Reimagining high school: building a smarter, healthier model

At The Linder Academy, we’ve always believed school should be a place where a student thrives not just academically but as whole person. We also believe school should foster a love of learning, not a feeling of a groundhog-day style grind. As we launch our new Upper School, we’re doubling down on that belief.

Our Upper School is built around one radical idea: high school doesn’t have to look the way it always has. We’re rethinking everything—from how students move through courses to how they learn life skills. Instead of seven hours of back-to-back classes followed by hours of homework, Linder students will have time during the day to reflect, meet with teachers, study in groups, build healthy habits, and foster real-world skills.

Academics still matter, of course, and our high school program is as rigorous as it is flexible. Students will have the chance to choose a major field of study, just like in college, with options like math and engineering, fine arts, or humanities. They’ll take advanced courses, build portfolios, and complete internships in their areas of interest.

But beyond grades and coursework, we’re preparing students to manage their time, advocate for themselves, and explore their passions with real independence. With teacher-led study halls, weekly mentorship check-ins, and intensive courses that fill skill gaps quickly, we’re giving students both the tools and the time to grow.

We’ve designed this program to build toward something bigger: a student who is confident, capable, and ready not just for college but for life. If you’ve been waiting for a high school that makes sense for the world we live in now, it’s here.

Why reimagine high school?

The traditional high school model hasn’t changed much in decades. Students rotate through 7 or 8 periods a day, manage hours of homework each night, and are expected to juggle extracurriculars, college prep, and a social life with little downtime or support. For many students, it’s a pressure cooker—and for 1 in 5 college freshmen, it leads to burnout and drop-out.

We think there’s a better way.

At Linder, we believe in designing school around how students actually learn and develop. That means giving them structure and autonomy. It means teaching academic subjects and life skills. It means supporting students with evidence-based strategies and giving them time to build confidence, curiosity, and independence.

What makes Linder’s Upper School different?

1. Students Choose a Major (Just Like in College)

Starting in 11th grade, students can select a major in one of four focus areas: Math & Engineering, Science, Humanities, or Fine & Performing Arts. These major tracks allow students to go deeper in the subjects they love while still building a strong foundation in all core areas.

Students can double major, change majors, or choose a General Studies major if they’re still exploring. By graduation, they’ll have a transcript that not only meets Virginia standards but also tells a story about who they are and what they care about.

2. Personalized Schedules With Built-in Balance

Our schedule mirrors the college experience, with semester-based classes and a block schedule. Students take fewer classes at a time but go deeper in each subject. That means more time for focus, more time for teacher support, and less of the daily firehose of information.

A ninth grader might take Algebra I, South Asian History, Study Skills, and Biology in the fall, while a senior majoring in Computer Science might take Quantum Mechanics, Python Coding, Creative Writing, and Robotics II.

Students still meet all Virginia state graduation requirements—but with far more flexibility and intention.

3. Weekly Mentorship and Executive Functioning Support

Each student is assigned a mentor who meets with them weekly to track grades, set goals, and build strong study habits. These one-on-one check-ins help students learn how to plan, prioritize, and advocate for themselves—skills that are critical for college and life.

We also offer study skills classes, crash courses in tough subjects, and teacher-led study halls where students can get support before things become overwhelming. These supports are embedded into the school day, not added on as extra burdens.

4. Internships and Real-World Learning

Every year, students participate in a one-week internship, gaining hands-on experience in a field of interest. Whether it’s tagging dolphins with marine biologists or interning with a design firm, these weeks help students connect learning to life and explore career paths early.

We’re also integrating the rich resources of Old Town Alexandria into our curriculum. From partnerships with dance studios and art leagues to historic sites and research libraries, our students won’t be stuck inside the classroom all day—they’ll be out in the community, learning by doing.

5. A Campus Built for Innovation and Wellness

Construction will start on our new 20,000+ sq. ft. campus in the fall, and it will be purpose-built to support hands-on, whole-child learning. Highlights include

• College-level science labs

• A technology lab for robotics and coding

• Dance and art studios

• Music practice rooms

• Weight-lifting gym

• 2-story climbing wall with auto-belay safety features

• Quiet study rooms and collaborative learning spaces

• A library and media center designed to teach real research skills

Flexible seating, natural light, movement-friendly design, and universal accessibility are baked into the design—because learning should feel good.

6. A Healthier Homework Philosophy

We don’t believe in homework for homework’s sake. Our philosophy is simple: instruction happens during class, and studying, practice, and mastery should happen with support. We build time into the school day for students to study, ask questions, and meet with teachers—so evenings can be used for rest, enrichment, or passions.

What will a Linder graduate look like?

By the time they graduate, Linder students will have

• Met (and exceeded) state academic requirements

• Built a personalized, compelling transcript

• Completed real-world internships in fields of interest

• Learned how to manage their time, their stress, and their goals

• Had the space to discover what lights them up—and the skills to pursue it

They’ll be ready for college. Ready for career. And most importantly, ready for life.

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We’re not just adding a high school. We’re designing something different—something better. We’re designing a place of learning, where students are supported, challenged, and seen for who they are. If you’re looking for a high school that treats your child as more than a transcript, come talk with us. We’re building something extraordinary. And we’d love to show you.