HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA , COLLEGE-HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT DEGREE, HORIZONS TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS
After a emotionally regulating morning hike and small group activities, students work from 10 am- noon on intensive academics. All students participate in studying units, generally four per year, in our own Humanities and Language Arts hybrid program. Beginning by instruction in non fictional reading for information, students then engage in fictional reading based on multi-cultural and transnational literature. This addresses the gestalt language gap that impacts reading comprehension in many students. Students have individualized spelling, differentiated writing activities, and a research activity in each unit. Students engage in multiple presentations each year and reading more complex novels in class. Discussions include current events, social impacts and students learn to respectfully disagree during debates.
Math is taught conventionally in Big Ideas and Pearson texts and with supportive hands on activities when relevant, and are math ambassadors teaching the Brick Math method to other students at times, providing remediation and leadership skills. Students work in small groups on Perplexors once weekly, solving math based conundrums using clues and gaining deductive reasoning and logic based inferencing skills. Leadership opportunities are provided and are an important part of development at JLSA. Students in the High School Program take the lead in making financial and marketing decisions for the schools’ native plant business, and help run special school events such as parent-teacher coffees and cafe days.
Students use a binder system to promote executive functioning skills, as well as navigating our online platform TalentLMS when needed, so they are prepared for online college options. Homework consists of studying for a spelling & grammar quizzes each week, leveled book reports or special research due quarterly, and on IXL providing a standardized skill by skill assessment in Language Arts and twenty minutes of IXL math homework providing feedback to the instructors on mastery of the weekly skills. Students who need additional reading support will receive one on one or small group tutoring. Students are provided with a special online account, which gives free access to almost any book a reader could imagine with options for enlarged text, highlighting and audio modifications.
Students enjoy lunch outdoors, and participate in two afternoon classes. Throughout the week 10th -12th grade students will have core Science, Civics & Geography, and Foreign Language. In addition, they participate in Theater, Art, Music, Project (Entrepreneurial: Native Plant Business), in groups of 8-10 students with mentorship to younger students or from older students. Students may earn a high school certificate of completion or a high school diploma.
HIGH SCHOOL-COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAM (11th grade and above)
Students may participate in high school-college credit courses with JLSA & Central Carolina Community College. Students can begin coursework for a Central Carolina Community College Associate’s Degree Program, general college transfer courses, or for academically gifted or students with academic proclivity in certain areas. The High School -College credit program provides a smaller step approach to beginning college coursework with supports provided and guidance in executive functioning, time management, and prioritizing at a college level. Students generally opt to continue at Central Carolina Community College, among other community colleges to complete additional work prior to transferring to universities. Students continue to build a full transcript of high school credits at JLSA, utilizing these as Advanced Placement coursework and for experiential opportunities in which a student can better understand the level of commitment needed to attend college and to enjoy special interests academically at a college level. Students who complete two college courses as well as their core JLSA classes earn a high school diploma and CCCC credits.
HORIZON’S TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM
Students may remain after graduation for an individualized skill building and vocational training program. These students participate in the Native Plant Business, a notecard making business that involves travel photography days and art creation, and life skills including cooking and financial literacy. Students may be eligible for up to two paid work days per week after completing a year of supported vocational training. Horizon’s student have a huge impact on younger students and have a responsibility to meaningful and earnest leadership and to be an example of dedication to achieving one’s personal best.