The universal mindset behind education is ineffective and outdated. As we move through what is now called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology continues to blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological realms.

The most valuable future citizen will be the one who is a creative critical thinker, able to solve even the most complex problems. Schools will be the most important driver of this trend, fueled by acceptance and adaptation to rapid change.

Teaching students to read and write and master subjects like history and arithmetic is no longer enough. Neither is the emphasis on memorization and evaluation based on the ability to recall simple facts.

What children need today is a personalized education that matches their individual needs and interests.

This is the essence of York Education Group to live.

What started as a philanthropic endeavor of the Group’s founder and CEO, Mr. William Batchelor, is now a global network of innovative schools and related programs.

The leading education provider now has five private elementary and secondary schools in the United States: Lake Mary Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida (Pre K-12th Grade); Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale, Arizona (Pre K-12th Grade); Henderson International School in Henderson, Nevada (Pre K-12th Grade); Squaw Valley Academy in Olympic Valley, Calif. (Grades 9-12); and Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury, Connecticut (K-12th grade).

The goal of each school is clear: every child who graduates from that community should be equipped with the skills, values, characteristics and knowledge necessary to thrive now and in the future. Educational research, technology and innovative approaches help develop young talents into confident and prepared critical thinkers of high character.

So what does a school look like that prepares the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators? Here, we explore two schools under the York Education Group banner, highlighting how they give today’s youth the tools to succeed in college and beyond:

Source: Rancho Solano Preparatory School

Rancho Solano Preparatory School

It’s easy to see why Rancho Solano is one of the most unique schools in Grand Canyon State. Of pre-kindergarten up to high school, each level of study cultivates the ingenuity necessary to thrive in a global society.

School Principal Seth W. Ahlborn articulates the elements that make this goal possible at Rancho Solano: “Here your child will find a passionate and inspiring faculty, a personalized and differentiated curriculum, an emphasis on global sophistication and cultural, and many opportunities to participate in leadership activities that create well-rounded individuals.

At the center of its educational philosophy is a highly individualized and innovative academic program. Led by highly qualified and passionate teachers, each student benefits from a Personal learning plan and is tested through individual growth assessments, maximizing their progress, developing their passions and encouraging personal growth.

Critical thinking is at the heart of its rigorous program. With small classes and built-in college preparation opportunities, middle and high school students don’t just learn study skills, but also “learn to learn”. Fine arts is integrated into the curriculum to enable each student to develop their creativity, knowledge and self-confidence, while modern technology is used to teach Digital literacy and digital citizenship.

Source: Rancho Solano Preparatory School

A variety of after school enrichment programs completes the picture at Rancho Solano. From theater to dance and athletics, students can participate in environments designed to foster curiosity, discovery, collaboration, and inspiration.

This holistic approach prepares learners for the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, recognized around the world for its academic rigor and holistic approach to education.

A parent of several students at Rancho Solano said: “The world is globalizing every day and technology is evolving at breakneck speed. Our children will be involved in careers and leadership opportunities that may not even exist yet. We really appreciate Rancho’s commitment to this new and better teaching strategy.

Squaw Valley Academy

This school has obtained accreditation from AdvanceD and the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA). It has an elite faculty, 80% of which have advanced degrees. Squaw Valley also hosts an 8: 1 student / faculty ratio, and an average class size of eight to 10 students. On top of that, the older upper classes show a 100 percent college acceptance rate.

Source: Squaw Valley Academy

These are just a few of the impressive statistics Squaw Valley Academy (SVA) has it under its belt. So what’s the secret to its success?

In terms of academicsPrincipal Bill Grant thinks it comes down to the effective combination of personal attention and responsive academics. Small classes certainly help with this, while the Academic Support Center supports those who need extra help. For those looking for the challenge, there is the 15 Advanced placement courses that challenge students with college-level material.

A four-year college preparation program has been designed to prepare students for success, not only in the United States but around the world.

If the above explains the high intellectual development of SVA graduates, its Athletics program and campus atmosphere develops them emotionally and physically. At SVA, students are encouraged to participate in physical activities like hiking, fishing, biking, and even skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

SVA campus life This is where students and teachers eat, sleep, work and play every day. In the process, both grow socially and emotionally, learning important skills that serve them well in their future personal and civic lives.

Source: Squaw Valley Academy

Of course, none of the above would be possible without SVA’s greatest strength – a team of dedicated faculty and staff. This exceptional group of people serve as role models in helping students to surpass themselves.

A holistic and sustainable education

From forward-looking academics to dedicated teachers and holistic enrichment programs, York Education Group is today a pioneer in the world of education.

It’s no wonder that graduates of this school collective have been accepted into prestigious institutions like Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Yale and Vanderbilt University. And as testimonials from parents and alumni reveal, this education doesn’t stop with college admission, equipping students with the tools and skills necessary for the rapid changes to come.

If good preparation for the present and the future is what you want for your child, York Education schools are the perfect solution.

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