of students.

Throughout the course of the year, students will run small businesses and complete projects, working with various community partners throughout the area.

All projects will be completed with academic standards in mind, including the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, the state’s highest assessment of reading, math and writing. The tests are given to students in grades three through eight, and grade 10 each spring. Students must pass the test in the 10th grade in order to receive a high school diploma.

As they work on projects, students will be required to check off essential academic learning requirements, the required benchmarks students are required to reach in each subject and grade level, Sande said.

The district is holding an informational session for students and parents at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at the school, 8818 E. Grace Ave. School starts Sept. 7.

For more information, call Ann Staley at the district office at 924-2150.