Our Vision
Ignite
To ignite a passion for learning by creating an open inquiry space that connects learners with knowledge.
Engage
To create a dynamic and supportive environment where learning engages all dimensions of a child’s life.
Connect
To help learners cross disciplines and make connections in pursuit of questions that matter to them.
Who are VISII’s learners?
VISII’s learners are children in grades 5 through 8 who are looking for a place where they can truly pursue their curiosity. We serve learners of all kinds, but specialize in serving those who love learning, aren’t afraid to dive into challenges, and who are looking for a different structure for their education.
Because of the authentic personalization we offer, VISII works very well for those who prefer to learn differently from the mainstream.
Our learners are looking for bigger challenges, more authentic learning opportunities, and a chance to take part in co-designing their own learning path.
What’s different about inquiry?
Integrated Subjects
As opposed to subjects being taught in silos or limited by grade level, VISII’s educators take a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to teaching. Learners are introduced to a wide range of topics and taught to consider the connections between them.
Curriculum Design
Curriculum is built on personal curiosity through a close learner-teacher relationship, with room for occasional “nudges” by the teacher into areas of learning the learner may not have thought of alone. Learning is based in valued human attributes, then competencies, then personal and universal learning goals.
Personalized Learning
Personal learning paths are co-created by learners and teachers. Intersection points and emerging needs/goals inform what is done individually and what is done in groups.
Community Connections
Learners are encouraged to develop real projects based on their own inquiries, and to access the world outside for mentorship and as a place for them to contribute to society.
Learning Environment
VISII is an open-plan learning environment with several diverse micro-environments. Some areas are specialized–such as makerspaces and quiet rooms–but almost everything is flexible.
Learning Groups
Instead of being separated by grade, our learners are grouped when and in whatever configuration makes sense. Sometimes by interest, sometimes by similarity, sometimes by difference. Other times, we collaborate as a whole.
Our Story
VISII was founded in 2020 by a group of parents who recognized that the public school system was not serving their children’s needs or cultivating a love of learning. They formed the Epiphyte Educational Society, and although starting a brand new school in the midst of a global pandemic was challenging, other families soon joined our school community.
Three years later, VISII has blossomed it into a vibrant, innovative space where learners can pursue their passions and nurture their curiosity, setting them up for whatever future they choose.
What is an Inquiry?
An inquiry is a deep dive into a topic through experiential learning. Learners ask questions, explore resources, and connect with others to gain a greater understanding of their area of interest.
Examples of past inquiries at VISII include:
- Making a quilt
- Building a quiet pod for focused work
- Creating a tabletop RPG system
- The Punic Wars
- Urban Planning
- Benefits to cycling over driving
- WWII Aviation
- Baking
- Passport Privilege
- Building a bioactive terrarium
- Yarnbombing
- Creating a Minecraft server
- Philosophy
- Creating a card game
- 3D modeling in Blender
- Video editing
- Comic book creation
- Icelandic Sagas
- Keeping chickens
- Designing a 3D printed glider
- Endangered species
- Writing an epistolary novel
VISII 