What Makes New Beginnings High School’s Model Unique
By Space Coast Daily // May 31, 2024
Education today is moving in the direction of providing a less standardized approach so that all students, regardless of their background or personal situation, are able to learn effectively.
Yet, this is often very challenging to do in a traditional classroom environment, where the school is held to certain standards of its own by state education organizations.
As such, many at-risk students are often left behind. With campuses in Winter Haven, Fort Meade, and Lakeland, New Beginnings High School seeks to address these students, giving them a fresh start and a new opportunity to earn their high school diploma.
Many aspects of their model make it unique. This model holds valuable lessons for schools seeking to enhance educational outcomes and support students in realizing their full potential.
Vision Beyond the Classroom
As a charter school, there is more freedom in creating an educational environment and instruction program that benefits students. The school integrates state standardized requirements but then takes learning a step further with a vision that goes well beyond the classroom.
As part of its Vision Statement, New Beginnings High School seeks to transform each student academically and socially into productive, independent members of society. In this way, the school does everything it can to ensure that students aren’t just successful in passing standardized tests but that they are successful in life after school.
“I come from the mindset that it takes an entire village to raise a child,” explains Ashlee Wright, founder of New Beginnings High School. “It’s not just the parents’ responsibilities; it’s all of our responsibilities. Eventually, these individuals will be our doctors, our teachers, and our clerks. And if we don’t pay attention to them, don’t take the time, energy, and effort to mold and model them and actually input something positive into them, have we been impactful?”
New Beginnings does this by being dedicated to its Mission Statement — to create the best educational environment for students who are seeking a new beginning.
Empowering Students
New Beginnings High School’s goal is to give at-risk students a chance to earn their high school diploma, and they help students achieve this goal in a very unique way. The school provides a supportive environment that also empowers students. Staff members truly believe in the potential of each and every student, and their job is to help them overcome obstacles, discover their strengths, and achieve their individual goals.
Additionally, the school provides additional services such as free child care and free transportation services through a partnership with the public transportation service.
Flexible Learning and Holistic Development
New Beginnings High School provides personalized learning plans that are tailored to each student’s unique needs for academic success. The school’s experienced educators and staff guide students every step of the way to achieve that success.
Additionally, flexible scheduling offers students various options, such as morning or afternoon sessions, direct instruction, and the utilization of digital curricula for asynchronous learning. This approach enables students to advance at a pace that accommodates their diverse learning styles, preferences, and life responsibilities.
Overall, New Beginnings takes a holistic approach that focuses on each student’s overall development. This model exemplified holds valuable lessons for schools seeking to enhance educational outcomes and support students in realizing their full potential. By embracing a student-centered approach that prioritizes individualized learning, empowerment, and development, schools can better equip students for success not only within the classroom but also in their lives beyond.
About New Beginnings High School
Launched in 2011, New Beginnings High School is a non-traditional charter school based in Polk County in Central Florida that offers personalized academic options for students aged 15-24 who want to earn their high school diploma. New Beginnings High School, with campuses in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Fort Meade, serves over 1,000 students.
