News

August 18, 2009

LPS Students Head to Stanford for Leadership Retreat

Every August, incoming 9th graders from all four LPS schools are invited to a tuition-free, three-day leadership retreat at Stanford University exposing them to the LPS "college-going" culture. The retreat is an opportunity to build community and teach students about teamwork, determination and how to prepare for success in high school. Students are grouped in the Academic Advisories that they will be working in throughout the year, and before school even begins, they learn to work together as a team that values the diversity of the LPS school community. The culminating activity of the retreat includes a day-long ropes-course where students learn to rely on one another to help all members of their advisory groups to climb a 15-foot wall.  It is also an opportunity to introduce students to college life and get their first glimpse into LPS' unique culture, a small community that encourages self expression, exploration and the personal growth of each individual student.

"Our goal is that 100 percent of our students are prepared for success in college and their communities," said Louise Bay Waters, the Superintendent and CEO of Leadership Public Schools. "The Freshmen Leadership Retreat is the first step in a four-year process to help our students develop both the confidence and academic skills required for success in college."