A new educational pathway for students to learn with a hands-on approach is growing in Algoma. The Algoma Venture Academy, which opened in the fall of 2021 with 27 students attending, currently serves 35 students and operates within the Algoma School District.  Founder and Instructor Abagail Robinson says the staff of three instructors focuses on project and community-based learning to engage students in their learning and passions. 

The Algoma Venture Academy is offered to students from seventh grade through high school. Principal Katie Horn says the structure works better for certain students than the traditional learning format found in typical classrooms.

Planning usually four major passion projects throughout the school year, Horn says kids will have their projects showcased on January 15 during a public open house at the school. Students at the Algoma Venture Academy are graded on their projects with either a Developing, Proficient, or Advanced grade level.

You can listen to the entire conversation with Robinson and Horn on the podcast page here.