he Springfield Renaissance School, an Expeditionary Learning (EL) School, offers a rigorous academic program within a personalized learning environment that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Immersed in an ethos of service and teamwork, Renaissance students are challenged to take the reins of community leadership and meet the demands of the workplace.

Expeditionary Learning:

EL emphasizes high achievement through active learning, character growth and teamwork.  Students spend much of their time working on learning expeditions that explore “big ideas,” broad topics or themes. In the course of an “expedition,” students become researchers, writers and experts on the topic being investigated and engage in purposeful “fieldwork” that brings them into the community to make connections between their studies and the real world.

School Structures that Support Learning:

Structures like Crew allow teachers and students to develop relationships that go beyond classroom learning. Crews of one teacher and 12 students gather each day to discuss issues ranging from academic to global to social issues of interest.  Another important structure at Renaissance is intensives, or mini-courses, that provide students with opportunities to immerse themselves in activities and concentrated areas of study for a full week, twice per year. Students frequently engage in community service work during intensives as a way of giving back to their community.

 Results:

• 100% of Classes of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 applied and gained admission to a college or university
• An average of $2 to 3 million in grants and scholarships for each of the schools graduating classes
• On average, 61% of graduating seniors qualify as John and Abigale Adams Scholars

Recognitions:

• Dr. Mahoney (Principal) recognized as Magnet Schools of America Principal of the Year for Region 1 (2013)
• Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence  (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Nellie Mae Catalyst for Change School (2013)
• Massachusetts Innovation School (2011 – 2014)
• Expeditionary Learning Mentor School (2011 to present)