Academics

Curriculum

How do students learn?
At MC² students are asked to take an active role in their education. Each student works with a faculty advisor to develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP). In the ILP, the student sets learning goals based on MC²’s Graduation Expectations. Parents are key partners in this process. Students then make choices about learning opportunities based on these goals.

Learning Opportunities
There are four main types of learning opportunities at MC²: internships, treks, challenges, and skill development. As students take more ownership of their learning and become more self-directed, they are encouraged to design learning opportunities for themselves and for others, in collaboration with a faculty member.

• Internships - Students build academic, personal, and workplace skills through one on one relationships with an adult mentor doing meaningful work outside the school building.
• Treks - Field experiences provide students opportunities to develop skills and apply learning in meaningful settings. Treks aim to engage students’ sense of curiosity, wonder, and exploration while promoting lifelong learning and developing skills, knowledge, and good judgment.
• Challenges - Challenges focus on life-roles, relevant issues, and personal perspectives. Students integrate their knowledge and understanding through a variety of activities that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and self reflection.
• Skill Development - In order to assure students are competent in basic skills, focused activities provide further opportunity to develop reading, writing, arithmetic and mathematics, speaking, and listening skills.

How are students assessed?
Students are assessed on Habits of Mind and Habits of Being throughout all learning opportunities, with both ongoing feedback and final evaluations. Students maintain individual portfolios that include evidence of their learning in internships, treks, challenges, and skill development activities.

Technology
Recognizing we live in a highly interconnected world, MC2 uses technology as an integral tool for communicating and exchanging information. We use First Class (TM) to create a private computer network accessible to teachers, students, and parents via the Internet.

Career Explorer (TM) is another online resource provided to MC2 students. With Career Explorer (TM) students create career portfolios, research future job opportunities, and match their interests and abilities with possible future careers.

We use various multimedia equipment including computers, video and digital cameras, sound systems and projectors to enhance productivity and student presentations.