The Schenectady High School Big Picture Leadership Community is committed to the development of  an innovative and personalized school that draws upon our community to help our students learn and grow both academically, socially, and with a personalized college and/or career readiness. 

The Big Picture Leadership Community will  allow students to pursue their passions and provide an environment that supports independent thinking. We will graduate curious learners who have developed a plan for personal growth based on real world experiences.

The Big Picture Leadership Community strives to be viewed and utilized as a resource in our community. We continue to develop positive interactions with surrounding communities as we break educational norms. We are in constant pursuit of improvement and our progress is student driven. Students will always be at the center of learning and we commit to honoring ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

Big Picture and New York State: Students attending the Big Picture Leadership Community will graduate with a New York State Regents diploma. Big Picture students are required to earn an equal number of credits and take the same Regents exams as students in a traditional school setting. The difference is how the students earn the credits. Students create individual learning plans based upon their interests and passions with the faculty and staff that they work alongside. The student and their advisor link the goals with the New York State learning standards and performance indicators. Students will demonstrate proficiency of learning standards through project and problem based learning experiences. 

What happens at the Big Picture Leadership Community?

• Students “leave to learn”; 9-12 Students will participate in internships 

• Staff and students will receive training on project/problem based learning- 

• Seniors will engage in a Capstone project- AKA passion project

• Students develop a sense of trust with the adults in our school.

• We focus on and practice performance and social connectedness between staff and students, enhancing overall social emotional development and college and workforce-ready knowledge and skills.

• Our staff has a strong and deep personal connection with each of our students.

• Our students spend time exploring careers and real world experiences. 

• Class schedule that allows us to be responsive to the needs of our students.

• Our students publicly present their learning. 

• College and career readiness skills are practiced daily.

• Desire to learn independently as well as being open to collaborating problem solving with peers is required.

• Leadership skills are developed and utilized by both students and staff.

• Staff, students, and families are passionate about and dedicated to our school.

What makes BIG PICTURE Different:

1.) Learning in the Real World (LTI)

2.) Personalization - One Student at a Time 

3.) Authentic Assessment 

4.) School Organization 

5.) Advisory Structure

6.) School Culture 

7.) Leadership 

8.) Parent/Family Engagement: Adult Support 

9.) School/College Partnership: College Preparation and Support 

10.) Professional Development 

Courses

• BP Algebra

• BP English

• BP ScienceB

• BP Social Studies 9

• BP Art/Music

• BP PE

• BP Career Exploration (22151 state code)

• Learning Through Interest

• BP Advisory

Learn more about Big Picture Learning here.