Root of Leadership Training at the Avant Garde International Academy Schools

How exactly do we teach leadership? Through a well planned Service learning program where students develop leadership skills as they learn to work collaboratively with the community. They learn that the most effective leadership is that which encourages the active participation and allows for the leadership of others.  Service-learning benefits everyone involved.  Students learn to lead their experience, problem-solve with their peers, and access the the expertise of adults.

The adults also experience personal and interpersonal growth.  As a school community, our Service Learning program has also helped reduce stereotypes and facilitate cultural and racial understanding while providing everyone with a sense of social responsibility and citizenship skills.  As part of this program, all students select an Academy to participate in yearly.  Each Academy has a widely important goal (WIG) to accomplish by the end of the year.  To accomplish their goal, they meet monthly and investigate, reflect, plan, prepare, and ultimately, take the actions necessary to accomplish their WIG.

This year AGA is planning to add the following international organizations to its service learning model: 

1. Key Club (International Service Organization for HS)
2. Interact Club (Rotary International Organization for MS & HS)
3. LEO Club (Leadership, Experience & Opportunity sponsored by Lions Club International organization for MS & HS)
4. Red Cross Club (International organization for HS)
5. DECA (International Career and Technical Organization for HS)
6. High School Foreign Service Club (HSFSA International Organization for HS)
7. Amnesty International Club (HS)
8. Days for Girls (International Club for MS)
9. SMILE Club (supporting Operation Smile International Organization for MS)
10. Envirothon Team (International for HS)
11. HOSA (Future Health Professionals International Organization for HS)

Avant Garde Academy is a recognized Leader in Me Lighthouse School with a STEAM curriculum and an international focus that develops the whole child with Leadership and 21^st Century skills.  Ultimately, our goal is to empower our students to be active citizens and leaders that can make for a better tomorrow.