In May, 2019, VCS submitted a Request for Partners to EL Education, (formally Expeditionary Learning) to enter into a Partner Development process to determine if VCS should become an EL Network school.  In February, 2020, 100% of VCS teachers voted to become an EL Network school and EL voted to accept VCS as its newest of 152 network schools across the United States

VCS became an EL Education Network school in large part due to their work with low-socio economic student populations and their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, excellence, and anti-racism.  EL Education’s research-validated measurement tools will guide us through a process of continuous improvement toward a more equitable, inclusive learning environment. Our model challenges students to think critically and take active roles in their classrooms and communities which results in higher student achievement.

VCS has a strong culture of adult learning and a commitment to being a professional learning community. The EL Education model supports leaders to demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous professional learning in themselves and all faculty members. School leaders build capacity in teachers in order to improve student achievement, and to sustain teacher commitment motivation, retention, and performance.