Why Gibson Ek Was My Choice for High School

Why Gibson Ek Was My Choice for High School

By MEGHA MISHRA Gibson Ek School Student

When I think of the ideal enviroment for a “good education,” I think of a setting where students are able to learn because they want to, not because they have to. I think of a place full of passionate students who look forward to school every day. I think of a school that offers opportunities for students to succeed outside of high school and students are free to learn at their own pace. As a person who loves to explore, I didn’t want to be confined when it came to my high school experience. This led to one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made: joining Gibson Ek High School.

I’m now a junior at Gibson Ek. Back in middle school, most people came to school to see their friends. They considered the actual learning part of school an added bonus. I was the complete opposite, maybe even anti-social. I hated being around so many people and having to conform to a standard. I wanted to escape and find a new beginning. I’m so glad I discovered Gibson Ek High School was an option for me. After much research and deliberation, I decided to apply. My dad was ecstatic; he wanted me to learn with no limits and he believed that Gibson Ek would allow me do that. My mom, however, was less optimistic. Fortunately, she went to the Gibson Ek Showcase, where she saw all the student work on display. Amazed at the maturity level of the students, she decided to let me have a go. When I found out that I got in, I was nervous. Would I fit in at Gibson Ek? Would I do well? At traditional school, I got good grades, and I didn’t know if I would be able to excel in the same way at Gibson Ek. In addition, the school was so new that there hadn’t been a graduating class. I was worried that colleges wouldn’t accept me. The only thing left to do was wait.

Now, it’s been three years since I made the decision to apply to Gibson Ek, and I have no regrets. I originally thought that at Gibson Ek I could avoid socializing or talking in front of large groups but now I’m the treasurer of our ASB, and I love interacting with the rest of the student population. I thought that I would get to avoid learning about topics I wasn’t interested in, but I realized that when I was encouraged to pursue my interests, I chose topics like biology, mathematics, and even coding - things I never imagined I would like. I was afraid that the real world wouldn’t accept this nontraditional learning style, but I found that professionals were actually fascinated by it. In my sophomore year, I actually got hired as a graphic designer for a small travel company. Throughout my Gibson Ek journey, I have gained independence, maturity, and most important, an extended academic family that I can count on.

Every day at Gibson Ek is an exciting one. It starts off with an advisory session, where students meet with their advisor to plan out goals for the week. An advisor is like a mentor - each student is assigned one based on their interests. Students stay with their advisors for the rest of high school. I have been with my advisor, Karin, for almost three years now, and she is an inspiration to me and my fellow advisory members.

The next thing we do is head into Exploration, which is exactly what it sounds like. Students get about 2.5 hours to work with staff and peers on independent projects. At this time, the whole school is buzzing with quiet conversation. Some students head into quiet workspaces to focus on work, while others create magic in the art space, science space, wood shop, or recording studio. Exploration Time is great to find out what sparks a student’s passion and interest. Once Exploration Time ends, students head into assigned spaces to work on math independently, through a program called ALEKS, where you can learn at your own pace. If needed, an on-site math tutor is available. Though it is required for students to complete one math course every year, some students even go on to complete two. Once math is over, students are separated into grade levels and assigned two advisors, who help you plan specific goals based on your grade. After Grade Level Period, students head into Design Labs or Crash Labs. Ever trimester, students suggest a variety of topics that they would like to learn (or teach in some cases). Then, these topics are voted on by the student body. Every 6 weeks, a catalog of the most popular courses is created, and students get to pick their favorites. The end goal is to get students to create community-oriented projects that help them develop a variety of skills. Some of my favorite labs have been Teen Finance, Community Art, and Journey to Mars. The last period of the day is advisory, where students get a chance to wrap up work, catch up with advisory mates, and reflect on their day.

The amount of growth that I have made in these past few years has been insane (in a good way)! I want other students to have the same opportunity that I did. If your student is an independent thinker, a passionate learner, and a self starter, I would encourage you to talk to them about Gibson Ek.