The Nueva School's Innovative Learning Conference

From the start, Summit Public Schools didn’t want to build something just for our children. We believed in a new version of high school to prepare every child for college and for a fulfilled life. And part of that “good” life was a world they wanted to live in. We envisioned preparing our children to be contributing members of their community, of society. We wanted to answer questions like: What skills does someone need in a rapidly changing economy? How does one prepare for a life that has financial security and meaning? How does a high school student figure out who they are and what they want out of life? What does it mean to engage in work that feels purposeful?”

In this session, Diane will share — in straightforward terms — the school model developed by Summit educators over the past 15 years. She will weave together research and stories on how real-world and project-based learning, self-direction, reflection through mentoring, and collaboration prepare kids for adulthood and a fulfilled life, and she will show how habits of success, curiosity-driven knowledge, universal skills, and concrete next steps are the measurable outcomes these strategies are designed to develop. The session will give parents a guide of activities to help foster these skills at home.