Argo Navis School

Argo Navis School in Los Angeles, California, stands out as an exemplary institution that redefines early to middle school education through a progressive, project-based, and bilingual learning environment. This unique school diverges from traditional education systems, which often depend heavily on textbook-driven instruction, by adopting a dynamic, exploratory approach that incorporates all subject areas—from sciences to humanities—taught primarily in Spanish.

Founded by the innovative educator Ryanne Plaisance, Argo Navis is built on the principle that education should be customized to children's diverse learning styles and emotional needs. Plaisance's philosophy posits that bolstering a student's emotional intelligence, which affects their interactions across various environments, significantly improves their academic outcomes.

Among the school's distinctive programs is its annual three-week cultural immersion in Costa Rica, which immerses students in a Spanish-speaking setting, enhancing their language skills and cultural understanding. This program exemplifies the school's broader mission to integrate direct cultural experiences into the curriculum, promoting a deep appreciation for global diversity. Students at Argo Navis frequently engage with the community and local landmarks, enriching their educational experience through practical, real-world learning rather than traditional classroom instruction. Another unique aspect of the school's curriculum is its focus on financial literacy, addressing this critical skill set often neglected in standard educational frameworks.

Argo Navis strongly emphasizes its students' well-being, aligning with its holistic education approach. The school features a vegetarian menu in its cafeteria that includes a variety of healthy, culturally diverse dishes. It also maintains small class sizes, facilitating personalized instruction and a supportive learning atmosphere, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, far below the state average.

At Argo Navis, education is tailored to meet the needs of its diverse student population through a range of learning strategies, including direct instruction, group collaboration, digital learning, and a hybrid of these methods. From an early age, students receive Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) that cater to their specific educational and personal development needs, ensuring that each student can thrive according to their unique potential.