Signature Learning Experiences
Telos Micro School is shaped by 5 signature learning experiences that all students will participate in. These experiences have been intentionally crafted to provide the knowledge, skills, and mindsets that will allow students to thrive in a rapidly changing society. Furthermore, these experiences are purposefully designed to cultivate a deep sense of community among students, staff, and families.
Problem of Practice
This initiative immerses students in actual challenges faced by local businesses and organizations, fostering a seamless blend of hands-on problem-solving, innovation, and community partnership. Representatives from various local entities introduce our students to genuine organizational dilemmas, sparking curiosity and engagement while instilling a deep understanding of professional complexity and a spirit of community involvement. Empowered to select problems that resonate with their interests, students, in collaborative groups, delve into these issues, adopting a multidisciplinary approach over an intensive several week period, which not only fortifies theoretical knowledge but also hones pivotal life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.
Culminating in a comprehensive presentation of their solutions to the involved organizations and a diverse audience, students further develop their analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills within an authentic, high-stakes context, with the added potential of seeing their solutions adopted by the organizations, symbolizing a triumph of their ingenuity and a tangible impact in the professional world.
Self-directed Core Content
Unlike conventional educational settings, Telos empowers its students to curate their own academic journey within core content areas such as math, science, reading, and writing, intertwining it with the art and discipline of self-direction. Students are entrusted to select from a plethora of engaging and adaptive online learning programs, choosing content that not only aligns with their academic objectives but also resonates with their interests and learning styles. The unparalleled freedom offered by this model enables students to embark on an educational journey that is not tethered by the constraints of a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Furthermore, this self-directed approach isn’t merely about acquiring knowledge; it's about instilling a deep-seated understanding and appreciation for learning, fostered within a framework that values and prioritizes their choices and autonomy.
Due to the self-directed nature of this learning experience, coupled with the adaptive and highly engaging nature of these various learning platforms, students learn faster and retain information longer. A compounded benefit of this experience is that they unearth the capacity to delve deeper into their passions and interests.
Real-world Learning
Central to our pedagogical ethos is the profound engagement of students in tangible, real-world learning experiences. Deviating from conventional apprenticeship frameworks, our model empowers learners to steer their own professional adventures, transforming apprenticeships into immersive encounters where students not only acquire practical skills but also absorb the intricate dynamics of professional environments by engaging closely with industry experts. Our students autonomously navigate through every phase—researching opportunities, initiating professional connections, securing placements, actively participating, and reflexively learning from their experiences, thereby honing essential skills like research, communication, initiative, and resilience. These experiences, seamlessly integrated into their academic journey, are credited as pivotal educational components, simultaneously expanding their professional networks and paving avenues for future opportunities and collaborations.
Daily Community Building
In the vibrant core of Telos Micro School, the "Daily Community Building" experience meticulously weaves a tapestry of unity, creating more than just a physical gathering but an embodiment of shared emotional and motivational connection essential for holistic development.
Each day at Telos begins with a whole-school morning message designed to build community, celebrate achievements, and foster a sense of belonging. Lunchtime is intentionally tech-free, encouraging students to connect, share, and build lifelong friendships. Through peer recognition and team-building activities, students develop vital social and emotional skills, such as empathy and cooperation, while creating an inclusive environment where individual and collective successes are celebrated.
1:1 Mentoring
At Telos Micro School, the mentorship experience surpasses traditional boundaries, evolving into a deeply connected and supportive relationship that extends beyond mere academic guidance. Our weekly mentorship sessions become a sanctuary of reflection, ambition, and encouragement, fostering a collaborative space where students and mentors co-navigate through academic and personal milestones. This relationship, a delicate blend of trust, empathy, and understanding, not only anchors students in the present but also thoughtfully crafts future pathways, providing steadfast support and empowering them with autonomy and an unwavering sense of self. At Telos, mentorship equips our students with the confidence and capability to navigate life’s multifaceted journey with assurance and self-belief.