Innovation Lab will use the Expeditionary Learning model. One of the central features of Expeditionary Learning is the concept of Crew: an advisory and mutual support network that will form the backbone of Innovation Lab High School’s culture. Expeditionary Learning also emphasizes the skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

Innovation Lab will eventually explore the possibilities of moving beyond “classes” and “bells” as they have traditionally been used. In the near term, we believe it is important to begin our evolution from a structure that is still familiar to most students and families. Curriculum materials at Innovation Lab will be the same as all other high schools. Interdisciplinary coursework and project-based learning will be featured at Innovation Lab High School. Teachers will create common opportunities across courses for students to identify and study complex problems from a variety of perspectives.

Students interested in Running Start will be better served at their home area high school. The deep learning that will be part of Innovation Lab High School’s Expeditionary Learning model promotes high performance. Students at similar schools in other parts of the country access and are highly successful on Advanced Placement exams, despite not being formally enrolled in “AP” versions of classes. Based on this success in other Expeditionary Learning schools, Innovation Lab students will be encouraged to take AP exams in their areas of interest. Formal AP courses may be offered in the future based on student demand.

Innovation Lab High School students will be fully prepared for post-secondary life whether they choose 2-year or 4-year colleges, vocational programs, military enlistment or entrepreneurship.