Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Met High School?

The Met High School offers a unique and innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) program unlike any other in Rhode Island. With high academic standards and strong family involvement, the Met uses an individualized learning approach that helps students discover their passion for learning. The school empowers students to take ownership of their education, become responsible citizens, and embrace lifelong learning. Key features of a Met education include internships, personalized learning plans, advisory support, and an outstanding college transition program. The Met is also a proud member of the Big Picture Learning network.

What is Big Picture Learning?

Big Picture Learning (BPL) is a non-profit organization with the mission of transforming education by focusing on each student as an individual. BPL aims to redesign the U.S. education system by creating innovative, personalized learning environments that connect students to real-world experiences within their communities. Central to its mission is a commitment to equity, particularly for underserved urban students, with the belief that all students can succeed.

BPL creates cutting-edge learning models, researches new approaches to education, and trains educators to become leaders in their schools and communities. As part of its effort to shape the future of education, BPL continually reflects on and improves its practices, using research to influence policy decisions and educational systems at local, national, and international levels.

You can learn more about Big Picture Learning at bigpicture.org.

What does a typical day at The Met High School look like?

A typical day at The Met High School is flexible, personalized, and combines academic learning with real-world experiences. The structure of the day varies based on each student’s Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), internships, and projects. Here’s a general outline of what students can expect:

1. Morning Advisory

The day starts with advisory, where small groups of students meet with their advisor. During this time, students discuss their progress, set goals, and address any challenges. This time fosters community building, reflection, and personal growth, while helping students plan their day.

2. Project Work and Core Academics

After advisory, students work on individualized projects or participate in academic sessions to meet state standards in core subjects like Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. These sessions are personalized, and students often apply what they’re learning in class to their projects and real-world interests. Learning is interdisciplinary, meaning multiple subjects are integrated into the projects students are working on.

3. Internships and Real-World Learning

On alternating days, students participate in internships—either Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday. During these days, students leave campus to work at their internship sites, gaining hands-on experience in fields that interest them. These internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings and explore potential career paths.

4. Independent Work and Reflection

On non-internship days, students continue working on their academic projects and reflect on their internship experiences. This time is dedicated to research, completing project tasks, and preparing for upcoming exhibitions, where they will present their learning and progress to their advisors, family, and peers.

5. Exhibition and Project Preparation

Throughout the year, students prepare for exhibitions where they showcase their learning and achievements. The exhibitions are a key component of The Met's approach, allowing students to demonstrate their growth and receive feedback. Preparation for exhibitions involves refining projects, creating presentations, and gathering evidence of their learning journey.

6. Extracurriculars and Special Activities

Students have opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities such as clubs, special interest groups, and workshops. The Met also schedules evening events for exhibitions, family meetings, and other school activities.

In summary, a day at The Met is a balanced mix of advisory sessions, academic work, internships on alternating days, and independent learning. This structure provides students with a well-rounded education, blending classroom learning with real-world experiences tailored to their individual interests and career goals.

Which career path can my child explore at The Met High School?

At The Met High School, students are encouraged to explore their passions and interests, as this is key to understanding who they are and what motivates them. Interest exploration is a vital, ongoing process that helps students discover new ideas and career paths throughout their four years at the school.

Through Real World Learning, students gain hands-on experience and identify their interests by exploring different fields and interviewing professionals whose work intrigues them. Whether your child arrives with a clear career goal, many questions, or uncertainty about their future, The Met helps them develop a plan to explore a wide range of opportunities and career paths through Interest Exploration.

Will my student obtain credits in core subjects like English, Science, Social Studies, Math? 

How does The Met prepare my student for Higher Education?

The Met ensures that all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education if they choose. The school helps students prepare by creating personalized learning plans, organizing college visits, educating families about the college application and financial aid processes, and building strong relationships with local colleges. Every student is required to take college entrance exams and apply to at least one college or post-secondary program. Regardless of the path they choose—whether college, a professional internship, travel, trade school, the military, or the workforce—The Met supports students in developing post-high school plans that set them up for future success.

How do Met students get to school, and how do they get transported to internships?

How do I get my child into The Met?

Application process for incoming 9th and rolling application process for current grades 9 - 12

When are the Open House events?

Contact the Met Admissions Office for open house schedule - 401-752-2636

Where have Met students conducted their career exploration/internships?

Met students have had the opportunity to conduct their career exploration and internships at a wide variety of locations throughout Rhode Island. These sites cover a broad range of industries and fields, giving students hands-on experience in areas that align with their interests and career aspirations. Some common internship sectors include:

1. Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and medical research facilities.
2. Education: Local schools, after-school programs, and educational non-profits.
3. Business & Finance: Banks, corporate offices, and entrepreneurial ventures.
4. Arts & Media: Art studios, media production companies, and local theaters.
5. Government & Public Service: State and local government offices, legal services, and community organizations.
6. Technology: Tech startups, IT companies, and software development firms.
7. Environmental & Science: Conservation organizations, environmental agencies, and research labs.

These internships allow students to explore real-world work environments, build professional networks, and develop the skills needed for their future careers.

For a detailed list of specific internship sites, please visit the internship site list below:

Click here to see the list of internship sites

Who are the Advisors(Teachers)?

At The Met, advisors play a central role in guiding students through their educational journey. Each advisor is responsible for overseeing a small group of students, managing their internships, and developing individualized Learning Plans that cater to each student’s interests, strengths, and academic needs.

The advisor's role is highly personalized. They spend significant time getting to know both the students and their families through regular communication, home visits, and one-on-one meetings. This close relationship ensures that the advisor fully understands the student's aspirations and challenges, allowing them to provide targeted support and guidance.

Advisors, while certified in specific subject areas, are not traditional subject-specific teachers. Instead of teaching one discipline, they integrate knowledge and resources from multiple areas to help students complete projects and participate in advisory activities. They help connect students' academic learning with real-world applications, fostering a well-rounded and interdisciplinary approach to education.

In addition to managing academics, advisors are responsible for helping students navigate internships, providing mentorship, and ensuring that each student is meeting their goals. The advisor's ultimate responsibility is the success of each student, acting as a mentor, coach, and advocate throughout their high school experience.

Is the curriculum different than my local public school?

• Individualized Learning Plans: At The Met, each student works with their advisor to create a personalized Learning Plan that reflects their passions and future goals. This plan drives their academic work and real-world experiences, ensuring that learning is relevant and meaningful.
• Real-World Learning and Internships: Unlike traditional schools, where most learning happens in the classroom, The Met integrates internships and hands-on experiences into the curriculum. Students spend part of their week working in businesses, non-profits, government offices, and other real-world settings, gaining valuable career skills while earning academic credit.
• Project-Based Learning: The Met emphasizes project-based learning, where students demonstrate their understanding and mastery of subjects through in-depth projects tailored to their interests. This approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge across multiple disciplines.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: While traditional public schools often segment learning into specific subjects, The Met’s curriculum is more interdisciplinary. Advisors draw on multiple academic areas to support students in completing their projects and internships, creating a holistic approach to learning.
• Advisory System: Each student at The Met is assigned to a small group led by an advisor, who serves as a mentor and guide throughout their high school experience. This advisory system fosters strong relationships and individualized support, which is less common in traditional schools.
• College and Career Readiness: The Met places a strong emphasis on preparing students for life after high school, whether that involves attending college, entering the workforce, or pursuing other opportunities. In addition to internships, students receive guidance on college applications, financial aid, and career planning.

How many students are enrolled at The Met?

The Met High School serves approximately 800 students across six small, community-based schools located in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island. Each of these schools typically has between 140 and 180 students. This small-school model allows for a more personalized and supportive learning environment, where students receive individualized attention from their advisors and teachers. By maintaining a close-knit community in each school, The Met fosters strong relationships between students, families, and staff, creating an educational experience that is tailored to each student's unique needs and interests.

Is there any preference given to siblings of students already enrolled in your school?

Starting with the 2025 lottery season, siblings of current Met students will be given preference in the lottery. However, all students must still apply and go through the standard application and lottery process.

Are parents involved in their child's education?

Yes, parent involvement is a cornerstone of The Met's educational approach. The school views parents as essential partners in their child's learning journey, recognizing them as the primary educators and key contributors to their child’s success. At The Met, parents are deeply integrated into several aspects of their child's education:

1. Learning Plan Team: Parents are active members of the learning plan team, which also includes the student, advisor, and mentor. Together, they help design a personalized curriculum tailored to the student’s interests, strengths, and career aspirations. This collaborative approach ensures that the student's education reflects both their academic needs and family values.

2. Exhibitions and Assessments: Parents play a critical role in evaluating their child’s progress. As panelists during student exhibitions, they actively participate in assessing their child’s work and growth. This hands-on involvement helps parents stay engaged with their child's academic development and provides a holistic view of their learning achievements.

3. Ongoing Communication and Support: The Met maintains strong, open lines of communication with families through regular updates, one-on-one meetings, and home visits. Advisors work closely with parents to ensure that the student's individual learning plan aligns with family expectations and supports the student's goals.

4. Workshops and Educational Resources: The Met also provides workshops and resources to help parents better understand the college application process, financial aid, and other aspects of post-secondary planning, ensuring that families are equipped to support their child’s future success.

By involving parents in every stage of the educational process, The Met fosters a supportive, family-centered environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.

What are the school hours?

The school day at The Met begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. However, the school buildings are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to accommodate students who may need extra time for meetings, projects, or support before and after classes. Additionally, evening activities may be scheduled as needed for special events or extracurricular programs.

Does The Met have sports for my daughter/son?

While The Met does not have its own athletic teams, we recognize the vital role that sports play in many students' success. To ensure that students can continue participating in athletics, The Met partners with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, allowing students to join sports teams at their sending school districts. This arrangement enables Met students to compete in a wide range of sports, including but not limited to basketball, soccer, track and field, and more, alongside peers from their home district.

In addition to this partnership, The Met encourages physical fitness and wellness through various school programs and extracurricular activities. Students who are passionate about sports can maintain a balanced academic and athletic life while receiving individualized support from their advisors to manage both commitments.

Parents and students are encouraged to work with their sending district and The Met to facilitate participation in the desired sports programs.

What does homework look like at the Met?

At The Met, homework is seen as an extension of the personalized learning that takes place during the school day and at internships. While traditional homework in the form of worksheets and rote assignments may be limited, students are expected to take ownership of their learning by completing work outside of school hours that contributes to their Individualized Learning Plan (ILP).

Homework at The Met often includes:

1. Project-Based Assignments: Students work on long-term projects that are tied to their interests, academic goals, and real-world experiences. This may involve research, writing, creating presentations, or preparing for their exhibitions. The focus is on meaningful work that helps students deepen their understanding of subjects they are passionate about.

2. Internship-Related Work: As part of The Met’s Real World Learning approach, students are expected to apply their classroom learning to their internships. Homework may involve reflecting on their internship experiences, preparing reports, or completing tasks for their mentors, all of which contribute to their career exploration.

3. Independent Study and Skill Development: Students may need to study specific academic subjects on their own to meet state standards and their personal goals. This might include reading, practicing math skills, conducting scientific research, or preparing for standardized tests such as college entrance exams.

4. Exhibition Preparation: Students regularly present exhibitions where they showcase their learning and projects to a panel that includes their advisor, family, and mentors. Homework often involves preparing these presentations, gathering evidence of learning, and reflecting on progress toward goals.

5. Goal Mastery and Time Management: Students are encouraged to set personal academic goals and develop time management skills to meet them. Homework helps them achieve these goals by ensuring that they are consistently working toward mastering skills, completing projects, and advancing their academic and career-related learning.

Homework at The Met is less about traditional assignments and more about giving students the responsibility and freedom to work on tasks that are meaningful and connected to their personal interests and future goals. This flexible approach fosters self-discipline, creativity, and a deeper connection to learning.

To read more about homework at the Met click here.