Program

Advisory Group
All students belong to an advisory group, in which a teacher-advisor guides their learning and development. Advisory groups meet at the start of each week to reflect on the previous week and plan their week ahead. In addition, advisors offer meetings with individual students throughout the week and are always available for student support.

Individualized Learning Plans & Portfolios
With their advisor’s guidance, each student develops their own unique individualized learning plan (ILP) that charts their current and past school activities, notable accomplishment, interests and passions, internships, goals, and portfolio contents. The ILP is updated on a weekly to bi-weekly basis and serves as a cover sheet to their portfolio. Portfolios are developed throughout each student’s tenure at HTFS culminating in a final portfolio that serves as the primary tool for college admissions, job placement, and assessment in other sectors. Portfolios represent students’ growth throughout their high school career by showing work at many stages of their development. Examples of portfolio contents include: essays, research papers, poems, creative writing, documentation of community service, photography examples, videography samples, artwork, documentation and reflections on internships, documentation on various other activities and much more.

Narrative Assessment
At the end of each semester a narrative evaluation will be written for each student by their advisor.  All of the elements identified are discussed directly with each student throughout the semester. Each evaluation focuses on both academic and personal growth. Narrative assessments take the place of grades and report cards, and more accurately identify student progress in the school setting.

Standardized Test Preparation
Students who choose to pursue GED, SAT, ACT or other college admissions examinations can take advantage of small group preparatory lessons. Using standard test preparation materials as well as innovative texts and manipulatives, HTFS staff work side by side with students to aid in preparation for these tests.

Tutoring
The learning paths of HTFS students are as varied as the students themselves. Therefore, we cannot expect courses, no matter how varied, to meet the individual learning needs of every teen. Staff are available for one on one tutoring and consultation with students on a regular basis. In addition to the class schedule, many additional learning experiences for students are available through discussion with their advisor.

Internships and Travel
“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”
-Amelia Earhart

Most real world learning happens outside of the classroom. To this end, HTFS recognizes the invaluable experience internships provide. Advisors partner with each student to set up an internship according to the students' needs.

As is the same with any passion the students have, the ability to travel and explore the world is right at their finger tips. The only limitations they have are the ones their own imaginations set and their willingness to put the needed effort into obtaining that goal. Fund raising opportunities and ideas are bountiful, so that a student or group of students’ personal finances do not limit them in achieving their dreams.

College Courses and Admissions
HTFS students have the same opportunity to enroll in higher education institutes if the necessary prerequisites are met. If students independently take college classes while enrolled in HTFS, we will be able to apply credit towards their graduation requirements. This give students an opportunity to take classes outside the sphere of what HTFS offers and experience college academics and earn credits prior to graduation, which will all be added to their portfolio to assist in their college admissions.

Advisors will assist students in understanding college requirements and helping navigate the registration process. Students who are willing to put in the necessary effort to meet college standards can be confident that he or she will gain acceptance to a institution that is a good match for them.