Cedars International Next Generation HS

Entity Type: Public High School (charter)
Region: Cedars International Academy School District
Grades: 9-12
Number of Students: 112

Spotlight School Focus Areas: Supportive Culture, Learner-Centered Instruction and Assessment, College and Career Readiness

Transformation should feel exciting and empowering.

The Goal

Empowering Tomorrow: College & Career Readiness:

Cedar’s International Next Generation High School’s mission is to engage students in real-world problem solving, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare them for success in college, career, and beyond. Staff and students alike believe in fostering an educational experience that encourages creativity, collaboration, and deep intellectual curiosity. Cedars provides college and career support throughout the high school experience to ensure every graduate has a plan for success post-graduation.

Academic Model: Learner-Centered Instruction:

The school integrates New Tech Network’s project-based learning model, ensuring relevance and student engagement. Projects are designed to challenge students to explore interdisciplinary topics, develop real-world solutions, and collaborate with peers. Projects address current local and global challenges while covering all course standards. At the end of the year, students present their most memorable final products to family, friends, and community members in a yearly project showcase event.

Creating a Supportive Culture:

Cedars places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL) to nurture the well-being of each student. The school community is built on a foundation of inclusivity, where all students are encouraged to express themselves and contribute to school-wide initiatives. Raptor awards recognize students for excellent examples of culture, core values and project team members

The Work

Career Exploration:

Through partnerships with local businesses, universities, and organizations, Cedars offers students the chance to explore various career paths, participate in internships, and earn dual college credits, setting them up for future success.

Student Agency:

Students take ownership of learning experiences, collaborating with peers and teachers to investigate complex topics and solve pressing issues in their communities.

Leadership Development:

Cedars provides numerous leadership opportunities where students take the initiative to guide the school culture through projects, mentor peers, and advocate for positive change within the school community.

Future-Focused Education:

Teachers are committed to continuously improving their practices, expanding partnerships, and offering more opportunities for students to engage with the world around them. Teachers work intentionally on their professional learning goals to continuously improve the learning experience for students. Through collaborative data rounds and reflection teachers are on the cutting edge of PBL practice.

Unlocking potential, so students can unlock theirs.

At Cedars, students thrive in and beyond the classroom, and since implementing NTN PBL the school has seen higher graduation rates, increased post-secondary enrollment, and stronger community connections.

Empowered Educators

100%

100% of educators find their work at Cedars fulfilling.

100%

100% of teachers agree that they have effective processes for learning together.

100%

100% of teachers report colleagues welcome opportunities to receive constructive feedback from each other.

Engaged Schools

98%

98% of students agree they are encouraged to think about how to use what they are learning to create a better world.

96%

96% of students report that teachers let them work to find solutions and don't just give answers.

97%

97% of students report engaging in classes involving debates, research, projects, or labs.