ACADEMICS
At The Harbor Academy, we believe that education is more than the regurgitation of facts. Students should have a well-rounded, in-depth experience that fully equips them for not only their academic futures, but their lives beyond secondary (6-12) school. We also believe that education is not a one-size-fits all experience. Students are unique and therefore require and deserve unique experiences. The Harbor Academy has a three-pronged approach (Trident of Academic Success) to creating those unique experiences for our students through standardized learning, individualized learning, and place-based learning practices.
The Anchor Program
The Anchor Program provides a well-rounded, inclusive curriculum that balances core academic subjects (Math, English, Science, and Social Studies) with world languages, arts, physical education, and financial literacy. It also fosters critical thinking through Logic and World Views courses while emphasizing community engagement and leadership with the Harbor Capstone project.
The Compass Initiative
The Compass Initiative empowers students to discover their passions and strengths through personalized learning paths, diverse electives, and career exploration. This initiative ensures every student is equipped for success in college, careers, and beyond by supporting students through needed IEPs, 504s, other neurodivergent accommodations, Social Emotional Learning, and post-secondary readiness support.
Setting Sail Sessions
Setting Sail Sessions connect learning to the real world through place-based education, leadership experiences, and global engagement. With annual U.S. and international trips, as well as summer leadership programs, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural awareness, ensuring they graduate as well-rounded, globally-minded citizens.
School Structure
The Harbor Academy operates on a modified academic calendar, consisting of four 8-week grading periods, each followed by a 2-week break, creating a balanced and focused learning experience. The school year is divided into fall and spring semesters and includes two required in-person, place-based learning experiences, with an optional international trip available each year. As a primarily virtual school, Harbor Academy combines live, synchronous online classes with VR technology, fostering interactive learning and collaboration through small class sizes capped at 20 students. Classes meet three days per week for structured instruction, while asynchronous days allow students to complete independent work with teacher support available during office hours. Throughout their education, students engage in cross-curricular projects that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, helping them apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and develop a deeper understanding of how their learning shapes the world around them.
Path to Promotion & Graduation
At Harbor Academy, middle school students are expected to earn 18 credits between grades 6 and 8, while high school students are expected to complete 24 credits over their four-year journey. For students who enroll after the start of middle or high school, credit requirements may be adjusted based on transcripts from previous schools. In addition to academic credits, students must also demonstrate mastery of Harbor Academy’s core competencies, show satisfactory social, emotional, and leadership development, participate in at least one international High School “Setting Sail Session,” and complete Post-Secondary Readiness Counseling as part of their graduation pathway.
