Quest To Learn Nyc (Q2L) stands out as a beacon of innovative education within the New York City public school system. This unique middle and high school redefines learning by embedding it in engaging quests and game-like scenarios, captivating students and fostering a deeper understanding of complex subjects. Forget rote memorization; at Quest to Learn NYC, students actively participate in their education through immersive experiences.
Innovative Learning Methods at Quest to Learn NYC
At the heart of Quest to Learn NYC’s approach is the concept of turning education into an adventure. For instance, history lessons transcend textbooks as students might find themselves role-playing as spies in ancient Greece, meticulously re-enacting the Peloponnesian War. Through this dynamic exercise, the intricacies of Athenian and Spartan societies, and the contrasting political systems of oligarchy and democracy, become vividly clear. Similarly, science comes alive when students collaborate to devise a game aimed at rescuing a fictional town from an environmental crisis, seamlessly integrating real scientific principles into their gameplay. Even entrepreneurial skills are honed through practical application, as students develop food truck business plans, utilizing mathematical concepts in a tangible and exciting context.
While some of the terminology used at Quest to Learn NYC may sound unconventional – “Codeworlds” for math, “Mission Lab” for teacher lesson planning sessions, and the somewhat enigmatic “systems thinking” – the underlying pedagogical principles are grounded in fostering active and experiential learning. It’s worth noting that the high school thoughtfully adopts traditional course names, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for college admissions processes.
A Glimpse into the Q2L Classroom Experience
In many respects, Quest to Learn NYC mirrors other progressive schools that champion collaborative learning and project-based assignments. Observing a classroom at Q2L reveals students clustered around laptops, animatedly discussing their latest “quest” – the school’s term for assignments – or deeply absorbed in hands-on science experiments. However, the educational environment is not exclusively unconventional. Traditional elements are also present, with students occasionally seated in rows, utilizing conventional textbooks, and proudly displaying their essays on bulletin boards, reflecting a balanced educational approach.
One distinctive feature of Quest to Learn NYC is the considerable autonomy students are afforded in their learning paths. A history “menu” might present options like crafting a 30-card quiz centered on pivotal figures and events of the Boston Tea Party, empowering students to tailor their learning experience. According to both students and teachers, classroom time is thoughtfully divided, with approximately half dedicated to teacher-led discussions and the other half allocated to project work, fostering both structured learning and independent exploration. However, observations also reveal the nuances of open-ended tasks. In a class aptly named “Sports of the Mind,” encompassing game design, technology, and arts, a 6th-grade student exhibited initial hesitation with the 2-D simulation software Algadoo, while a peer swiftly constructed a virtual car that sped across the screen, highlighting the diverse learning paces and styles within the classroom.
Academic Rigor and Support Systems at Quest to Learn NYC
Despite its innovative methodologies, Quest to Learn NYC maintains academic rigor. Students participate in the same standardized tests as their peers in traditional schools, with all 8th graders undertaking the challenging Earth Science and Algebra Regents exams. This commitment to high standards is particularly noteworthy considering that approximately one-third of the student population at Q2L has special needs. As assistant principal Devin Fitzgibbons aptly stated, the school fosters an inclusive environment where “students who can analyze college texts [work] together with students who are learning to decode [three-letter] words.”
To effectively cater to this diverse student body, Quest to Learn NYC implements robust support systems. Most classes benefit from the presence of two teachers, ensuring individualized attention and differentiated instruction. Furthermore, New York University contributes significantly by providing a cohort of student volunteers, offering additional academic and mentorship support. The school’s dedicated guidance counselor further strengthens the support network by facilitating small support groups, including social interaction groups, girls leadership initiatives, and programs for students in foster care, nurturing the holistic development of each student. Notably, one of the most commendable aspects of Q2L is the palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual support among students, fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
Leadership and Continuous Improvement at Quest to Learn NYC
Quest to Learn NYC’s journey began in 2009, with its inaugural graduating class in 2016. Nicholas Jurman assumed leadership in 2016 and, in partnership with assistant principal Tim Jones, promptly initiated measures to refine school systems and address a perceived decline in discipline, order, and leadership identified in school surveys under the previous administration.
Jurman proactively addressed student concerns regarding bullying, boredom, and excessive test preparation within the high school. He introduced Regents classes for all 8th graders, bolstering academic preparedness, and expanded the Advanced Placement course offerings, providing enriched learning opportunities for high-achieving students. The Institute of Play, the school’s founding partner, continues to play a vital role by collaborating with high school teachers twice monthly to develop game-design-inspired lesson plans, ensuring the continued integration of innovative pedagogical approaches. Peer mediation and peer mentoring programs have been implemented to effectively mitigate bullying, fostering a safer and more respectful school climate. During observations, positive student conduct was evident, with the only minor exception being a student’s enthusiastic, albeit loud, door knock to retrieve a skateboard from the principal’s office. Significantly, NYC School Surveys have demonstrated improvement under Jurman’s leadership, reflecting the positive impact of these strategic changes.
Exceptional Faculty and Unique Learning Challenges at Q2L
Quest to Learn NYC attracts a highly qualified and passionate teaching staff, drawing talent from prestigious institutions such as Brown, Harvard, and Columbia University. Twice a year, students engage in immersive week-long “boss-level” challenges meticulously designed by teachers, temporarily replacing regular classes with intensive, project-based learning experiences. These challenges serve as platforms for self-directed learners to excel. For example, a 10th-grade transfer student captivated the school community with a compelling TED Talk advocating for accessible feminine hygiene products for girls and women. Another remarkable achievement was a 7th grader’s creation of a comprehensive foster dog adoption agency, demonstrating the real-world application of their learning. One recurring challenge involves students visiting significant World War II sites and analyzing docudramas to collaboratively curate a World War II museum, designed to educate their peers about this pivotal historical period.
Pathways to Specialized High Schools and Broad Support Network
Quest to Learn NYC effectively prepares students for future academic success, with approximately 20 students annually securing placements in highly competitive specialized high schools such as Bronx Science, LaGuardia, Stuyvesant, and Beacon. As Fitzgibbons noted, “They show off their work and investigations and those schools want them,” highlighting the value that specialized high schools place on the unique skills and portfolio developed by Q2L students.
Beyond its internal resources, Quest to Learn NYC benefits from a robust network of external support. Parsons The New School provides valuable partnerships, and the Institute of Play is supported by prominent funders including the Gates Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Carnegie Corporation, ensuring the school’s continued growth and innovation.
Quest to Learn NYC is situated within a wing of the Bayard Rustin Educational Complex, sharing facilities such as a cafeteria and a renovated library with other small high schools within the complex, fostering a collaborative educational environment.
Inclusive Special Education at Quest to Learn NYC
A testament to its inclusive ethos, Quest to Learn NYC seamlessly integrates students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) into the broader student body. The special education department is staffed by experienced professionals, with many teachers possessing over a decade of experience, as highlighted by Fitzgibbons. This commitment to inclusive education underscores Quest to Learn NYC’s dedication to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students, regardless of their learning differences.
Quest to Learn NYC exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to education, successfully blending innovative game-based learning with academic rigor and a strong support system. For families seeking a dynamic and engaging educational experience within the NYC public school system, Quest to Learn NYC presents a compelling and effective model.
