Avalon’s mission is to be a strong, nurturing community that inspires active learning, local action, and global awareness. The learning program is project-based, which empowers students to develop their own learning plans. Students attend few conventional “classroom classes,” spending most of their time working independently and in collaboration with peers (with guidance from their advisor) on their individualized-learning plans. Advisors (teachers) involve students in most decisions related to the school’s functioning, including decisions about school operational and curricular policies. Two students serve on the school’s governing board. The school provides one computer for every two students and a personal workspace for each student. A teacher cooperative manages all aspects of Avalon, including the learning program.
Visit the school’s website at: http://www.avalonschool.org
Project Materials
 (click to download PDF) Tally’s project proposal form. |
 (click to see bigger version) Tally’s food plan for the animals. |
 (click to see bigger version) Appendices of food recipes. |
 (click picture for bigger version) First draft of land use plan. |
 (click picture for bigger version) Final draft of land use plan. |
 (click to download PDF) A basic Avalon project rubric. |
 (click to download PDF) Avalon’s checklist of graduation standards. |
About the teacher-advisor
Geri is in her third year at Avalon, where she teaches art and serves as an advisor. Prior to coming to Avalon, she taught art at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, at The Blake School in Minneapolis and at North High School in North Saint Paul. She has an M.F.A. in Sculpture and an M.Ed in Visual Arts Education, both from the University of Minnesota. She has Minnesota state licensure as a K-12 Visual Arts teacher.