Curriculum Themes

Our main focus in middle school is to facilitate the students in increased self understanding and increased ability to set and achieve goals. We do this through a variety of creative activities—drama exercises, group games, writing explorations, guest artists, discussions, and/or whatever else the facilitator thinks would assist the achievement of our mission within a particular class.  Whenever appropriate, the workshop theme is tied into the play that the students are currently being invited to. While we always keep the focus on students' hopes, goals and dreams, much of the workshop curriculum varies by grade in order to address the changing needs of the students.

Our 6th grade curriculum is designed to focus on the process of self-exploration, as well as to begin developing a relationship between the students and Project SUCCESS. Because our program is long term, this is a relationship that most students will have for anywhere from one to seven years. However, because of the high mobility rates at some schools, we strive to make each individual workshop meaningful and effective all on its own. We also use this year as a time to introduce youth to the power of theater and to nurture their understanding of how it may serve them.

The 7th graders continue the exploration of their dreams and are taught the process of how to set a goal and determine the necessary steps to its fulfillment. We believe that if young people know how to follow the steps it takes to achieve a goal, then they have the ability to make their dreams come true. We teach short- and long-term goal setting, and encourage the understanding of choices and their consequences. Students' goals range from improving a grade in a specific class to developing a better attitude at home.

Much of the 8th grade year is spent in preparation for the upcoming transition to high school. In most 8th grade classes, a panel of high school students comes in to talk candidly and answer any questions the 8th graders may have about high school. In this and other ways, we assist the teachers and counselors in helping inform the students about what their options are for high school choice regarding small learning communities and which one would best suit them. Eighth graders also continue the exploration of their goals and dreams and the choices and attitudes that affect them.

Our high school curriculum is designed to further explore students' goals and dreams for high school and beyond. The closer students get to graduating, the more practical our program becomes. Our goal is that by spring of their senior year all students have a personal, post-high school plan that best suits their needs, personalities, and goals. As with middle school, our high school curriculum is designed for flexibility so that all the unique needs of the students can be addressed. In addition to the in-school workshops, we offer weekly after-school guidance workshops at all of our high schools where any student can come for one-on-one assistance with their plan.

The 9th grade curriculum focuses on self-discovery. The premise is that the more you know yourself, the better choices you can make regarding your future. We see the early years of high school as a time of growth, when the big decisions for post-high school aren't so pressing. Some 9th grade activities include the Explore Your Community, Peer Interviews, Expectations, Focus on the Future (goal setting) workshops, and others. We also continue to use the themes of the plays to inspire students.

The 10th grade curriculum continues along the same lines of self-exploration and personal goals, but gets more specific to the theme of passions. Our activities facilitate the students in learning more about what inspires them, what their interests are, and how this can inform their post-high school path. We also focus on developing character and pride, and how that directly contributes to personal success. We introduce the idea of making "conscious decisions," all the while continuing to use theater and other creative activities as tools for reflection, growth, and discussion.

When working with juniors and seniors we continue to focus on self-discovery, while getting more concrete and practical with regards to post-high school plans. We discuss all the options and how to make a decision that best fits each student's needs and desires. We provide college and career books and time to explore them with assistance. In addition to the monthly classroom workshops, we host a weekly after school workshop where we provide continued support for students' plans. Our goal is to meet each student where they are at. Whether it's helping fill out applications, finding scholarships, or just brainstorming the possibilities, we are there to serve all students. We also offer college tours to a variety of schools — from technical to 2-year to 4-year.

Results from a program evaluation, wherein 1,111 students from three schools, 149 parents and 14 teachers were surveyed, showed that 90% of the participating students had achieved at least one short-term goal by the end of the program – an unusually high achievement for goal-setting exercises.