Personal Learning Plans

Valley New School students, with the assistance of parents/guardians and advisors, are responsible for developing Personalized Learning Plans.

Self-reflection is inherent in this process--Where have I come from? How am I doing? Where do I want to go?--and continuous improvement is the main objective. The bulk of their learning plans is comprised of comprehensive, independent research projects on topics of their choice. These projects emphasize the processes of learning as well as the fulfillment of academic standards. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of subject areas each year, individually or interdisciplinarily.

Long-term goals as well as personal passions influence project content; students who plan to attend college, for instance, create rigorous curricula, including Advanced Placement, college coursework through Early College Credit/Start College Now, internships, and/or study abroad.