Ann Arbor Open School
Encyclopedia
Ann Arbor Open School is a progressive school of choice in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Washtenaw County. The 2010 census places the population at 113,934, making it the sixth largest city in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 344,791 as of 2010...

. The school serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade and admissions are based on a lottery. With the exception of Kindergarten, all classes are multi-graded, and the school embraces child-centered, project-based curriculum that is responsive to the children's interests.

History

The first informal classrooms in Ann Arbor Public Schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools serves the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan and parts of eight surrounding townships covering . The district operates 20 elementary schools, 1 K-8 open school, 5 middle schools, 3 comprehensive high schools, 3 alternative high schools, 3 preschools and 1 adult education program;...

 were established in 1971, followed by Community High School in 1972 and a centralized Middle Years Alternative program in 1976. An elementary open school program was established in 1982 and was located on various campuses of traditional schools in the district until they were given their own principal and facility in 1986, when Bach Open School began. The sixth grade was moved up to the Middle Years Alternative school in 1989. In the fall of 1998 the open program was moved to the larger Mack Building, and it was decided that it would absorb Middle Years Alternative program becoming a kindergarten through 8th grade school. The school was renamed "Ann Arbor Open School." The school added one grade per year as Middle Years Alternative was phased out. The 2000/2001 school year saw Ann Arbor Open as a full K-8 school.

Philosophy

Based on the work of John Dewey, open education emphasizes the education of the whole child. Children are given maximum responsibility and choice in their education, while adults facilitate their movement towards academic and social achievements. Whenever possible, children are taught via their interests and via hands on projects. The school attempts to use democratic principles in and outside the classroom. Major policy decisions are made by all parents, students and staff on a one-person-one-vote basis.

Extracurricular activities

Ann Arbor Open students participate in the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is an American elementary, middle, or high school team competition which tests knowledge of various science topics and engineering ability. Over 6,200 teams from 49 U.S. states compete each year. Most teams compete in three levels of competition: regionals, states, and nationals...

. Students in grades 6-8 participate in intramural sports, Michigan Youth in Government and other after school clubs.
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