The Program
All of the courses offered at Village School are ungraded; instead, credits are earned for successful completion of courses. Typically, one credit is granted for each full-year course, one-half credit for each half-year course. Students who do not fully complete course requirements (i.e. regular attendance, reasonable homework record, satisfactory participation in class work and projects) may earn either partial credit or no credit for that course. Twenty-two credits, distributed according to New York State and Great Neck mandates, are required for graduation.
The credit-granting body of the school is called the Credit Board. It consists of a group of students (self-selected) and teachers who meet at the conclusion of each semester. Every student in the school appears before the Credit Board at the end of each semester to formally apply for credit for his/her work. The Credit Board reviews the student’s self-evaluations, teachers’ evaluations, attendance and homework records and any evidence of progress the student wishes to present. The Credit Board discusses this data with the student and may question him either specifically or generally about his work. After the student leaves the meeting, the Board deliberates and awards or withholds credit on a course-by-course basis. Each member of the Credit Board, either student or teacher, holds one vote.
The Credit Board is actually the third tier of the school’s assessment system. The first tier of evaluation occurs three times a semester when students and teachers complete course evaluations forms. These forms differ from course to course, but they share a common focus -- to have the student make a serious self-evaluation of his work and progress and to get an opportunity to compare his perspective with that of his teacher. Student and teacher comments are contained on the same form. The second tier of evaluation occurs when these forms are shared in a Support Group meeting at which the student, parents and Advisor are present. These meetings are held three times each semester.
Physical Education - Learning Outside the Box...
Village School’s Outdoor Education Program is an important aspect of our educational philosophy. Our students have generally been unsuccessful in traditional physical education classes; our alternative program, however, is a tremendous hit. We are dedicated to providing our students with experiences outside the walls of the classroom. Our group trips also serve to expand the definition of learning and certainly help to foster the cooperative community spirit essential to our success.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCES
and many others...
Apple Picking
Ice Skating
Bowling
Canoeing
Spelunking
White Water Rafting
Hiking
Archery
Fishing
Indoor Rock Climbing
Field Day
Horseback Riding
Orienteering
Cross Country Skiing
Parks
Museums
Zoos
Arboretums