REDI Lab

List of 13 items.

• How many students will be admitted to the program? Do I have to attend Colorado Academy to apply to the REDI Lab?

  This year, six to 10 students will be admitted. In its pilot year, Lab admission will be limited to CA juniors. In the future, high school juniors from across Denver will be able to apply for admission.

• What kind of projects do students complete and will they produce a portfolio?

  Projects are developed by students based on their own interests. We imagine that the range of projects could include anything from the development a new product or writing a book to starting some sort of business, or service, or public art project. As students work on their projects, they will document their efforts which will evolve into the creation of a portfolio.
  
  

  On a daily basis, students will check in with program leaders as well as other Lab students. This will help track student progress toward every deadline. The Lab co-directors will also communicate regularly with teachers at each student’s home school to ensure that all academic responsibilities are being fulfilled.

   

  Finally, the Lab will be working with Edumetrics, an education data analytics company, to measure student growth during the course of the 12-week program.

• How are students held accountable? How will you monitor success?

  Earning credit for participation in the REDI Lab is contingent on the successful completion of the final project. This entails maintaining a learning journal, active documentation of student work, and a positive assessment from the jury that evaluates the final project. 
  
  On a daily basis, students will check in with program leaders as well as oter Lab students. This will help track student progress toward every deadline. The Lab co-directors will also communicate regularly with teachers at each student's home school to ensure that all academic responsibilities are being fulfilled. 
  
  Finally, the Lab will be working with Edumetrics, an education data analytics company, to measure student growth during the course of the 12-week program.

• Will I be able to graduate on time?

  Maintaining every students path to graduation is a priority in the REDI Lab. Not only do we want students to graduate on time, we also want them to graduate with a stronger sense of agency and a noteworthy accomplishment on their resume moving into their senior year.  

• What is the grading system or student assessment?

  Because schools have different graduation requirements, the grading system for the student’s required work will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

   

  REDI Lab projects will earn a grade based on self-assessment and an evaluation by a jury of teachers and community experts. Students will also receive a recommendation that details the nuances of their work as well as recognition on their transcript.  

• Can I take AP courses?

  Yes. However, participation in the REDI Lab may be difficult for a student who is enrolled in multiple AP courses as a junior.

• Do students still learn the content of the subjects from their regular classes?

  In the REDI Lab, students continue on their path to graduation. Support in this self-directed process is provided by the program leaders as well as other teachers in the Lab community.

• Can I participate in extracurricular programs?

  Yes, because the REDI Lab day parallels the schedule of a regular school day. 

• What is the application process?

  The application process parallels that used for admission to Colorado Academy in general. To view the Application Checklist & Timeline, click here or visit the 'Apply to REDI Lab' page.

• Is the REDI Lab like a regular class? What does the schedule look like?

  No. It is less formal in structure and the learning process is determined and driven by students within a general framework established by the program leaders.

   

  The REDI Lab daily schedule is open to provide students more flexibility in how and when they complete both their required academic work and their Lab project. Each day includes opportunities for collaboration and discussions relevant to student learning. 

• How is the program staffed?

  Two experienced Colorado Academy teachers serve as co-directors of the REDI Lab. In addition to their daily management of the program, they facilitate learning in the Lab by helping students tap into the network of expertise on the Colorado Academy campus, including current and former teachers, as well as in the larger Denver community.

• Is the Lab curriculum multi-disciplinary?

  At its core, the REDI Lab is multi-disciplinary because deep learning is a creative process is sustained by the cross-pollination ideas. 

• Is this modeled after other programs around the country?

  The Lab was inspired and informed by a few programs around the country but it is unique in that is offers students greater flexibility, more time, and dedicated support to self-direct their learning process.