Philosophy
The Eastern University Academy (grades 7-12) seeks to provide a holistic, college-integrated learning community dedicated to the education of each student in the context of his/her unique interests. Merging the Big Picture Company & Early College High School designs, the Academy will provide students with an environment of excitement and early expectation through an integrative discovery-based learning experience that will develop logical reasoning, critical thinking, and purpose-driven global citizens. The school will graduate self-directed, self-aware learners many of whom will have successfully mastered college level work.
Big Picture Learning
Big Picture philosophy is grounded in a commitment to educate “one student at a time.” The structures and educational practices of Big Picture Schools are built upon the foundation of several core beliefs.
- Students are motivated to learn when they are engaged in academic work that taps their interests and passions.
- Students are motivated to learn when the work projects are personally meaningful and have significance outside of school.
- Learning takes place in many contexts, not just in schools.
- Students learn best when they are known well by peers and adults in the school.
- Students learn best when they have a voice in creating their educational plans.
- Learning must connect to personal and social contexts for each student.
- Family members must be active participants in each student’s learning.
- Academic knowledge and skills must be applied to real life experiences and challenges.
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The Big Picture ModelEarly College High School
Early College High School (ECHS) is a blended secondary/post-secondary school for young people in urban and rural environments, many of whom are from low-income families, are second-language learners or are members of ethnic groups with low participation in postsecondary education.
ECHS provides both the rigorous learning and close support needed to launch underserved young people into college.
ECHS embodies the notion that intellectual challenge and academic rigor coupled with the opportunity to save time and tuition dollars are powerful motivators for young people.
ECHS changes the structure of high school years, compresses the number of years required to obtain a college degree and removes significant barriers to postsecondary education. Students complete high school and earn college credits within a small, supportive learning environment that looks and feels much more like college than like high school.
The Gates Foundation, along with the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation the Kellogg Foundation, has launched a national initiative to create over 100 Early College high schools over the next five years. The Woodrow Wilson Foundation Fellowship has provided EUACS with initial funding to participate in the Early College High School initiative.
For more about our partnerships: