Southwest Open School hosted a Gallery Night on Dec. 19 to celebrate student learning through the academic semester of the school year.

Parents, guardians and family of students were invited.

They participated in a “mock school day,” in which students explained what they learned in each class.

“What we are trying to do is a little bit of a mock day to show you what your students’ day looks like,” said Chad Wheelus, SWOS humanities instructor.

The night also included a “transition ceremony” for students with the right number of credits to move up “houses.”

According to Casey Simpson, Academic Lead and humanities teacher at SWOS, the house and credit system replaces the grading system of a public school model.

Simpson hoped the event would engage parents, families and guardians.

“I think it helps the students – it validates their work,” Simpson said. “It helps the parents understand what their day looks like and it helps parents engage with staff.”