Our Approach

Why Not You Academy is about ready access to experiences, resources, relationships, and opportunity.

That's why our students spend significant time working outside the classroom on passion projects and out of the building in professional internships. And when we’re in the classroom, our focus is on experiential learning through authentic, relevant, and culturally responsive projects.

This approach empowers our students to develop the autonomy and skills they need to navigate complex systems, develop meaningful relationships, and build professional and social networks.

Our Model

The Why Not You Academy model provides our students with a web of supports, experiences, and authentic learning that empowers and equips them to chart their own path for success after graduation. Students spend roughly a third of their time working and learning in real-world settings. When they are in the classroom, our students learn in an identity-affirming school culture with relevant and culturally responsive projects.

Each student works closely with dedicated advisors and mentors to guide their high school experience.

Personalized

Students control their own learning through Personal Learning Plans, with faculty and advisors to support, challenge, and inspire them.

Experiential

Teachers act as a coaches and curators of inquiry-based, real-world student projects both in and out of the classroom

Leaving To Learn

Students spend 1 day a week working in professional settings, building networks, relationships, self-confidence and practical skills.

Leaving to Learn

Leaving To Learn is a program at the heart of our model at Why Not You Academy, integrating real-world learning, community-based learning, and self-directed learning. Leaving to Learn provides our students with a framework to develop the professional relationships and relevant experiences they need to craft their own vision for success after high school and develop the skills to turn that vision into a reality.

  • Interest Exploration

    Students explore opportunities based on their interests

  • Field Research

    Students dive deep into a specific area of career interest

  • Info Meetings

    Students meet with professionals in their chosen area of interest

  • Job Shadowing

    Students observe professionals in their work settings

  • Internships

    Students spend one day per week working with professionals and gaining real-world skills

Interested in participating in Leaving to Learn as a Mentor?

Our Graduates

Why Not You Academy graduates leave with the agency, experience, and skills they need to live an intentional, purposeful, and fulfilling life. They are empowered and motivated to act, with the persistent will to keep improving themselves, their community, and the world at large.

Why Not You Academy Graduates are:

  • Commnity builders & leaders

  • Self-directed lifelong learners

  • Experienced in real-world probem solving

  • Book-learned and discerning

  • Communicators & collaborators