Despite a highly nontraditional school schedule in 2020-21, PA launched the Innovation Academy, a self-directed project-based learning program that allows students to take control of their own learning.

The Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for SAU 53,  Mr. Motika helped implement the innovative learning model that breaks traditional STEM programs. PA’s director of curriculum, Ms. Parkinson also plays a vital role as the administrator for the program. 

“Innovation Academy is a program where they work through projects and interest-based curriculum to cover their core classes,” said Ms. Parkinson.

While PA faculty and administration began planning  in 2018, this is the first official year of the program.

The Innovation Academy is based on the third floor and occupies two classrooms. Currently 18 students are enrolled in the program. For faculty, five teachers, one from each department, work in the program: English teacher Ms. Fontaine, math teacher Ms. Donnelly, science teacher Mr. Berdeen, social studies teacher Ms. Frostholm and exceptional services teacher Ms. Knoll. 

The students follow the same bell schedule as the rest of the student population; however, when the music plays between the Blocks 2 & 4 (on White Days) and 1 & 3 (on Green Days), they stay in their classroom. 

“It’s very similar to the way I teach. I was very comfortable with the model,” said Ms. Fontaine. “I was excited to be able to work with teachers in other content areas and connect our classes across the curriculum.”

The teachers spend a lot of time collaborating and planning their lessons.

“We have seen some strong growth in the students. There have been great engaging projects,” said Ms. Parkinson. “You walk into the classroom, and there’s a lot of kids working together on interesting topics that run  the gamut of all their interests.”

Students who would like to try a  new learning style of inquiry-based learning  are encouraged  to apply.

“They submit declaration of interests, which is just  asking a few questions that relate to the learning style and teaching style,” said Ms. Fontaine.

 Interested students also  have to provide a mini-project that demonstrates  who they are and why they would be a good match for the program.

The Innovation Academy’s goal is to have 40 students enrolled next year and continue to grow the program in the future..