Meet Andrew Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Collins.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from The University of Arizona, I joined Teach for America where I found my calling and earned my teacher certification. I then spent four years as a classroom teacher for the Laveen school district before I was then hired by the Arizona Charter Schools Association as Senior Director of School Development.

During that time I oversaw and supported the launch of more 30 schools and numerous school improvement efforts focused on intentional school design and visionary leadership. I then co-founded New Schools For Phoenix, a subsidiary of the Arizona Charter Schools Association that focused on developing high performing schools in low-income communities within the urban core of Phoenix.

In 2016, my first daughter was born. As a parent engaged in the changing world of education, I considered the current educational landscape in Arizona. and started thinking about the schools available to my daughter and the skills I want her to learn as she prepares for a life of her own.

I knew Phoenix had the potential to have some of the best schools in the country; schools that considered how learning happens. My wife and I want our daughter to develop a love for learning and not be bored memorizing and regurgitating information on tests. We want her to question the world around her and be in a constant state of wonder. We want her to have fun and be joyous while growing and becoming a leader and change maker.

We knew that it was time to re-envision school and design a community based on what children need. Wonder, joy, love, and growth are the principal values that drive the work I do and are the foundation blocks for the program at Phoenix Modern, because we believe these are the values that are needed to inspire children to flourish.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve experienced much success with this huge undertaking but certainly had to persevere through challenges. Our greatest challenge has been preparing our physical space. With a very limited budget and a desire to open in an increasingly dense urban area, we didn’t have too many options for choosing a facility that would meet our design goals for learning, safety, and a holistic culture.

We ended up finding a three-story commercial building that we’ve since transformed into bright and welcoming learning studios and community gathering spaces, including a natural playground with trees, adventure zones, and garden beds; however, the building was not ready for use on our scheduled first day of school. When we realized it would not be ready, we quickly improvised and planned a two-day science camp at the Arizona Science Center for our children. It turned out to be a fun-filled two days of discovery and friendship building for our community and helped bridge the gap until our new first day the following week.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Our nonprofit organization, New Learning Ventures, Inc. was founded to support innovation in education across Arizona for the purpose of helping children thrive in a rapidly changing and complex world. We decided to open Phoenix Modern, a K-8 school because we wanted to design a radically different public school experience for children. In order to fall in love with learning, kids need more than lectures, worksheets, and tests. At Phoenix Modern, we focus on the whole child and care about social and emotional growth just as much as academic content. We have small class sizes, multi-age groupings, engaging projects, and a personalized curriculum. We know that a child who will grow into a healthy, loving, and confident adult must be nurtured to thrive today.

While many schools have become laser-focused on narrow and rigid outcomes, Phoenix Modern remains focused on a holistic approach to supporting children. We are a learning community where children experience wonder and joy throughout their learning experience and where their confidence and curiosity grows.

The student experience at Phoenix Modern is designed to allow children to explore, create, and prepare for a life full of possibilities. There are several design elements that make us unique and support the flourishing of every child.

First, our curriculum is self-paced and personalized. We believe that one size does not fit all; rather students can be co-creators of their own learning experience. Children will navigate a curated compilation of diverse learning experiences, add their personal interests and ideas, and progress at a pace that best suits their individual needs.

We’re also focused on the whole child. We respect and value children, encourage self-expression, nurture loving relationships, and create safe spaces for children to take risks and flourish. Our program design includes a focus on social and emotional learning, cognitive processing, and wayfinding skills in addition to deep understanding and application in core academic areas.

Learning at Phoenix Modern is hands-on, collaborative and multi-dimensional. Students participate in guided discussions and are immersed in multi-week projects, discussions, and writing workshops.

Finally, we view children as creators and collaborators. Children are resourceful, imaginative, and in search of relationships. At Phoenix Modern, children learn and become themselves through interaction with other people, ideas, and materials.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Launching a school is definitely a team effort. My wife and my family are my biggest cheerleaders.  Phoenix Modern’s Lead Guide, Jessica Taylor, and and Operations Director, Charlie Kaplan, have also played a critical role as co-designers and founders of the learning community.  Really, our whole team of passionate educators and families have collaboratively made Phoenix Modern a reality.  The board at New Learning Ventures and our many supporters have also helped make Phoenix Modern possible.

Contact Info:

• Address: 200 E. Mitchell Dr.
  Phoenix, AZ 85012
• Website: phoenixmodern.org
• Phone: (480) 779-3117
• Email: discover@phoenixmodern.org
• Instagram: @phxmodern
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phxmodern
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/phxmodern

Image Credit:
Phoenix Modern

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