The MASA Learning Experience™
Every Learning Experience is intentionally designed to move students through a cycle of inquiry, application, and reflection. This framework encourages students to think deeply, create with purpose, and grow into confident, self-directed learners.
Our Approach
Learning begins with relationships.
We believe meaningful learning begins with meaningful relationships. Before students can fully engage academically, they need to feel known, supported, respected, and valued. Our educators intentionally build trust, cultivate belonging, and create learning environments where every student feels safe to take risks, ask questions, and grow with confidence.
Create
Students deepen their understanding by applying what they've learned through meaningful practice, creativity, and authentic demonstrations of learning.
Explicit Instruction
Teachers provide clear, focused instruction that builds the knowledge and skills students need for success.
Personalized Practice
Students receive differentiated support and opportunities to practice at their individual level of readiness.
Creative Application
Students use creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to apply learning in meaningful ways.
Authentic Demonstration of Learning
Students demonstrate understanding through presentations, performances, multimedia, writing, artwork, or other creative products.
The MASA Academy Learning Experience™
Explore
Learning begins with curiosity as students discover new ideas, ask meaningful questions, and build the foundation for deeper learning.
Essential Question
A thought-provoking question that guides the week's Learning Experience and encourages students to think critically about real-world ideas.
Learning Launch
An engaging introduction that sparks curiosity through stories, videos, demonstrations, discussions, or authentic scenarios.
Guided Exploration
Students investigate, ask questions, gather information, and make meaningful connections before applying their learning.
Grow
Learning continues through goal-setting, reflection, feedback, and celebration as learners recognize their progress, take ownership of their growth, and prepare for what comes next.
Learner Goals
Learners help set individual learning goals based on their strengths, needs, interests, and areas for growth. These goals help guide learning and provide meaningful markers for measuring progress.
Reflection
Students think about what they learned, how they grew, and what they want to improve.
Portfolio Development
Students curate meaningful work that showcases their growth, achievements, and learning journey over time.
The MASA Difference
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![Four hands holding four colorful sticky notes with different facial expressions on a purple background.]()
Relationship-Centered Community
Belonging • Connection • Support
Meaningful relationships are the foundation of the MASA experience. Every learner is known, valued, and supported within a community where trust, empathy, and collaboration create the conditions for lifelong learning. -
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Learning Journeys
Inquiry • Exploration • Discovery
Instead of traditional projects, learners engage in interdisciplinary Learning Journeys centered around meaningful themes and essential questions. Each journey integrates multiple subject areas, encourages creativity and critical thinking, and culminates in authentic demonstrations of learning. -
![Open book with a blue pencil resting inside, on a cluttered desk with various stationery items.]()
Learner Ownership
Agency • Responsibility • Independence
Learners are empowered to make meaningful choices, share their ideas, set goals, and take ownership of their learning through authentic experiences that build confidence and independence. -
![Close-up of an artist's hand holding a palette with various colors of paint, and a small brush dipped in red paint.]()
Creativity Without Limits
Creativity • Expression • Innovation
Creativity is not a separate subject—it is part of how learners think, explore, and communicate. Through every Learning Journey, learners use the arts to deepen understanding, express ideas, and make meaningful connections across disciplines.
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![Young boy lifting orange dumbbells above his head in front of a blackboard with white drawing of strong arm muscles.]()
Digital Portfolios
Reflection • Growth • Achievement
Learning is documented through digital portfolios that showcase meaningful work, celebrate progress, and encourage learners to reflect on their growth over time.
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Family Partnership
Collaboration • Communication • Trust
Families are valued as essential partners in the learning journey. Through ongoing communication, meaningful collaboration, and shared support, home and school work together to help every learner grow with confidence.
The MASA Graduate Profile
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At Maya Angelou School of the Arts, we believe education is about more than academic achievement. Every Learning Journey is intentionally designed to help learners develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in school, in their communities, and throughout life.
A MASA graduate is...
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Learners use imagination, innovation, and artistic expression to explore ideas, solve problems, and communicate their thinking in meaningful ways. They embrace curiosity, take creative risks, and see challenges as opportunities for growth.
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Learners communicate with confidence, listen with empathy, and express ideas clearly through speaking, writing, presentations, collaboration, and creative expression. They understand that communication builds relationships and creates opportunities.
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Learners ask thoughtful questions, analyze information, evaluate evidence, and develop creative solutions to authentic challenges. They learn to think critically, make informed decisions, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
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Learners take ownership of their learning by setting goals, managing their time, reflecting on their progress, and persevering through challenges. They develop the confidence and independence needed to become lifelong learners.
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Learners build meaningful relationships, value diverse perspectives, contribute positively to their communities, and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. They lead with empathy, integrity, and respect for others.
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Learners reflect on their experiences, embrace feedback, and lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose. They understand that leadership begins with knowing themselves and making a positive impact on others.
