Junior and Senior High

At Progressive Academy we recognize that education is not the same as schooling. We are at the forefront of effective 21st Century educational practices because we connect the student’s education to the real world which results in authentic and meaningful engagement of the student.

Students are central in the process of planning their education at Progressive Academy. Purpose, interest and passion are considered. Examining one’s wishes, assessing one’s skills and understanding what it will take to reach one’s goals are important in achieving the high expectations necessary to be successful in today’s world. With these factors inspected fully, our students are able to graduate from Progressive Academy with a diploma from Alberta Education and are able continue to learn in the post-secondary institution of their choice.

Our focus on learning starts with excellent teacher-student relationships, and expands to include connections with experts who are willing to share their knowledge from our own community, our country and the world. Through a combination of direct instruction, individual course work, assigned group projects, career mentorships, volunteer work, options classes and community projects we invite our students to take responsibility for their own learning and become responsible, active and contributing members of society.

Throughout our Junior High and Senior High programs we place increased expectations on the students’ ability to learn, to think for themselves, to articulate their opinions and to work effectively as team members. The development of these skills is demonstrated in increased self-confidence and independence and the ability to make positive choices. We require a high level of independence and standard of work from our students, and they consistently rise to meet that expectation.

How does Progressive Academy implement the Alberta program of studies?

Alberta Education’s program of studies is one of the best in the world. It is diverse and rich outline of what students are expected to learn in order to achieve their potential and become creative individuals who can make a positive future for themselves, their families and their communities (Alberta Education Website).

At Progressive Academy Junior High and Senior High Program, we implement the curriculum to very high standards through three pillars:

Knowledge

Curriculum outcomes as outlined in the program of studies are achieved through a variety of methods including direct instruction, small group projects, collaboration with experts, extensive attention to achieving literacy and research skills and extensive use of diverse learning resources.

Students move through the curriculum at a pace that is optimum for them. Some students take more time, but many unbound by the continuous constraints of whole class instruction, find that they are able to achieve curriculum expectations at a much faster pace.

At Progressive Academy, expectations are high, but students can do course work at any grade that they have demonstrated readiness for.

Students are required to demonstrate and/or document their knowledge through a wide variety of methods ranging from reports, presentations, exams, video projects and authentic application of the knowledge expectations.

Skills

At Progressive Academy students are guided through a process of exploration to help them identify their areas of interest and passions. On a gradual basis students are introduced to the world of competent adults through interviews, job shadowing, mentorship and internship placement. Teacher, students, parents and community members work together to create positive placement projects which will help students make connections and move their education forward with authentic learning. In defining the project, learning expectations and skills are outlined. Teachers follow up on the project with the students and provide feedback and support. At the end of each project students present their findings to an audience.

Attitudes

At Progressive Academy our students take responsibility for their own learning. They become highly literate; they set attainable goals for themselves and then achieve their goals. They are coached to seek opportunities to learn, to be resourceful, to work effectively as a team member and to give back to the community through volunteer work. They learn how to ask for help when it is needed, and also how to help others. In short, our students are responsible, active and contributing members of society during their education.

Throughout the year students create a Be the Change Project; the purpose of the project is to show students that they have an impact on the world in which they live. Whether they make their community a cleaner place, donate to an organized charity or advocate for something they believe in- they are becoming more engaged and aware every day. Students share their success through classroom presentations which demonstrate how they made a positive impact on the world.

At the end of each school day time is allocated for the students to pause and examine the progress they have made in their learning plans, to identify any challenges and to reflect on their success. Students who may need intervention to assist in their forward progress can be identified and given help they need.