The schools are in Springfield, Greenfield, West Springfield, Monson and in the Quaboag Regional District.
Six Western Massachusetts schools have been named as Innovation Schools, which will allow teachers to try creative learning, such as having an educational theme, offering college classes to older students and increasing online course offerings.
The six, located in Greenfield, Springfield, West Springfield, Monson and the Quaboag Regional School District, were among nine named as innovation schools Tuesday by Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
The schools approved are the Discover School at Four Corners in Greenfield, Monson New Century High School, Quaboag Innovation Early College, Quaboag Innovation Middle School, Springfield Reniassance Innovation School and the West Springfield 21st Century Skills Academy.
This is the second group of schools to be named. Three, including one in the Ralph C. Mahar School district and the Massachusetts Virtual Academy in Greenfield, started operating in September.
To become an Innovation School, the local school committee must approve and submit a proposal to the state. The school continues to be part of the district and receives the same funding as other schools, but staff has more autonomy to try new ideas.
“The biggest difference is we are highlighting and encouraging innovation,” Patrick said shortly after the announcement. “It is to say, ‘Here, look are some different strategies, and these are intentional.’ ”
The schools are created as one way to close the gap between high-achieving students and those who continue to struggle, he said.
“It is not going to be a one-size solution. It is going to be a tailored solution aimed more and more to the individual kid,” Patrick said.
Patrick said many schools statewide are trying creative methods. There is not much difference between those and innovation schools except the staff has more autonomy and more control over how their budget is spent.
Schools received grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 to create the programs, but there is little funding beyond that, Patrick said.
“We don’t have anything on the table,” he said.
The schools will be followed to see how ideas are working. They may be used as examples for other educators who are looking for ways to improve learning, Patrick said.
In communities such as Monson and Springfield, existing schools are being converted into innovation schools. West Springfield educators are beginning a new school, the 21st Century Skills Academy, which will be held on the campus of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
“There will be a real emphasis on personalized instruction and creating conditions that are really flexible,” said Anne McKenzie, executive director of the collaborative.
The new school will offer a wide array of opportunities, including online classes, internships, community service learning, vocational education and mentor programs that will help students focus on a career, she said.
The school, which will start with 20 students, is designed so the schedule will be flexible so students can work classes around internships and other programs, McKenzie said.
“They (West Springfield educators) are committed to the success of every single student. Their conversation went back to what do we have to do to help the students succeed,” McKenzie said.