Life Learning Academy is committed to creating a nonviolent community for students who have not been successful in traditional school settings. Our trauma-informed practices make it possible for students to learn, and our approach makes academics engaging. We begin with each student’s story, accepting who they are and where they are in their life’s trajectory, and we design an individualized learning plan tailored to that young person’s needs and circumstances. Our small class size of 6-8 students per class enables the type of individualized attention that allows our students to overcome learning obstacles and thrive.
Average secondary school class size in California is nearly 30 students per teacher.
At LLA, class size is no more than eight students per teacher.
In developing curriculum, instructors strive to answer the question asked by every high school student: “Why am I learning this?” Our courses integrate traditional academics like English, Social Studies, Math, and Science with hands-on activities developed using the Buck Institute’s Gold Standard for Project Based Learning model. We tie classroom experiences to concrete workforce and life skills used every day, so students recognize the practical value of coursework. At Life Learning Academy, we assess growth and progress, and support students in all the ways necessary to prepare them for a successful life after graduation.
academics at Life Learning Academy
The English teacher uses theatre arts to build motivation and interest in literature as students put on a play for the school.
Science class takes advantage of the Treasure Island resources to teach students how to swim and sail while they learn about climate change and other environmental issues that they can see in action on the bay.
Life Sciences Instructor Karuna uses rock climbing as a way to teach physics, safety, geology, and the scientific method.
STEM class builds a greenhouse in the garden, using their design, mathematics and engineering skills as well as developing their collaboration and communication skills.
Culinary students learn the business of food service, including how to create a wide variety of dishes and products and make them profitable.