Advising System

At Open School, every student, from preschool through high school, has an Advisor. The role of Advisor at the Open School is the most important responsibility for all teachers. Advisors are student advocates and learning facilitators who assist students in setting and achieving the goals they create for themselves. There is a shared Advisor-parent/guardian responsibility to communicate regarding the Advisee’s personal, social, and intellectual goals and progress in the program. Advisors are the parent/guardian’s first point of contact for all issues related to their student.

Advisors are given the discretionary authority, in partnership with students, parents, and the community, to determine individualized curriculum, freedoms, and consequences which are deemed appropriate for their Advisees. It is through the Advisor-Advisee relationship that a partnership is developed which creates the greatest possibility for success. The trust, latitude, and responsibility afforded through Advisor Discretion are necessary as Advisors facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual growth of each Advisee.

In addition to group Advising, secondary Advisors meet individually with each student on a regular basis to build the relationships necessary to guide students through their individualized program. Once a trusting relationship is established, Advisors can provide deep and meaningful feedback to assist each student in the creation of a challenging personal, social, and intellectual program.

“Advising is probably the most important part of the Open School experience. It is essentially a family at the school. Your Advisor both facilitates Advising activities with your school ‘siblings’ as well as acts as a personal mentor.  ”

~ Logan O’Bryan, 2024 Graduate