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Michael
Cox, Principal
Glacier
High School Charter is the new high school program in Eastern Madera County.
As a charter school, Glacier is a regular public school with a special
status under law. Charter schools are created by groups of parents and
teachers who write a 'charter' or constitution, if you will, for a new
school. The charter document goes into detail explaining what the school's
educational philosophy and practice will be, what method of instruction
and curriculum the school will use and what measures the school will use
to be held accountable. Being able to write its own charter gives the
school a unique ability to be innovative in how it works with each student.
Also, as a charter school, Glacier may accept students from all over Madera,
Mariposa, Fresno and Merced Counties.
The idea for Glacier High School originated three years ago in the minds
of a group of parents. These parents had their children enrolled at Mountain
Home School Charter using its guidance and resources. Their children were
experiencing great success and as parents, they enjoyed exercising the
responsibility necessary for home based education. These parents began
working with a number of school professionals including the Bass Lake
Elementary School District Superintendent, Dr. Michael MacChesney, in
order to draft a charter for a new high school. The charter document for
Glacier was completed and subsequently approved by the Yosemite Union
High School District School Board in April 2002. Glacier High School started
this year with 18 students and ended the year with 26 students. We are
projecting that we will start the coming school year with 40 students.
As a home based school program, Glacier uses its ability to innovate in
exciting ways that address each individual student's learning desires
and needs in a personal manner. In fact, we call what we do 'Personalized
Learning'. We work closely with students and parents helping to bring
each student's high school learning goals into clear view. We then help
to plot a course for that student that will get them to their desired
goals. This is where the exciting part begins because students at Glacier
may use a wide array of resources to meet their goals. For instance, students
at Glacier may take coursework independently at home using a curriculum
customized to them. They may also take a class in a small group (6-10
students) that is tutored by a credentialed high school teacher. Students
at Glacier may take courses from major universities offered via the Internet
or may take courses through the local community college. Glacier students
can be involved in internships with local businesses or, with a bit of
extra work in planning, can create their own course of study based upon
a personal interest. As one can see, Glacier High School offers a wide
variety of opportunities for Personal-ized Learning. Tom Gindorf, Glacier
High's first teacher views his job much like a financial planner. He helps
parents and students bring into sharp focus what their goals are and then
helps them access the different instructional methods that most suit their
goals and needs.
Glacier High School is currently accepting interested students. However,
Glacier may not be for everyone. For a student to succeed here, he or
she must be motivated for his/her education, highly responsible and able
to work independently. Glacier's Personalized Learning also calls for
a significant investment of time and supervision from the student's parents
or guardians. If you fit this description and are interested in exercising
greater authority over your own educational future, Glacier High School
may be an option for you to consider.
Glacier High School Charter is located in Oakhurst at 41267 Highway 41.
Our phone number is 642-1422. If you have any questions please direct
them to the Principal, Michael Cox.
School
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