Community

Herberger Young Scholars Academy’s small school community is built around an inclusive environment of like-minded learners. It is here that students can find a safe, caring environment with peers and faculty. Grouped by academic ability rather than traditional age-based grades, students are not constrained by traditional classroom structures. Frequent whole school activities create a sense of inclusion and membership to our truly remarkable school for gifted students.

At Herberger Young Scholars Academy, teachers and students enjoy a deep, collegial relationship that facilitates a community of trust, care and support. Teachers see students as trusted contributors to the success of the school; student viewpoints are solicited and valued at every level, from hiring interviews to project design to improving programming.

When students experience academic or social challenges, there is a tight safety net of adults who willingly step in to assist. On a day-to-day level, it is not unusual to see teachers and students engaging in caring conversations throughout the school, bonding over the fish tank’s ecology, the latest “it” novel, or engineering challenges with the 3D printer. Herberger Young Scholars Academy is a place where everyone does, indeed, know your name.

Herberger Young Scholars Academy affords students a broad range of whole-school and small-group social activities designed to allow opportunities to interact with like minded peers while fostering the development of social and leadership skills, as well as lasting friendships. All activities are planned to encourage students to be risk takers, offering experiences which they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate. These activities include overnight trips to Camp Tontozona and Saguaro Lake Ranch Resort, attending the Barrett Ball, participating in Student Council, after school clubs, competitions and athletics.