EduCon 2026

The proposed conversation envisions a school in which the curriculum, structure, and community engagement are all built upon this foundational belief, creating a learning environment that is experiential, community-centered, and deeply personal.

We envision a curriculum that is not a collection of separate subjects but an interconnected web of knowledge, skills, and character development. The study of human thriving serves as the central theme, with the five keys aspects (physical, mental, material, social-emotional, and relational) woven into every lesson.

To actualize this vision we leverage the following educational approaches:

Place-Based Education: The local community is our primary textbook. In ELA, students research local history and interview community members. In Science, they analyze local ecosystems and water quality. This approach makes learning relevant and tangible.

Character/Virtue Education & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): These are not separate lessons but daily practices. Morning “Virtue Circles” encourage reflection and discussion. Students learn to identify and manage their emotions, develop empathy, and cultivate virtues like perseverance and integrity, which are essential for navigating complex social and academic challenges.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) & Essentials for Human Life: We introduce practical, real-world skills from a young age. Elementary students run a small school business, learning basic financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Older students engage in advanced projects like personal finance simulations, basic home repair, and urban gardening, connecting academic subjects to practical life skills.

Real-world/Experiential Learning: This is the heart of our design. From K-8, students engage in hands-on projects, community partnerships, and internships. Math isn't just a textbook exercise; it's used to budget for a school event. Science isn't just theory; it's the process of purifying water for a class project.

Systems Thinking & Design Thinking: We teach students to understand how different parts of a system interact. In Science, they model food webs. In Social Studies, they analyze the interconnectedness of local economies. Our problem-solving framework, Design Thinking, empowers students to use empathy, ideation, and prototyping to create innovative solutions to real problems.

Personalized Learning & Technology Integration: Every student has a unique learning path. We use technology to create personalized learning plans, enabling students to pursue their interests and learn at their own pace. Digital tools enhance collaboration, research, and creative expression.