Arlington Science Focus School is designed to develop extensive understanding of science content and process through inquiry-based learning. Students embark on exciting adventures each day where science content is used as the catalyst to teach all subject areas by using natural inquiry to develop students’ thinking skills for analyzing, reflecting, problem-solving, and hypothesizing.
We believe that students learn best by doing and, therefore, they are encouraged to use various strategies to tackle complex problems. Consequently, they gain confidence in themselves as learners. Students are also engaged in weekly multi-age “Science City” experiments. They participate in hands-on activities dealing with ecology, biology, geology, zoology, physics, astronomy, and chemistry that are directly correlated to the Virginia Standards of Learning.
Our philosophy celebrates diversity and uniqueness. As we implement Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences in our classrooms, we focus on promoting skills that are valued in the community and the broader society. Our goal is for students to gradually assume responsibility for their own learning. By implementing this type of educational environment, Arlington Science Focus School students truly are young scientists constructing the future.