At Summit Denali School, the path to academic and personal growth is defined by a unique educational approach that emphasizes independent learning. High school senior Julisa Ascencio shares her experience as she talks about how the school’s innovative methods prepared her for college, a path not previously traveled in her family.
Despite initial recognition of innovative teaching methods, there is debate at Summit Denali School in Sunnyvale, California, about the effectiveness of this model in preparing students for life after high school.
The Summit Experience
High school junior Claire Silva recognizes the model’s strengths in instilling essential college-going skills such as time management and independence. However, she notes a gap in direct guidance on college selection and the application process, suggesting a need for a more comprehensive approach to preparation.
The Call for Structured Deadlines
Supporting the view that refinement is needed, an educator from Denali advocates for the inclusion of more stringent timelines to reflect the time constraints students will face in higher education and professional environments in order to increase responsibility and time management skills among students.
Reflections on the Learning Platform
Fahim Wadhwania, a senior, praises the Summit platform’s alignment with the college’s curriculum, emphasizing that it encourages independent research and critical thinking. In his opinion, this aspect of Summit’s model largely mimics the academic environment of higher education.
The Essence of Community
Summit Denali School prides itself on having a close-knit community that provides support and comfort for students. The sociable aspect is emphasized as a cornerstone of the Denali experience, providing a supportive backdrop for the academic journey.
Perspectives on Self-Paced Learning
While the Summit model’s self-paced nature is praised for accommodating individual learning speeds, opinions diverge on its effectiveness. Ascencio finds value in the autonomy it offers, while Wadhwania raises concerns about the potential for fostering procrastination, suggesting a need for balance between flexibility and discipline.
A Model in Evolution
As Summit Denali continues to reflect on and evaluate its educational model, the diverse perspectives of students and faculty emphasize the difficulty of creating an educational experience that is fully responsive to student needs. While the model has undoubtedly contributed to significant achievement and growth, the ongoing dialogue within the community underscores the collective desire to evolve and improve the Summit experience for future generations.
