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Spotlight On: Innovative Schools
Envision Schools
The Challenge
Supporting innovative approaches and understanding their key elements is essential for demonstrating how promising practices can inform the larger educational system. Envision Schools is taking on this challenge with four urban high schools in the Bay Area. It applies a distinctive theory of action: what matters most in the education of every young person is how adults operate schools, not in what condition students arrive at their place of learning.
What They Do
Envision Schools ignites passion in their students through project-based learning, art, and technology. Students are deeply engaged in learning, build critical thinking skills, and explore their creativity. Envision targets underserved urban youth, particularly those who would be the first in their families to attend college. They implement their own version of the three “R”s.
- Rigorous instruction with high expectations.
- Relevant curriculum tied to real world experience and field internships.
- Meaningful and caring Relationships with adults and peers that are meaningful, caring and support every student’s learning experience.
As an organization, we are driven by our mission to transform the lives of each of our students by preparing them for success in college and in life – especially those who will be the first in their family to attend and graduate from college.
Bob Lenz, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Envision Schools
Results to Date
- 100% of Envision’s graduates meet the course requirements for entrance into the UC/CSU system. Statewide, only 35% meet this requirement.
- While Envision students consistently outscore their peers on standardized tests, Envision Schools finds it equally as important that their young people graduate with the desire, skills, and resilience to succeed in college and beyond.