LaunchPoint Academy: Building a modern "one-room schoolhouse"

A new small-school option for high schoolers in Syracuse, NY

LaunchPoint Academy (LPA) is a new school / learning center being created in Syracuse, New York. Our goal is to provide an outstanding small-school alternative for high school students who have not thrived in conventional schools.

The “one-room schoolhouse” model

The model we are forming draws from the one used in traditional one-room schoolhouses. (Or more precisely—since we aim to have two teachers—like the model used in the Southwood Two-Teacher School that is part of the inspiration of LPA.) In this model, one teacher works with students of multiple grade levels, and is responsible for the overall education of each.

Why take this approach?

We know that some students learn best in a small-school environment. We also know that some kids need more individual attention that others. Our intention is to set things up in such a way that the teacher has an opportunity to get to know each of his or her students, to understand their capabilities and educational objectives, and to support them consistently over time as they advance both academically and as a whole person.

Aspects of our plan:

• Students in grades 9 through 12 will be brought together in a shared learning space.

• Classes will be kept small; under regular circumstances, a teacher will have no more than 10 students.

• Students will have individualized learning plans and will work at their own pace.

• Progress will be measured by mastery rather than grade level or time spent.

• Collaboration and mentoring will be encouraged among students.

• Both independent and project / group-based assignments will be used.

• Multiple pathways will be offered; students can choose to focus on college prep, trades, entrepreneurship or other pathways.

• Meals (home-cooked, if we can manage it) will be shared.

• Movement / exercise will be incorporated.

We are viewing the small size as a fundamental aspect of the LaunchPoint approach. A low student-to-teacher ratio will allow for stronger relationships, more flexibility, and a more personal learning environment. We want LaunchPoint to feel like a family!

A Christian foundation

LPA is being developed as a school that will support students not just academically, but in their overall formation as people—intellectually, morally, and spiritually. We believe that the Bible and the traditions of the Orthodox Church offer real answers to questions that young people have about their purpose, identity, responsibilities and community. Therefore we believe that these teachings are not peripheral, but central, in a complete education. We intend to teach the tenets of the Christian faith at LPA, and to incorporate prayer and worship throughout the day and school year. (That notwithstanding, students of any faith will be welcomed at LPA!)

The role of technology

We believe that modern technologies are making it more feasible to return to the “one-room schoolhouse” model. Online tools can help students move through foundational subjects at their own pace, freeing up more time for in-person coaching, hands-on projects, and meaningful conversations. We have a few novel ideas for technology that we will discuss in future postings.

Community involvement

We intend to involve student’s families, professionals, and tradespeople in the learning process, through mentorship, guest visits, and community partnerships. We have encountered a tremendous amount of goodwill and can’t wait to connect students with the supportive community forming around LPA.

Technically, a “homeschool tutoring center”

We plan to have LPA open, ready to accept students, in September. Since our initial focus is on kids who “fall through the cracks” of the conventional schools in Syracuse, we don’t plan to promote the school before the start of the school year. (If all of the students displaced by the closing of PFLA are thriving where they have landed, we will stand by, ready for any other Syracuse-area students who are forced to look for alternatives after the start of the school year.) We have been advised that we don’t have time to be recognized as an independent or charter school by the start of this school year, therefore our intention is to open as a tutoring center for kids who are homeschooled, and work toward full recognition by next year.

Feedback welcome!

What do you think? We would love to hear from those who have taken a similar approach.