The Schenectady High School Big Picture Leadership Community is committed to the development of  an innovative and personalized school that draws upon our community to help our students learn and grow both academically, socially, and with a personalized college and/or career readiness. 

The Big Picture Leadership Community empowers students to pursue their passions and provides an environment that supports independent thinking. We will graduate curious learners who have developed a plan for personal growth based on real world experiences.

The Big Picture Leadership Community strives to be viewed and utilized as a resource in our community. We continue to develop positive interactions with surrounding communities as we break educational norms. We are in constant pursuit of improvement and our progress is student driven. Students will always be at the center of learning and we commit to honoring ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

Big Picture and New York State: Students attending the Big Picture Leadership Community will graduate with a New York State Regents diploma. Big Picture students are required to earn an equal number of credits and take the same Regents exams as students in a traditional school setting. The difference is how the students earn the credits. Students co-create individual learning plans based upon their interests and passions with their advisor and mentors. The student and their advisor link the goals with the New York State learning standards and performance indicators. Students will demonstrate proficiency of learning standards through project and problem based learning experiences. 

What happens at the Big Picture Leadership Community?

• Families, students, and staff will work together to create a culture of care, respect, and belonging

• Students, advisors, and mentors co-create individual learning plans

• Students explore the community through weekly “leaving to learn" opportunities

• Students explore their career interests through internship opportunities

• Staff and students will work towards project/problem based learning

• Families participate in the School Advisory Board

• Class schedules prioritize the advisory model and learning in the real world

• Students hone their presentation skills through the exhibition model

  
  What makes BIG PICTURE Different:

1.) Learning in the Real World

2.) Personalization - One Student at a Time 

3.) Authentic Assessment 

4.) School Organization 

5.) Advisory Structure

6.) School Culture 

7.) Leadership 

8.) Parent/Family Engagement

9.) School/College Partnership: College Preparation and Support 

10.) Professional Development 

Learn more about Big Picture Learning here.