Alternative to traditional high school for teens 14+
Enrollment is open and ongoing throughout the year.
Options for 2019-2020 Academic Year:
Part-Time (2 days per week) Full-Time (4 days per week)
We also offer flexible hours for students who wish to come for non-academic classes, events, field trips, and/or socialization. Please contact us to discuss how we can accommodate your need.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Location: 64 Hancock Street, Auburndale, MA 02466
Symbiosis Learning Center’s Progressive Education Program is an alternative to traditional high school for ages 14+. Teens who struggle with anxiety, social and emotional challenges, learning differences, ADHD, and/or who just don’t fit in, can learn in an environment that is shaped by their learning style, pace, and needs, rather than the other way around. By redefining the concept of ‘school,’ Symbiosis Learning Center’s mission is to create a space that is holistic, nurturing, and noncompetitive. Students who enroll can earn their GED, an official transcript, and be guided through college and/or career options.
Our curriculum focuses on the following:
Emphasis on learning by doing – hands-on projects, expeditionary learning, experiential learning
Integrated curriculum focused on thematic units
Strong emphasis on creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking
Group work and development of social skills
Understanding as the goals of learning, as opposed to rote knowledge
Collaborative and cooperative learning projects
Education for social justice, responsibility, and democracy
Highly personalized learning accounting for each individual’s personal goals
Integration of community service and service learning projects
Offering content that is focused on skills needed in future society
Use of varied learning resources
Emphasis on developing a desire for lifelong learning
Collaborative assessment of coursework and projects
Creating a non-competitive, safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment
Developing one’s life path through a mindfulness based approach
Supporting the development of productivity; freedom of choice; independence; individuality; empowerment/self-advocacy; accountability; curiosity; self-determined definition of success; self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-esteem.
Our Students
We highly value diversity in our students and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity, creed, or family status. The Progressive Education Program is an excellent fit for the following individuals:
Those opting out of traditional high school
Homeschool & self-directed learners
Members of the ‘unschooling’ movement
Those looking for a better fit than traditional high school
Those who have diverse learning differences and needs
Those who may have social and/or emotional challenges
Those who are college commuter students
Those who would like to take a gap year/semester from college
Those who have not yet decided if they would like to attend college, or feel they are not yet prepared for college
What We Offer
Rooted in research and experience, our program is specifically designed to provide our students with a variety of opportunities and essential skills to assist them in achieving their unique academic, social, and emotional goals.
We help students master a rigorous, interdisciplinary college preparatory curriculum while also assisting students in reaching their social and emotional development goals. Our courses focus on the transition from our program in to adult life through collaborative instruction, both in academics and social skills.
The Progressive Education Program experience includes a variety of courses taught in an engaging, mindful, nurturing, and supportive learning environment. These courses include the arts and sciences, community service and leadership opportunities; as well as regular off-campus field trips ensuring engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
Courses include (but are not limited to):
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Art
Foreign Language
Social skills
Study skills
Music Appreciation
Diversity & Difference
Cooking
Psychology
How to get a job and keep it!
College preparation
Public Speaking
Independent studies (courses created by student with guidance by advisor)
We believe one’s self-worth should not be measured in a grade or score. We hope to engender a sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from thoughtful work and collaboration, intellectual and personal growth, and the willingness to embrace and overcome academic and life challenges.
Social/emotional support is provided for students with:
Anxiety
Depression
School avoidance/school phobia
Bipolar
Asperger’s
ADHD
OCD disorders
Additional Learning Opportunities
The Progressive Education Program includes a wealth of extracurricular and creative opportunities to explore new passions and discover new talents. These activities extend the experience of learning, encouraging students to develop new skills such as collaboration and leadership, and to inspire their compassion, creativity, and curiosity.
Experiential Learning:
Project-based learning and independent research are integral aspects of the learning process in the Progressive Education Program.
Makerspace
We encourage our students to gain experiences in the world outside of our program and we will assist students with obtaining these experiences!
Internships
Courses at a local college or university
Field Trips:
Apple picking
Old Sturbridge Village
Hikes
Visit to local businesses
Museums
Rock Climbing
and more!
