About Argo Navis School
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, Argo Navis School emerges as a trailblazer in the educational field. It shuns traditional learning methodologies in favor of a dynamic, project-based approach. Pre-K through middle school students are not confined to textbook learning but are immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment, where education is both led by teachers and inspired by students' curiosities.
The school was conceived by Ryanne Plaisance, an educational pioneer with a clear vision: to craft an environment that molds to its students' various learning and emotional needs. She champions the integration of emotional intelligence in the curriculum, positing that understanding and managing emotions can drastically bolster personal development and academic achievement.
Argo Navis is best known for its engaging three-week immersion trip to Costa Rica, designed to deepen students' cultural and linguistic understanding in real-world contexts. This trip is a key component of the school's philosophy that effective education extends beyond the classroom, promoting global awareness and hands-on learning. Moreover, the curriculum is unique in its inclusion of financial literacy, equipping students with essential skills often omitted in more traditional educational setups.
Holistic Development in Education
The school's commitment to holistic student development is reflected in its nutritionally balanced vegetarian menus, which cater to health and taste with various global cuisines. Additionally, the school's commitment to small class sizes ensures personalized attention for each student, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, significantly lower than the California average, facilitating a more engaged and customized learning experience.
Adaptive Learning Framework
The educational framework at Argo Navis is designed to adapt to the individual needs of its diverse student body. The school employs various instructional methods, from direct teaching to peer learning and digital engagement, to create a rich, multi-faceted educational experience. Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) are a staple at the school, ensuring that each student's education is tailored to their intellectual and emotional needs.
Project-based learning is a fundamental aspect of the curriculum. It encourages students to tackle projects that apply what they learn in class to solve real-world problems. This approach enhances engagement and fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Curriculum Innovation and Community Engagement
Argo Navis extends the boundaries of the conventional curriculum by integrating advanced educational standards that prepare students for contemporary challenges. The curriculum includes:
Computer Science Standards
Standards from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
California World Language Standards
Moreover, Argo Navis is actively involved in the local community, forming partnerships that enhance educational outcomes and foster community engagement. The school's innovative academic model and impact have been recognized through various accolades and featured in media outlets like the Boston Herald and K12 Digest. Ryanne Plaisance's vision and leadership were acknowledged when she received the Comerica "Woman of Promise" award.
Leveraging Local Resources
Situated in a culturally rich area of Los Angeles, Argo Navis takes full advantage of its location to enrich the educational experience it offers. Proximity to over a hundred museums, extensive coastlines, and diverse ecological systems allows the school to provide experiential learning opportunities that are both unique and impactful.
Through its innovative approach to education, commitment to holistic development, and deep integration with the community, Argo Navis School is not just educating young minds but is preparing them to be thoughtful, innovative, and responsible global citizens.