Measuring Progress
​We continually track student progress to identify when students need additional support. We measure “whole student” growth through a variety of means:
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Project Presentations
Project presentations are one of the most authentic ways in which students demonstrate the skills they have acquired. Presentations include essays, projects, portfolios, and multimedia demonstrations. During presentations, students participate in Q&A sessions with peers, parents, and teachers to demonstrate what they know — as opposed to what they have memorized.
Tests and Quizzes
Throughout the year, students participate in tests and quizzes to spot-check their skills.
Conferences and Progress Reports
Parent-teacher conferences are held three times a year; however, parents are encouraged to make appointments at any time to discuss their student’s progress.
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Our progress reports are in-depth evaluations of a student's affective performance and cognitive development, spanning a range of skills and behaviors in the classroom.
Homework
Our evidence-based curriculum follows the finding that homework has limited positive impact on student education.
As a rule, most students are NOT assigned homework. However, we welcome parents and students to assess with teachers whether a student's learning plan should include homework.
Student Portfolios
Each year, a collection of student work is compiled in a portfolio to serve as a resource for students to reflect on their own learning process and mastery of skills and concepts. Portfolios may also include teacher comments and student reflections and journaling.
Standardized Testing
Although standardized tests can provide a snapshot of a child’s academic progress and performance, parents and students should view these scores with caution.
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We believe standardized tests provide an opportunity for students to become accustomed to the formal test-taking process. But we never use them as a measure of a student’s intellectual ability or creativity, or to predict their future success.