Frequently Asked Questions
Am I still able to take electives of my choosing like orchestra, carpentry or bio-med?
Yes! As with all scheduling we can’t guarantee the elective will be open or run at a time that fits in your particular schedule, but no course is off limits.
Can I take the language of my choosing?
Yes. You will select the language that most interest you and will be scheduled accordingly.
Will this inhibit my ability to take AP classes later on?
Absolutely not. There are no AP classes offered for freshmen, but you will be able to take them in later years of high school. We would argue that you will be uniquely qualified for them in that you will be comfortable taking on new challenges, presenting in front of your peers and adults, and working to a high standard of excellence.
How will you guarantee that all students are working together and group projects aren’t being done by one student?
Projects are a big part of any high school classroom and this can be a real issue because the teacher is focused on the outcome, making sure you have proven you know the content. Teachers don’t always have time to teach how to work together. In this program, the process is as important as the product. Our teachers are receiving professional development that will help them teach you how to work together and how to navigate all the obstacles that can arise in a group project.
Will I learn the skills needed to pass MCAS?
Absolutely. You will still be learning how to write essays and talk about books. You will still be covering the standards in math and the important physics theories. However, these skills will also be applied to our projects so that you won’t have to ask, “why so I need to know this?” You will learn the concepts AND see how they work in the real world.
Is this a program geared to kids that want to be inventors?
Yes! But it’s also for activists.. and storytellers.. and entrepreneurs.. and kids who aren’t afraid of a challenge.. and kids who take risks.. and students who have no idea what they want to do when the grow up. Basically, if you like seeing how learning can be applied to real life scenarios, if you like working with a team and you want to try something new, then this program is for you!
Will grades be individual or group?
You are graded individually in each class, even during group projects, and your report card will reflect a personal, individual grade that represents the work done for each subject. Meaning you will get your own separate grade for each of your core subjects.
Will there be Special Education support is in this program?
Yes. All students with an IEP will continue to have a liaison and teachers will follow the IEPs accordingly.
Where will this program be housed?
The four core classes are located in close proximity to each other within the high school. You will use the school library, eat in the cafeteria, and take your language and electives throughout the building. Changemaker for sophomores is just English and history.
This is a new program, how you ensure it will be successful?
We have a great team of teachers who are passionate about this style of learning, and will work tirelessly to make sure students are getting the best possible experience. They have been practicing project-based learning in their own classrooms and have designated time to work together to create and implement curriculum. They are also getting outside professional development and visiting schools where this kind of curriculum is already successful. In addition, this is a well-funded initiative; and the grants will allow us to bring in experts to work with teachers and students.
What if none of my friends are in Changemaker, will I still see them?
Yes! You get the best of both worlds-- you get the small school feel and you are part of the larger high school. You could still have lunch and electives with your friends. You will also be involved in extracurricular and sports. And you will meet so many new and interesting people that you’ll be making new friends extra fast.
Do colleges understand this kind of program?
Project-based learning is gaining momentum across the country, so much so that colleges are starting to reflect on their own application processes. Universities and colleges understand that students coming out of this kind of program are problem solvers, effective communicators, and agents of change. Also, your transcript will still reflect a typical transcript with courses that meet all the required parameters of a high school diploma.
Yes! As with all scheduling we can’t guarantee the elective will be open or run at a time that fits in your particular schedule, but no course is off limits.
Can I take the language of my choosing?
Yes. You will select the language that most interest you and will be scheduled accordingly.
Will this inhibit my ability to take AP classes later on?
Absolutely not. There are no AP classes offered for freshmen, but you will be able to take them in later years of high school. We would argue that you will be uniquely qualified for them in that you will be comfortable taking on new challenges, presenting in front of your peers and adults, and working to a high standard of excellence.
How will you guarantee that all students are working together and group projects aren’t being done by one student?
Projects are a big part of any high school classroom and this can be a real issue because the teacher is focused on the outcome, making sure you have proven you know the content. Teachers don’t always have time to teach how to work together. In this program, the process is as important as the product. Our teachers are receiving professional development that will help them teach you how to work together and how to navigate all the obstacles that can arise in a group project.
Will I learn the skills needed to pass MCAS?
Absolutely. You will still be learning how to write essays and talk about books. You will still be covering the standards in math and the important physics theories. However, these skills will also be applied to our projects so that you won’t have to ask, “why so I need to know this?” You will learn the concepts AND see how they work in the real world.
Is this a program geared to kids that want to be inventors?
Yes! But it’s also for activists.. and storytellers.. and entrepreneurs.. and kids who aren’t afraid of a challenge.. and kids who take risks.. and students who have no idea what they want to do when the grow up. Basically, if you like seeing how learning can be applied to real life scenarios, if you like working with a team and you want to try something new, then this program is for you!
Will grades be individual or group?
You are graded individually in each class, even during group projects, and your report card will reflect a personal, individual grade that represents the work done for each subject. Meaning you will get your own separate grade for each of your core subjects.
Will there be Special Education support is in this program?
Yes. All students with an IEP will continue to have a liaison and teachers will follow the IEPs accordingly.
Where will this program be housed?
The four core classes are located in close proximity to each other within the high school. You will use the school library, eat in the cafeteria, and take your language and electives throughout the building. Changemaker for sophomores is just English and history.
This is a new program, how you ensure it will be successful?
We have a great team of teachers who are passionate about this style of learning, and will work tirelessly to make sure students are getting the best possible experience. They have been practicing project-based learning in their own classrooms and have designated time to work together to create and implement curriculum. They are also getting outside professional development and visiting schools where this kind of curriculum is already successful. In addition, this is a well-funded initiative; and the grants will allow us to bring in experts to work with teachers and students.
What if none of my friends are in Changemaker, will I still see them?
Yes! You get the best of both worlds-- you get the small school feel and you are part of the larger high school. You could still have lunch and electives with your friends. You will also be involved in extracurricular and sports. And you will meet so many new and interesting people that you’ll be making new friends extra fast.
Do colleges understand this kind of program?
Project-based learning is gaining momentum across the country, so much so that colleges are starting to reflect on their own application processes. Universities and colleges understand that students coming out of this kind of program are problem solvers, effective communicators, and agents of change. Also, your transcript will still reflect a typical transcript with courses that meet all the required parameters of a high school diploma.