Moses Lake's Newest High School

Did you know, instead of a traditional high school model (that some students find rigid) our new high school accommodates a project-based learning educational model?

Historically, traditional high school instruction is based on lectures, textbooks, and the memorization of facts– regardless of a student's interest or ability. For some young learners, this model (like the Moses Lake High School) still works. However, we know that not every child learns and retains information in the same way. When students struggle with traditional learning methods, high school can be a frustrating and discouraging environment.

While the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center is a great alternative, especially for students focused on a specific post-secondary career, many students may fall somewhere in between both programs.

For this reason, we are proud to offer our students a third learning program for their secondary education; a project-based high school– the Real World Academy; High school learning, redefined.

The Real World Academy seeks to provide hands-on learning, collaboration, innovation, critical thinking, and discovery in preparation for ‘the real world’. Students will develop valuable skills and knowledge for their professional development and life after graduation.

The addition of the second high school is very exciting, and we know you have numerous questions. We invite you to learn more here 👉 realworldacademy2022.com or read our frequently asked questions below.

FAQs

When will the new high school open?

The Real World Academy is scheduled to open in Fall 2022. Upon opening, the school will accommodate 9th and 10th grade students only– and the following years would allow the students to advance to 11th and 12th grade. The first graduating class would be the Class of 2025. This transitional opening allows for students to fulfill their requirements and continue at Moses Lake High School if they are fully settled.

Construction on the school will begin early in 2021 for on-time completion.

Are we really calling the new high school "Real World Academy"?

No. The Real World Academy is a temporary project title to initiate the process and provide a message that the focus of the school is a different approach to learning. The official name of the school will be determined in a couple of months. The new name will reflect our district standards for the naming of a school, as well as reflecting the innovation and school philosophy.

[ EDUCATION ]

Will it be the same as Moses Lake High School and CBTech?

No. The design of this system of high schools allows for innovative and redefined opportunities for students. In fact, we aim to eliminate the duplication of academic programs. Students who would like to attend various classes throughout all three high school programs will have the capability to do so. This approach, which is unmatched by traditional high school systems, makes all program options available for every student!

So, does the new high school focus on Vocational or Career/Technical Education?

Both!

"Life and the real world do not happen in subjects or periods."

Such is the concept that the project-based environment implemented at RWA is modeled after.

Project-based learning at RWA offers a profound connection between rich, hands-on learning, and deeper knowledge. Ultimately, the RWA will provide all subjects– just in a different, innovative model.

Can students attend the Real World Academy all day? Or only for specific classes?

The program is designed for students to receive their entire high school education and a diploma from the Real World Academy. Most students in attendance will have full-time attendance at RWA; however, we are also designing programs to be flexible. Students can choose to take a mix of classes between our three programs high school programs if desired.

That means bell schedules align between the schools, right?

Much work is still to be done on topics such as this. However, one of the goals is to allow students the flexibility to move between high school programs. The nature of the RWA will create a flexible environment, so the coordination of bells and programs is not impossible.

Where will Real World Academy students get their diploma from? What about a graduation ceremony?

Graduates of the Real World Academy will earn a diploma from the Real World Academy. Requirements and policies for graduation, as well as details regarding the ceremony and issuance of diplomas, will be established closer to the school opening.

I heard students may require a uniform, can you tell me more?

Currently, CBTech requires uniforms and MLHS does not. It is unknown at this time which direction RWA will select. However, in congruency with a "real-life" application (a core philosophy of the school), professional and appropriate dress will likely be considered. The uniform policy and expectations at CBTech has been a positive contributor to the school atmosphere and focus on professional skills.

Are we hiring a new Principal?

Yes. We are currently recruiting and selecting the Planning Principal for the Real World Academy. When this person is selected, he or she will lead the administrative team at RWA. This highly collaborative position will work in close partnership with the administration and leadership at Moses Lake High School and CBTech. Like all other positions, most of the leadership team will be coming from other in-district programs. The number of administrators assigned to the RWA is unknown at this time.

Where will we find all of these additional teachers?

Student enrollment across the state of Washington generates the number of teachers assigned to each school. We do not anticipate the amount of student enrollment to vary, generating only a small number of new positions.

We anticipate 600-900 students currently enrolled in the Moses Lake School District will transition to the new high school. Therefore, most (if not all) of the staff for the RWA will also transition from current district programs (like the Moses Lake High School).

[ EXTRACURRICULARS ]

Does the Real World Academy get their own athletic programs?

No. Students that attend RWA, MLHS, or CBTech and are eligible for participation in sports at Moses Lake High School.

What about their own clubs and activities?

Yes. All student organizations are a result of student interest and alignment with the learning opportunities available within that school setting. As the school nears opening and there is a student population identified, clubs and activities will be determined.

Will the Real World Academy have its own mascot and colors?

The school will have its own identity and color scheme. Both MLHS and CBTech have a unique set of identifying school colors.

In most cases, mascots are given to high schools in conjunction with their athletic programs. RWA will not have athletic programs; thus the decision and recommendation for a mascot are still to be determined.

[ LOCATION ]

Is the school going to be located on the originally-purchased, Valley Road property?

No. The site location, changed in 2019, is located on the high school campus near Moses Lake High School and CBTech. The decision maximizes resources at all high school programs. The change better utilizes currently-owned district land and allows students to personalize their learning between programs offered at all three high schools.

If the high school shares a campus, will it limit our growth and expansion?

The Moses Lake School District is blessed to have approximately 120 acres of land located between Sharon Avenue and I-90. This premier real estate allows for creativity, prime location, and multiple options to create long term solutions. Moses Large comprehensive high school sites (which would include all athletic fields, etc.) are around 40 acres. So it could be stated that there is enough land on this site for three comprehensive high schools and all of the adjoining facilities -- needless to say ample land for today and tomorrow.

Does the Real World Academy have a specific attendance area?

No. The design of the program allows any interested student, regardless of their location, within the Moses Lake School District, to take advantage of high school redefined.

Through the unique design of a comprehensive high school campus, students will be able to leverage all three high school programs to meet their needs (Moses Lake High School, Real World Academy, and CBTech).