Project-Based Learning | San Diego K-8 Charter School

Project-based learning is a major component of the curriculum at Old Town Academy. Project-based learning (also known as PBL) helps students develop creative and critical thinking skills while providing them with opportunities to practice communication and collaboration.

Learn about enrollment and waitlists. We are taking lottery applications for the 2024-2025 School Year - Sign Up for Consideration Now.

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning is a teaching method where students do hands-on activities that require creativity and problem-solving.

Unlike standard classroom work that involves reading textbooks and solving problems on worksheets, project-based learning has students engage in larger projects that stimulate different areas of the brain. This promotes brain development and will help students reach academic success.

What Are the Benefits of Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning has numerous benefits for students, which include:

• Collaboration: Students are given the opportunity to work together in groups, which builds their interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. It also helps them practice the core virtues that we teach at Old Town Academy.
• Fostering Creativity: Project-based learning encourages creativity and gets students to think in a different way.
• Theoretical Application: Students learn to apply what they have learned to real-world situations. This is essential for developing strong critical thinking skills.
• Deeper Engagement: Project-based learning gives students the opportunity to take charge of their own learning and dive deeper into subjects they’re interested in.

Project-Based Learning at OTA

Old Town Academy is committed to developing students with exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills, who are effective communicators and self-motivated learners. Project-based learning is a large part of our Core Knowledge curriculum because it helps students build those skills and qualities. We allow and encourage our teachers to incorporate these types of projects into their teaching as often as possible.

Examples of Project-Based Learning at OTA

Want to see examples of project-based learning at Old Town Academy? You can view our Project Trees (K5) here.

Parent & Student Testimonials

Both parents and students have given positive feedback on the way we incorporate project-based learning:

“My child used to be shy and hesitant about participating in class. Now, they’re constantly buzzing with ideas, excited to share their work with others. The projects at Old Town Academy aren’t just busywork; they’re real-world applications of what they’re learning.” - Parent

“I really like the science projects we work on because they inspire me to keep learning and trying out new ideas.” - Student

Join the Old Town Academy Community

Learn about enrollment and waitlists. We are taking lottery applications for the 2024-2025 School Year - Sign Up for Consideration Now.