Big Picture South Burlington (BPSB) is an innovative, project-based, program within South Burlington High School in which students earn an SBHS diploma via the demonstration of Proficiency-based Graduation Requirements (PBGRs). Our philosophy is that students learn best through relevant endeavors that are authentically assessed within real-world situations. This Model is based on the international Big Picture Learning Model.

Students may take up to four SBHS classes, create independent projects, spend significant time in internships, and are assessed via exhibitions. This is a small (30 maximum) democratic educational environment.

To join a student must submit an application, participate in an interview process (to check for fit) to include parent(s)/caregiver(s)..

Project Lab is a semester-long, one credit course that is offered as a South Burlington High School class. It is ideal for students who are interested in the Big Picture model, but are not ready to fully enroll in the Big Picture program. Through rigorous independent projects and authentic assessments, students earn credit for exploring their interests and passions. Big Picture staff members guide students through the process of developing a project plan, complete with individualized learning goals and assessment methods.

See your School Counselor and speak to Kevin Downey- program coordinator for BPSB: kdowney@sbschools.net

Exceptional Senior Year components:

• Senior Thesis Project A project in which each student uses her/his passions and expertise to give back to the community. This year-long experience requires students to partner with community members to make a positive difference through a complex project.

• College Level Courses Students have the opportunity to take college level courses at local colleges or through Vermont Virtual Learning Collaborative, which offers online AP courses.

• Internships Students will have two substantive internships experiences, each accumulating over 100 hours. Students gain skills by being part of real businesses and organizations and do projects that contribute to their internship site. Internships sites can include farms, local businesses, educational programs, or any other site of interest.

• Service Learning Students engage in a month-long term studying a community need and doing a service learning trip to address it. Past projects topics have included Sustainable Transportation, Design/Build, and Vulnerable Pollinators. These topics often include working with community partners and travel.

• Independent Studies Students design their own learning projects, and the sky's the limit. Want to start your own business? Support a political campaign? Build a computer? Put on a concert? You can choose whatever projects interest you and lead to deep learning.

See your School Counselor and speak to Kevin Downey- program coordinator for BPSB: kdowney@sbschools.net

 SBx  provides assistance and resources to students and alumni for their life-long career development. Sbx is here to help you think about your career plan and assist you in transitioning from student to working professional and/or into the world of higher education.  Sbx provides numerous opportunities to gain practical experience, engage in community service, and learn about various career pathways.

Informational Interviewing/Job Shadows (Grades 9-12):  are a great way to get some information  about a career you're curious about!  Informational interviewing is a  20-30 minute meeting  allowing you to ask questions of a professional, and it can happen in person or via Zoom.  Job shadowing is an in- person experience that allows you to spend time in the workplace with a professional learning about their job.  Job shadows can be a few hours or a few full days.

Internships (Grades 11-12) can be in the district (for example tutoring or acting as a teaching assistant) or with a local business. You will work and learn by doing. This is a great way to try a career field or two before making big college or life decisions.

Volunteering (Grades 9-12) is a way for students to connect with important work and needs within the community.  SBx can help you find these opportunities (check under the "Volunteer" tab on this site for updated opportunities) and show you where to keep track of your hours.  Meaningful volunteer work can lead to paid employment and/or another pathway to career exploration.

The Coalition for Community Service )(Grades 9-12) is a student organization that promotes and curates volunteer opportunities for students.  At monthly meetings different groups present about upcoming events that they would like student support with. There is opportunity for leadership and service through this club.

The Community Leadership Project (Grades 11-12) is a way for students to take a topic they are highly interested in and study it deeply. Students complete a research component, partner with a local business or organization, and create a service project that gives back to the community in some way. Final projects are presented to the South Burlington Business Association in May. This is a way to feel empowered, and to stand out from the crowd in job or college applications.

Application Process  Fill out this Google Form and  Nikki will email you to set up a meeting time!

Vermont Adult Learning's High School Completion Plan (HSCP) allows Vermont residents to carve out their own path to high school graduation by creating a personalized graduation plan that meets state graduation requirements as well as student goals.

Application Process:  Speak with your School Counselor to get started

The Ver­mont Vir­tual Learn­ing Coop­er­a­tive (VTVLC) connects students with Ver­mont schools. Our goal is to over­come the three most com­mon bar­ri­ers that pre­vent stu­dents from tak­ing the courses they want or need in schools. These bar­ri­ers are avail­abil­ity of courses, acces­si­bil­ity to courses and the flex­i­bil­ity of your edu­ca­tion. VTVLC works with your school to give you access to the courses you want dur­ing a time that works for you by offer­ing the course online. All courses offered by VTVLC online are acces­si­ble from any­where, any­time. Whether you learn best at 1 am or 1 pm, at school or at home, your online courses are only a click away!

Application Process:  See your School Counselor

Students, working closely with their counselors and other school personnel, MAY be able to design work experiences that provide opportunities to earn credit or demonstrate proficiencies. We may be able to structure  school days to accommodate work times.

See your School Counselor or Nikki in SBx  for more information about this opportunity.