What Is An Accelerated School?

Imagine a school in which all children perform at or above grade level, regardless of their background or family situation. Imagine a school that treats all children as gifted and talented and builds on their talents through enrichment strategies, independent research, scientific experiments, writing, music, art, and problem solving. Imagine a school in which opportunities and support are provided to help all children succeed. Imagine a school where ideas count, where students, staff, and parents work together in an exciting environment. Let your imagination go as far as it will, and you have discovered the Accelerated School.

An Accelerated School engages the school community—administrators, staff, teachers, parents, students, and others—to develop the best school possible for their learning community. Within the Accelerated Schools model, the school community works collaboratively and thoughtfully to determine its vision, understand its challenges, and problem solve to meet the needs of every student.

The Southwest Center for Accelerated Schools does not view any child as inherently at-risk. We believe a significant number of students are caught in a mismatch in which the experiences they bring from home, family, language, and community are different from those on which success in traditional schools is based. Children caught in this mismatch are often isolated on remedial tracks with low expectations where they fall further and further behind, and instruction is commensurately slowed and dulled down in an effort to remediate.

In an Accelerated School, the best lessons and instructional practices are not reserved for “gifted” students. An Accelerated School works to create a Powerful Learning environment that excites, engages, and accelerates growth and achievement for all learners. Learn more about our philosophy, history and background, and the Southwest Center for Accelerated Schools.