Terra Nova

Category: Establishing New Forms of Accountability

At Terra Nova, innovation has always been at the forefront, and a competency-based approach toward education has always been within the school’s DNA. From the day it opened its doors, the school has challenged its students to actively demonstrate the acquisition of both academic content as well as life skills competencies. Their equity-focused, student-driven, competency-based approach allows students to integrate their own unique experiences, culture, interests, and abilities into their learning while maintaining accountability for their learning. Students demonstrate competency through authentic evaluations as advisors guide them into deeper learning opportunities and connect students’ interests, passions, and inquiries with learning targets and objectives. Despite their lack of using traditional methods, Terra Nova students have proven college ready, with 25% of their senior class participating in PSEO. Since it’s inception, the school has focused on redefining how students are viewed and taught, and in turn, students have taken accountability for their learning in ways that elicit growth, accomplishment, and an authentic drive for lifelong learning.