Project-Based Learning Opportunities

Lakeside Academy offers a range of project-based learning opportunities for our students depending on how they are doing in the program. Not only do students benefit from these dynamic learning opportunities, but they can gain skills that can be used in daily life. Project-based opportunities can incorporate general operations maintenance, welding, wood-working, animal care, facility upkeep, hard work, positive co-worker interaction, teamwork, and following supervisor instructions.

This form of vocational education equips students to live productive, self-sufficient lives after graduating from Lakeside Academy. Additionally, it nurtures within them a strong sense of pride, accomplishment, and confidence knowing they have marketable skills that employers value.

What Is Vocational Training?

Lakeside Academy is committed to developing the whole child. In addition to providing faith-based support services, we instill practical life skills. Our goal is to prepare young men to meet the real-world demands they’ll face after graduation. An essential aspect of this mission is providing students with vocational training.

Vocational training is a form of project-based learning focused on equipping students with job-ready skill sets. It’s a perfect complement to our academic curriculum because it’s a hands-on approach to learning. During your son’s time here, he can develop the skills necessary to:

Acquire gainful employment
Enter into an apprenticeship program
Pursue post-secondary educational opportunities

There is something that brings out the best in a young man when he lends his mind, heart, and hands toward a worthy endeavor. Whether your son is caring for horses, constructing a functional wood piece, repairing vehicles, growing crops, performing building upkeep, or preparing meals, he’s engaged in work he can be proud of.

Additionally, vocational education is crucial to a young man’s sense of identity. The experience nurtures a solid work ethic and builds character. These are two essential qualities a young man needs when he faces the challenges of adulthood.

A student who has academic and social success is less likely to indulge in drug and alcohol abuse. This success carries over into other areas of a young man’s life. As a result, vocational training plays a vital role in helping our students maintain healthy, balanced lifestyles.

How Is the Vocational Training Incorporated Into the Curriculum?

Lakeside Academy is committed to investing in the academic success of our students. Because of our partnership with Minnesota public school districts, we offer fully-accredited classes. All instruction takes place on campus. Once enrolled, your son receives project-based, classroom and customized e-learning instruction at our institution. We maintain small classrooms so each student receives as much individualized attention as possible, so the teacher to student ratio is normally 1:10 or less.

Even though many of our enrollees have below average grades, we provide a learning environment that nurtures their academic and intellectual growth. Our approach involves positive behavioral strategies, self-paced learning, and individualized lesson plans. This often results in drastic improvements in academic achievement.

Our curriculum is designed to provide robust learning experiences for students. With that in mind, we offer several project-based learning activities for your son to participate in while enrolled at Lakeside Academy. These include:

Welding: Using welding tools on vehicles and other machinery with close guidance from an instructor.
Vehicle Maintenance: Learning how to take care of and perform small repairs on vehicles.
Gardening: Participating in the planting, nourishing and producing a variety of crops and flowers.
Property Maintenance: Performing general construction tasks, such as yard work, and building repair and upkeep.
Kitchen: Preparing food, serving meals, and cleaning equipment in a commercial kitchen environment.
Metal Fabrication: Welding and metalworking under close instruction and guidance.
Animal Care: Taking responsibility for feeding and caring for chickens, goats, horses, etc.
Woodworking: Constructing art projects and useful wood pieces.

Students can earn credits for participating in any of the above activities. As with any accredited educational institution, your son will receive a high school diploma or GED certificate upon graduation.

Success Beyond the Classroom

At Lakeside Academy, we instill in our students the importance and value of hard work. Once your son transitions back home, he will have the vocational training, support, and resources to excel in the workplace – and in life.