The BlendED Academy is devoted to the personalized learning of all students through the use of interdisciplinary, competency-based learning, project- and technology-based innovation with the ability to accelerate through coursework.
The BlendED Academy started with a group of six teachers meeting to discuss issues and barriers that we face in education today and specific to Jefferson High School. Discussions included rising class sizes, increased demands on initiatives, decreasing attendance and tardy issues, and increased student engagement. The group was instructed to ignore all barriers and work on solutions to these problems. Flexible scheduling of students, sharing the same students, and flexible class spaces became the backbone of what originally was the Jefferson Option Program.
BlendED projects
BlendED Academy students participate in a variety of project groups, including
- Construction
- Garden
- Engineering and design
- Hydroponics
- Fish life
- Website design
- Poetry slam
- Dog dash
- Apparel store
- Grant writing
- Blue zones
BlendED frequently asked questions
How is BlendED pronounced?
As one word: blended.
Who is BlendED Academy for?
Any freshman or sophomore, with the only requirement being that we offer the courses they need and a three-period block fits into the student’s schedule.
What classes are offered?
This changes based on the need of the school. Email blendedacademy@crschools.us for specific questions.
What makes BlendED different from the rest of Jefferson, or other high schools?
We expose our students to alternative, innovative models of education. We offer blended learning: the use of tablets and face-to-face to deliver instruction. We offer a project-based learning atmosphere, immersing our students in a community-focused project while partnering with community members. Some classes offer competency-based and self-paced instruction, allowing the students to accelerate through the curriculum based on mastery of the standards. We also offer a built in intervention period which provides our students with opportunities to get additional help, work time for homework, or project time for enrichment. Additionally, if a student demonstrates that they are in need of an alternative placement (move upward, or downward, in the course sequence), they have the opportunity for immediate change, without having to go through a major change of teacher or programming. We also utilized the K-Navigator system to guide conversations targeting a four-year high school plan, and college and career readiness.
Why was my student in BlendED Academy?
Some students are randomly selected based upon their elective courses, provided they have a three-period block available. We allow parents and students to request to be placed into BlendED.
How can I get my student into BlendED?
Email blendedacademy@crschools.us and include the following:
-Associate principal Lorie Bateman: lbateman@crschools.us
-Your designated counselor