Christopher Program

Christopher Program or "CP" is an alternative education program in Columbus, Ohio. Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, the name will change to Mosaic. Sponsored by the Franklin County Educational Council, the program has served high school juniors and seniors from Franklin County since 1991. The program is designed to meet the unique needs of student who are:
*independent, original thinkers
*intellectually curious, creative, or unique
*motivated by “real life” learning experiences
*interested in the arts and creative expression
*committed to having a voice and making a difference
Philosophy
The philosophy behind CP is that every student is in charge of their own education and that teachers should have a different role that involves guidance and support rather than coddling. CP places an importance on global issues and perspective consciousness, so that students may gain a greater understanding of how they affect the world.
Facilitators
In Christopher Program the teacher's role is redefined; as such they are retitled. The "Teachers" from a public high school, here would be referred to as facilitators as their role is that of guide and mentor. They facilitate the students' learning process. Some current and past facilitators include:
*Steve Shapiro - Current.
*Kim Leddy- Current
*Shelley Charity - Past.
*Deke Kidwell - Past
*Walter F. Balser - Past
*Todd Stanley - Past.
*Anne Stidham- Past
*Abby Kerr - Past.
*Andrea McAllister - Past, now teaches at The Metro School
*Phyllis Magold - Past Curriculum Developer and Facilitator
*Rick Houchen- Founder
*Judy Hummel- Founder
Projects
The curriculum is based around projects designed to give the students a wide array of experiences and personal choices. Some past projects include:
*Identity project- students have the chance to explore their own identities by writing a memoir of their own life. They also create artwork and read a memoir of their choice. During the project students will: gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for his/her unique traits and gifts, explore and analyze expressions of his/her identity in literature, history and art, utilize writing and art to express his/her unique life experiences and self.
*Meaning of Life project.
*Creative Writing project.
*Impressionist Art project.
*Autobiography project.
*Debating Global Issues project.
*World Religions Project.
Christopher Program has also in the past been involved in the Model United Nations as well as the Model United Arab Leagues. Projects outside the "norm" are encouraged and frequent. Christopher Program is also continually developing relationships with service organizations in the Central Ohio area, and the students often find themselves working with groups in the community as a part of their school work.
Community
Community is a value stressed at Christopher Program. The intention is to create long lasting, meaningful relations with fellow students as well as the facilitators. This defies the norms established by the public schooling system which encourage impersonal relations among students and teachers.
Students
Students may apply if they are entering their Junior or Senior year in their high school career. Mosaic is divided into two groups. Currently the afternoon group is Mosaic1 which is all first year Mosaic students. Mosaic1 classes are typically majority juniors but often have a handful of seniors. While seniors graduate at the end of the school year, most juniors continue onto Mosaic2 which is currently held in the morning. The projects and goals are different in the second year of Mosaic.
Up until this school year (2011), the Mosaic2 class has always been made up of all seniors and all returning Mosaic students. At the end of the 2010 school year it was decided that a handful of seniors applying for Mosaic1 would be given the option to participate in Mosaic2 instead.
The application process for first year Mosaic students is the same in required "paperwork" or physical application. However different schools may have more or fewer spots for students to attend depending on the district. Current program facilitators typically visit schools actively presenting the option of attending the program to introduce Mosaic and go through an interview process if necessary. The actual application asks for references/recommendations as well as a written portion as to why you should be considered as a new student. Although the Mosaic Program is for all Franklin County Schools, not all schools participate due to lack of funding (the program is tuition run) to provide student tuition. Students from these schools are still free to apply but must pay tuition independently. Similarly, students from schools outside of Franklin County Schools may apply and attend by paying tuition. The application process may be different for these students and admittance is likely to depend on spaces available in the program. Students outside of the county rarely attend.
Students that don't get in initially may be "wait-listed" in the case that students who have been accepted choose to back out or are unable to attend the school year.

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