Graduation
At The Open School, each graduate experiences an individual graduation ceremony during the last week of school called a Final Support Meeting. This is a special ceremony in which the graduate can celebrate all of their accomplishments along with their Advisor, peers, and family. This is when graduates receive their diploma.
In addition to Final Support Meetings, The Open School holds an annual graduation ceremony for the entire community at Genesee Mountain.
Jefferson County Open School Graduation Expections
Students graduate when they are able to demonstrate competency in Graduation Expectations, which have been custom-crafted by the JCOS community to fit the mission and goals of the school. The Graduation Expectations were created by students, parents, advisors, teachers, and administrators knowledgeable in various disciplines with reference to the principles of open education, social-emotional research, the Colorado Academic Standards, and more.
Personal
To develop a strong sense of self.
- Self-Directedness - Students will set and meet goals that demonstrate passion, personal responsibility, organized priorities, perseverance, self-assessment, and accountability through the completion of the six Walkabout Passages.
- Risk and Challenge - Students will take calculated risks, embrace challenges, and face their fears in order to expand their comfort zones and learn from new experiences.
- Values and Moral Decision Making - Students will identify, articulate, and apply personal values and principles through complex and authentic moral decision-making.
- Wellness - Students will set goals for, and continuously reevaluate, their physical and emotional wellness to maintain balance in all parts of their lives.
- Life Skills - Students will acquire practical skills that will allow them to direct and sustain themselves as emerging adults.
Social
To create and maintain healthy relationships.
- Collaborative Community Involvement -Students will work collaboratively to problem-solve, positively influence others, and foster community in school and the world beyond.
- Conflict Resolution - Students will acquire the skills and courage necessary to respectfully confront and resolve intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group conflicts.
- Flexibility and Resourcefulness - Students will successfully navigate obstacles and recover from setbacks with increased adaptability and grace.
- Healthy Relationships - Students will learn to appreciate and connect with others, set healthy boundaries, maintain realistic expectations, and relate to friends and family with vulnerability and respect.
- Cultural Responsiveness - Students will develop cross-cultural skills and cultural self-awareness through study and travel in order to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equitability.
Intellectual
To think and apply knowledge.
- Communication - Students will read, write, research, and present for a variety of purposes, which include the pursuit of curiosity, the representation of oneself, the persuasion of others, and the transmission of ideas, through a minimum of four extensive and interdisciplinary Language Arts experiences.
- Responsible Global Citizenship - Students will develop critical thinking skills and expand their perspectives on U.S. and world history, geography, civics, and economics through multiple lens, including social justice and intersectionality, in order to become responsible global citizens.
- Analytical Reasoning and Problem-Solving - Students will use algebra, geometry and other mathematical concepts to analyze, make evidence-based decisions, and solve challenging problems.
- Creative Expression - Students will use imagination, ingenuity and critical thinking as they develop their own creative process, expressive voice, and understanding of the powerful influence of art in their lives and on culture.
- Science and Ecological Awareness - Students will demonstrate an understanding of ecological principles and the scientific method by acting as curious observers of natural phenomena through three lab-based experiences.
Jeffco Open Graduation Requirements
To meet these expectations and graduate from the Open School, students participate in many and varied learning experiences, including the following requirements:
- Completion of six Walkabout Passages: Practical Skills, Creativity, Career Exploration, Logical Inquiry, Global Awareness, and Adventure
- Active participation in Advising, Triad and Governance
- Successful completion of the Wilderness Trip
- Community service contributions
- At least one extended travel experience besides the Wilderness Trip
- Successful completion of class experiences