Shearer TK – 8 Career Exploration Magnet School is one of Napa Valley Unified’s newest magnet programs. The school’s theme of Career Exploration came from a desire from staff and families to encourage students to dream big and discover ways to grow and learn that would prepare them for unlimited possibilities in their future life and career. Shearer’s schoolwide framework is made up of units of inquiry based on the RIASEC theory that uses six characteristics to describe students’ interests and dispositions: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Each unit comes with opportunities to explore and experience different careers within each theme. Students are also given opportunities to develop the skills needed to pursue the careers that match their passions and interests.
As part of Shearer’s efforts to prepare future ready students, they have partnered with the national AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Center to bring consistent schoolwide practices in inquiry, collaboration, and organization skills to help students become capable, independent learners. The AVID center conducted a case study of Shearer Magnet school which was featured in the September issue of their AVID in Action publication as an outstanding example of schoolwide growth in student engagement and agency.
(Posted October 29, 2026)
4005 Wisconsin Avenue NW #5997
Washington, DC 20016
202.824.0672