Avenues
Silicon Valley

Problem-Based Math

Avenues offers a rigorous, problem-based mathematics curriculum modeled on materials developed at Phillips Exeter Academy. Our discussion and problem-based approach to mathematics emphasizes collaboration and communication, encouraging students to take active ownership of their learning. Over time, students come to appreciate both the practical application of mathematical thinking and the beauty of mathematics as a source of reasoning. Students with exceptional talent may apply to our highly selective Institute for Advanced Mathematics.

World Languages

Learning multiple languages is fundamental to the Avenues mission of graduating students who are “at ease beyond their borders; truly fluent in a second language; and good writers and speakers one and all.” Our approach to language learning fosters students' communicative competence while simultaneously deepening their understanding of new cultures, global trends and the wider world. Opportunity to deepen language proficiency is augmented through clubs, extracurriculars and international programs. Lower Division Students study Chinese; Upper Division students can choose between Mandarin Chinese or Spanish and are placed based on their proficiency level, from beginner to advanced, including classes that attend to the needs of heritage speakers.

Belonging and Wellbeing

Students thrive in environments where they feel safe to be themselves and build deep connections within a caring community. Through the deans program, mentorship, and Wellness and Movement (WAM), Avenues supports students to establish a healthy balance in their lives that will sustain them beyond their academics.

Working closely with faculty and acting as a point of contact for parents, deans ensure that students are fully supported and appropriately challenged at school. Starting in 6th grade, deans lead the mentorship program, in which students meet daily in small groups, forming close relationships with peers and nurturing a sense of belonging.

Experiential Learning

Our experiential learning program is designed to push students beyond their comfort zones, allowing them to experience the world from new perspectives while investigating a particular topic—from climate change to social justice, biodiversity to oral history. By making authentic and personal connections to their communities and other cultures, students expand not only their worldviews, but also their own definitions of themselves.

Experiential learning happens year-round at Avenues Silicon Valley. Each week, students travel offsite to collaborate with local community partners or participate in on-campus workshops. In Co.Lab (Community Lab), students work in teams to understand and solve pressing problems in the greater Silicon Valley community.

College Counseling

In 10th grade, students are assigned a new dean with expertise in college counseling. This ensures that students benefit from the guidance of someone who knows them well and fully appreciates their talents, accomplishments, goals, and aspirations. Deans provide personalized counseling on course selection, standardized testing, researching colleges and universities, and all other aspects of the college application and selection process.

Avenues graduates are attending more than 200 colleges and universities in the United States and around the globe. Learn more.