MISSION
At Vandermont, through our personalized learning paths, we empower inquisitive students to develop their interests and God-given abilities to achieve their highest goals while inspiring them to learn confidently and lead purposeful lives.
ABOUT
We are not a traditional school. We are an innovative K-9 21st-century private Christian school focusing on developing each learner’s God-given talents and interests with standards (+) curriculums and Inquiry and Project-Based Learning. Through a learner-led and student-centered model, we apply real life to offer a purposeful education and give freedom to students to dive deep into their education by being curious, creative, collaborative and empowered to take charge of their learning. We are in Rockwall County- 9 minutes east of Costco.
**Important to know: We are not a program for individuals with significant learning differences. We do not have the professional certifications, curriculums, and programs to support students who are English Language Learners, have visual or hearing impairments, require services through an IEP, 504, or similar plan, or with significant social, intellectual, emotional, or behavioral issues. We do not offer speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic counseling, or social skills training. We are not a 1:1 program.
GOAL STATEMENT
Vandermont will fulfill its mission by developing each student’s intellectual curiosity, educational capabilities and emotional/character development in a vibrant learning environment where students gain understanding of themselves as well as their relationships to the local community and the world beyond our community.
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Being rather than seeming to be
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Open, honest, and direct communication
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Asking questions before forming assumptions
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The local community as learning laboratory
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Collaboration as well as rugged individualism
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Change, not charity
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Self-esteem as a by product of hard work and a job well done
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Rigor plus joy equals mastery.
VALUES
1. Student-driven, self-paced learning
2. Real-world projects (and apprenticeships coming soon)
3. Student self-governance through studio contracts created by students
4. Mixed-age studios
5. Teachers serve as guides
6. Socratic discussions rather than lectures
7. Exploration and assessment of skill levels
CHARACTERISTICS THAT DIFFERENTIATE OUR MODEL FROM TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS ARE:
WHAT IS A "LEARNER-DRIVEN" COMMUNITY?
First, we are self-directed, meaning the young people are in charge of their own learning. Second, we are a community of learners, in which students are bound together by their pledge to hold themselves and each other to high standards. We believe self-directed learners with strong character will be the leaders of the next generation.