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Want to Know More?
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What makes Vine Academy different?Our focus is on the whole child: social, emotional, physical and academic growth. Our learners set and achieve individualized goals using 21st century technologies to allow for self-paced learning. We offer a collaborative work environment with mixed age studios where real world skills are developed through project based learning and Socratic discussions.
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What is self-directed learning?Learners are able to set personalized goals and learning plans according to their individual interests and passions. There are no “advanced” or “special” learning placements. Each young person is able to go at their own pace in order to ensure mastery at each level.
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What are your school hours?We are a Monday through Friday program starting at 8:30am and ending at 3:00pm
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How do you track progress without grades?Our proprietary technology allows for transparent progress tracking of goals by both learners and guides. Our learners earn badges, create portfolios, participate in peer reviews, and have public exhibitions where they present the work they have learned.
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Is Vine Academy accredited?Yes! We are accredited by the IALDS: International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
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What advice do you have for families who may be nervous about a non-traditional approach?We embrace being “non-traditional” and believe it’s what makes our learners so special. When you’re at Vine Academy, you realize being different is a strength. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” –Mark Twain
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Will my child be able to socialize in blended age groups?We believe that children learn best when working with others both younger and older than them, rather than splitting up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, learners of all ages work together, collaborate, and engage in Socratic discussions together.
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Is there outside time?Absolutely! Unlike “recess” in a traditional school, we have multiple gaps in the day for playing outside. On nice days, there are opportunities to take their core-skills work outside and some of the Quests are outdoor based!
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What ages do we serve?We are currently serving children ages 4 - 11 years old in our Spark and Elementary Studios. As we grow, we will open up opportunities for older children. *All of our Spark children must be potty-trained and able to use the restroom on their own with minimal (if any) adult assistance.
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Is Vine a Montessori School?Our Spark Studio (ages 4-6) is in alignment with a traditional Montessori primary environment, which serves as the perfect foundation for our Acton based Elementary Studio. In principle and philosophy, Vine Academy is in alignment with the Montessori method but at the Elementary Studio level, the emphasis is on Acton Academy's approach. Although Montessori principles remain intact at these upper levels, there is a deeper focus on Socratic guidance, self-paced and adaptive technologies, etc. that is found less in a traditional Montessori setting.
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Does Vine serve special needs children?As a small school with limited resources, we know that we will have limitations. We are committed to providing a transformative educational experience for all of our Heroes. As long as the Hero is able to work independently, we find this type of environment to be an empowering and productive opportunity. However, we are not currently equipped to serve young people with learning needs that require an aid on site. Because we understand our limited resources, we may not be able to service those with special needs while also to serve all of the families who have. We welcome the opportunity to meet all candidates and determine if our program and community is a good fit.
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