What is an academy?
An academy is a program that is distinct for its reliance upon self-directed learning, design thinking, and iterative process, and the product of an extensive portfolio demonstrating learning (e.g., original compositions and productions in music academy, R&D portfolio/prototypes in engineering).
Why academies?
The academy represents the intersection of the Landmark educational philosophy for a relevant education:
Relevant education is one that is useful to students moving forward in life. It entails learning practical skill sets that are transferable to broad domains. It provides students with memorable and engaging experiences, within which they develop agency and ownership regarding their education. It’s an education through which they can take pride in their investment of time and energy towards the creation of real, tangible products as artifacts of learning. It’s learning for life, through which students identify, refine, and become better equipped to steward their gifts and talents with excellence, pursuing the unique calling for which God has created them.
Requirements of the academy:
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accepted into the program by application/audition (see academy director, listed below)
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reliant upon self-directed learning with an expert mentor, requiring 50+ hours of independent study approved by the academy director, and the completion of a “capstone project”: a portfolio of original work/hours and/or in-field recognition (e.g., personal pilot’s license)
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most academies come at an additional cost (for private lessons, for building or arts materials, for flight instruction, etc.)
To honor the value of the academy experience offered at Landmark, graduates who meet certain criteria would be given
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Recognition in the Landmark graduation program
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Recognition during the graduation ceremony itself
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Awarding of cords to wear at the graduation ceremony
Earning the academy distinction means :
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Accruing 50 hours of independent study outside of the school day (approved by academy director) (e.g., Private Lessons offered at Landmark, flight simulator hours/field trips, a summer project in Engineering/Film, etc.)
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Presenting a capstone project as defined by each academy (e.g., release of portfolio work on Spotify, presentation of R&D portfolio/prototype for engineering, obtaining personal pilot’s license).