High School Program
Purpose
Rainard High School's purpose is to guide students:
- to know themselves and their world,
- to appreciate that which is good,
- and to use one's gifts to make the world a better place.
Our Methods
- Show that the student matters beyond the family circle. They matter to the community in the school, as well as to the community beyond. We care for that which cares for us; we learn to care by being cared about. The small community of Rainard High School makes this happen.
- Respect the special gifts of the individual. We must give them room to pursue their talents and passions in depth, and we must allow that not every subject needs to be pursued in depth. One size does not fit all. We facilitate acceleration and advanced studies. The school also introduces and incites interest in new areas because a student may get inspired to new interests through exposure to excited teachers and other professionals.
- Raise the question "So what?" Seek personal meaning and application for the learning. How does this new knowledge and skill change my view of the world? How can I put it to use? How is it important to others?
- Do something meaningful. Seek interesting problems and challenges -- and tackle them. Apply CPS -- the Creative Problem Solving process. Practice effective teamwork skills. Learn to manage one's own time and resources. Seek authentic audience for the student work, and develop the communication skills to enable the student to convey what they offer.
- Appreciate others. Embrace diversity and value the richness that variety of perspectives and habits can offer. See the contributions that others bring to life, and value their voice. Learn to treat others well, through fairness and good manners.
What makes Rainard High School different?
The school's mission is to address those needs particular to gifted learners, including their:
ACADEMIC NEEDS
- depth
- complexity
- acceleration
- flexibility
- creativity
as well as their EMOTIONAL NEEDS
- support
- understanding of intensities
- expression through the arts
- flexibility
Features that set Rainard High School apart from others
- Interdisciplinary classes that recognize the connections between math, language arts, science and the social studies.
- Extensive use of community resources for learning, including field trips, guest instructors, and on-line classes.
- Essential experiences and skills that go beyond the traditional curriculum to develop both independence and the skills to work with others.
- Authentic assessment using a variety of measurements and observations, including student involvement in setting standards of excellence.
Rainard is a very small school. In the fall of 2011, the school's total enrollment, lower school and high school combined, is approximately 75 students.
Accreditation
Rainard School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).
