Just as many high school students start thinking about graduation and plans for the future, there are those wondering how or if they’ll ever get there. Fortunately, for those students who don’t fit the mold for the traditional educational model, Livingston County’s newest charter school — FlexTech High School — offers another option.
Prospective students, parents and the community are invited to attend an informational presentation about this new high school at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the commons area at Kensington Woods High School, 3700 Cleary Drive in Howell. The event is open to the public, and there is no charge to attend.
FlexTech High School, serving grades 9-12, is set to open this fall; enrollment begins in June. The school will be housed in the former Genoa Woods Executive Conference & Banquet Center facility, near Grand River Avenue and I-96 in Brighton.
The school offers students flexible scheduling options; self-paced, computer-based classes; project-based learning applications to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; projects designed to foster and develop creativity and innovation; and extensive guidance and mentorship programs. Technology is also central to the school’s learning model, with the most current equipment such as iPads or Google Chromebooks replacing conventional text books and note taking.
“FlexTech offers an environment that’s more in line with the way many students live and learn today, from both an educational and practical standpoint,” according to Jim Perry, director of school leadership for CS Partners, the managing organization behind the creation of FlexTech High School.
“Geared toward those who are encountering unique challenges in navigating through high school, FlexTech is well suited for students who feel their current high school experience lacks relevance with the real world and their plans for the future. Students who are struggling academically or who would benefit from flexible scheduling, like elite athletes and students who have work or family obligations, may also find the FlexTech model to be the right fit for them.”
According to Perry, at FlexTech the educational platform integrates research on best practices for reaching students whose learning styles are not met in the traditional system. This strategy takes into consideration how students learn best and provides various avenues to fit those needs.
“FlexTech is an innovative approach to high school, where the students define their experience,” Perry explained. “Students are provided the tools to discover their strengths and realize their potential. We help students understand how to make high school work for them, as well as how to set goals and achieve them. FlexTech can help connect the dots for students with how to make a plan for their future.”
At the presentation on May 24, the mission and vision of the school will be outlined as well as differences FlexTech offers that distinguish it from other high school programs throughout Livingston County. Participants will hear directly from the school’s development team about the research behind the project, and how the school was specifically developed to meet the needs of many different student groups and who may benefit from such a program. The school’s approach to instructional technology and its educational platform will also be explained. Administrators will be on hand for a question-and-answer session, including Melanie Laber, the new school leader for FlexTech.
For more information about FlexTech High School or the informational program on May 24, contact Jim Perry at (517) 861-9746.
ABOUT CS PARTNERS:
CS Partners is an educational service provider serving Michigan charter schools. Based in Hartland, the company is composed of experienced educators who have been working with charter schools since 1996. The CS Partners staff has been intimately involved with the formation and ongoing operation of Charyl Stockwell Academy in Hartland and Kensington Woods High School in Howell. Set to launch in fall 2011, the organization has also led the charge in the creation of FlexTech High School in Brighton.
