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DC Public Schools reopened Van Ness Elementary School in response to community interest. Children, families, and educators knew the community needed a school that would nurture their children—not only academically but also beyond. Since then, Van Ness has worked to become a place of learning that focuses on the well-being of every child.
Van Ness’ Whole Child Model is rooted in the understanding that children’s academic success is inextricably linked to their overall well-being, and in the belief that we can—and must—attend to the development of the whole child while also achieving excellence in academics.
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This approach is combined with a rigorous academic model where young students are makers and owners of their own learning.
To design, test, codify, and spread their school model, Van Ness partnered with Transcend. This is a story about their work and transformation.
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Continue Your Journey
![Whole Child Model Exchange Entry](https://transcendeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Van-Ness_Whole-Child-Model-Exchange_Asset.jpg)
Whole Child Model Exchange Entry
The Whole Child Model is featured on the Innovative Models Exchange because of the ways it makes students’ socio-emotional growth foundational to everything a school…
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Partners in Innovation
Valor Collegiate Academies partnered with Transcend to engage in community-based R&D focused on how best to fuel comprehensive human development.
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A Journey into Educational Innovation
Edgecombe County Public Schools partnered with Transcend to design an innovation school to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.
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Full STEAM Ahead
The story of the Brooklyn STEAM Center’s community-based journey to build a comprehensive career and technical education model.
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A Case Study of Achievement First’s Greenfield Schools Year 1 Pilot
Achievement First (AF) partnered with Transcend to engage in a multi-year innovation effort to create the Greenfield model.