Design 39 Campus, San Diego, CA

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August 13, 2024

Design 39 Campus, San Diego, CA

 

Purposefully rooted in design thinking, Design 39 created a foundation where their educators, also known as “Learning Experience Designers” (LEDs), can collaborate and thrive. Design 39 believes that the future is a place they create and that they can’t do it alone. Dubbed as a magical, one-of-a-kind school experience, Design 39 focuses on the “why” for inspiration and the “how” as perspiration. Using competency-based learning, a structure of context and skills provides students and Learning Experience Designers a space that breaks down barriers and builds a culture of collaboration. Often asking “How might we…?” students and teachers focus on innovation instead of obstacles.

School Type

Charter/Magnet, Choice School

School Context

Suburban

Dimensions

  • Outcomes: Principles include design thinking, collaboration, communication, creative confidence, inquiry and growth mindset; Connecting globally
  • Learner Experience: Personalized learning and design thinking; Content specific learning experiences; Inquiry-based learned with collaborative focus
  • Competency & Credentialing: Multi-age moments (different age children join classes when appropriate); Learner competencies; Focus on progress through metrics; Student-led conferences; Exhibitions of learning
  • Wellness: Harmony and anti-hate curriculum; Counseling center; Embedded SEL; Staff focus on self-care and life balance; Affinity groups
  • Equity: Reverse inclusion focus; Community events to celebrate cultures; Parent groups; Early literacy support; Virtual learning support for struggling students; Equity professional development
  • Professional Learning: Culture of learning; Unique hiring system focused on lifelong learners and change agents; Design thinking; Teacher-taught professional development
  • Partnerships: ​Altitude Learning; Community organizations & businesses; Parent community (The D39C Collaborative)
  • Technology: OverDrive; Lightbox; SORA; PebbleGo; MyCapstone; Altitude Learning; Canvas; Seesaw; Google Classroom

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