ArtsWest offers parents an innovative choice in education as an alternative to a system that makes it easier for a child to conform than to create. We foster creative confidence that infuses every discipline.
Each student in our school is personally mentored along his or her own educational path. This individualized curriculum accelerates core classes, leaving students time for creative exploration of music, drama, dance, art, photography and cinematography.
The Harkness Method
ArtsWest will be using the Harkness Method of instruction for a majority of our academic classes. This method originated 75 years ago at Phillips Exeter Academy. Innovative from its inception, Harkness has become a well-respected and much modeled method, especially in private college prep schools across the east. |
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The most obvious element of Harkness is the table, which is designed to allow teachers and students to be visually and verbally engaged with one another. This interaction is the primary element of the Harkness Method. It allows learning through discussion and discovery, as well as the development of a student's individual voice. With Harkness, students are challenged to actively discuss rather than passively digest; to discover answers and defend conclusions.
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Phillips Exeter Academy Headmaster, Tyler C. Tingely, states "No one is hiding. Everyone speaks his or her mind, yet you each make each other question your assumptions...Suddenly, you're seeing the big picture and it's thrilling...The teacher is demonstrating to students how to learn rather than just what to learn."
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This engaging method integrates with our belief that each student has within, the potential to excel both in arts and academics if only given the "passion to learn and the freedom to create!"
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For more information on the Harkness Method or on ArtsWest, please call us at 938-5410.
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Graduation Requirements
ArtsWest will meet or exceed the State of Idaho graduation requirements and State of Idaho admissions requirements. We will begin with our incoming class to meet the new state standards set to be in effect in 2013. The following credits are required:
Language Arts, including one
credit of Speech 9 credits
Mathematics including at least
Algebra I and Geometry 4 credits
*6 credits including Algebra 2
or higher math
**8 credits including Algebra 2
or higher math
Natural and Physical Science, including at least
4 lab-based credits 4 credits
*6 credits
Social Studies, including US History, World History
Economics and American Government 7 credits
Humanities, including Foreign Language
and Fine Arts 2 credits
Health 1 credit
Total for graduation 42 credits
*46 credits
*Effective for students beginning 9th grade in 2008 or later
**Effective for students beginning 9th grade in 2009 or later
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Other requirements include academic guidance counseling (4 year learning plan), completion of a senior project to be designed by the counselor and student, completion of the ACT, SAT, or Compass by the end of 11th grade
College Counseling
ArtsWest is committed to helping each student meet his or her educational goals. Our curriculum is college preparatory. Each student will be assigned a guidance counselor and an educational path will be developed in cooperation with the counselor and parents. This path will grow and change as a student progresses through school. Each student will be required to participate in preparation for college entrance exams, including practice SAT’s and ACT’s, or Compass, beginning in their sophomore year. Beginning in a student’s junior year the counselor will help facilitate admissions to college. Juniors will be required, in compliance with state standards, to take one of these tests. In the fall of the student’s junior year the guidance counselor will work closely with the student to facilitate the process of applying for college, scholarships, and financial aid.
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