Design

Design Thinking is at the forefront of our curriculum. In kindergarten through fifth grade, the design-thinking process is integrated into daily lessons: integrating scientific and creative processes to inspire students to be able to create the change they want to see in the world.

In math, language arts, social studies, and science, teachers guide students to identify, explore, and improve systems through research and innovation. Ideas are tested and “failure” is embraced as an essential component in the learning process. Students also investigate concepts and their own ideas through the arts: from 2-D to virtual design, music, dance, and theatre.

Middle school students take yearlong arts classes, introducing the elements of design into their academic language. While high school students are offered 3 electives each year and are required to take four core design courses, which have included Aesthetic, Music, Visual, Material, Environmental, and Social Design.