Do you have financial aid available for students?
Yes! We are excited to have received a grant to be used for incoming new students who need financial assistance in covering tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Please inquire here and we will send you the information!
Do you ever have new students transfer during the school year?
Yes. Please fill out our application and we will contact your family to set up a student shadow day. Please contact us with any additional questions about transferring.
What ages does The Innovation School serve?
We currently serve students in preschool (4 years old before August 1) through 8th grade. Our preschool program is combined with our kindergarten program. More information can be found here. Our new middle school program will help students become even more self-directed and dig into their passions and strengths even more!
Does The Innovation School use Common Core?
We use an established framework to help guide students along a consistent learning path. This framework was developed using a combination of Common Core standards, Next Generation Science Standards, North Dakota social studies standards, and other best practice standards from around the world. The main difference in our connection to Common Core standards is in the curriculum. We do not have a standardized curriculum that is aligned to Common Core. We use our framework to create a learning continuum... meaning standards are not tied to grade level outcomes but are instead used in a fluid way to ensure that each student is working towards personalized learning and growth.
At The Innovation School, how are students tested and assessed?
Assessment is approached as an ongoing, everyday formative process (which means it is assessed along the way, not at the end of the learning). This type of assessment gives us an accurate picture of what a student knows and the skills they have acquired that can be used to inform instruction. Teachers use observations, notes, photographs, portfolios and various other forms of documentation made by themselves, and by the students, to reflect on and archive the learning that is taking place. Our curriculum framework provides structure for these assessments and helps teachers personalize learning for each student.
Do students have to take standardized tests at The Innovation School?
Because our curriculum is personalized for each learner and is evaluated using a holistic approach, our students will not be subjected to standardized tests. Each learner is at a different place on the learning continuum and will only be evaluated on his or her personal growth. We will provide students and parents with documentation and reflection on how their child is learning and flowing through our curriculum . We believe in teaching students in a way that is meaningful to them, not in a way that satisfies a checklist of skills needed to pass a test.
Is The Innovation School a charter school?
We are not a charter school. A charter school is a free, publicly funded school that is open to every student within its district, typically receiving a percentage of per pupil expenditures that public schools receive. North Dakota is one of 6 states in the United States without a charter school law. The Innovation School is a nonprofit independent school that operates on tuition and donations.
Is The Innovation School a for-profit school?
No, we are a nonprofit independent school. We are a 501(c)3 school and are governed by a board of directors.
How will my student be exposed to Art, Music, and Physical Education at The Innovation School?
We work to integrate special subjects into our everyday learning with students. Every Wednesday we will take the afternoon to experience, explore, and discover music, wellness, and art. We also work to bring in local artists and musicians to collaborate with our teachers and students.
Does The Innovation School provide field trips for students?
Exploring the community is a vital part of learning at The Innovation School. We work hard to ensure our students get exposed to many field trips throughout the year. We try to schedule 3-4 per month.
Yes! We are excited to have received a grant to be used for incoming new students who need financial assistance in covering tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Please inquire here and we will send you the information!
Do you ever have new students transfer during the school year?
Yes. Please fill out our application and we will contact your family to set up a student shadow day. Please contact us with any additional questions about transferring.
What ages does The Innovation School serve?
We currently serve students in preschool (4 years old before August 1) through 8th grade. Our preschool program is combined with our kindergarten program. More information can be found here. Our new middle school program will help students become even more self-directed and dig into their passions and strengths even more!
Does The Innovation School use Common Core?
We use an established framework to help guide students along a consistent learning path. This framework was developed using a combination of Common Core standards, Next Generation Science Standards, North Dakota social studies standards, and other best practice standards from around the world. The main difference in our connection to Common Core standards is in the curriculum. We do not have a standardized curriculum that is aligned to Common Core. We use our framework to create a learning continuum... meaning standards are not tied to grade level outcomes but are instead used in a fluid way to ensure that each student is working towards personalized learning and growth.
At The Innovation School, how are students tested and assessed?
Assessment is approached as an ongoing, everyday formative process (which means it is assessed along the way, not at the end of the learning). This type of assessment gives us an accurate picture of what a student knows and the skills they have acquired that can be used to inform instruction. Teachers use observations, notes, photographs, portfolios and various other forms of documentation made by themselves, and by the students, to reflect on and archive the learning that is taking place. Our curriculum framework provides structure for these assessments and helps teachers personalize learning for each student.
Do students have to take standardized tests at The Innovation School?
Because our curriculum is personalized for each learner and is evaluated using a holistic approach, our students will not be subjected to standardized tests. Each learner is at a different place on the learning continuum and will only be evaluated on his or her personal growth. We will provide students and parents with documentation and reflection on how their child is learning and flowing through our curriculum . We believe in teaching students in a way that is meaningful to them, not in a way that satisfies a checklist of skills needed to pass a test.
Is The Innovation School a charter school?
We are not a charter school. A charter school is a free, publicly funded school that is open to every student within its district, typically receiving a percentage of per pupil expenditures that public schools receive. North Dakota is one of 6 states in the United States without a charter school law. The Innovation School is a nonprofit independent school that operates on tuition and donations.
Is The Innovation School a for-profit school?
No, we are a nonprofit independent school. We are a 501(c)3 school and are governed by a board of directors.
How will my student be exposed to Art, Music, and Physical Education at The Innovation School?
We work to integrate special subjects into our everyday learning with students. Every Wednesday we will take the afternoon to experience, explore, and discover music, wellness, and art. We also work to bring in local artists and musicians to collaborate with our teachers and students.
Does The Innovation School provide field trips for students?
Exploring the community is a vital part of learning at The Innovation School. We work hard to ensure our students get exposed to many field trips throughout the year. We try to schedule 3-4 per month.
