Last year, a Saklan Trustee and I had the privilege of attending the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Heads and Trustees Conference. This annual gathering brings together nearly 500 school leaders and trustees, all focused on learning, sharing ideas, and discussing the future of independent schools.
During one of the many breakout sessions, we found ourselves mingling with trustees and heads from other independent schools, exchanging experiences and posing questions to each other. Among all the conversations that day, one in particular stood out. As we discussed various educational models, the topic of Project Based Learning (PBL) came up. A fellow school leader, well-acquainted with the educational landscape of the Bay Area, turned to the group and said: “There are lots of schools in the Bay Area claiming to be PBL schools, but Saklan is the only one really doing it.”
This simple statement was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. When we embarked on this journey to make PBL a cornerstone of Saklan’s approach, our goal wasn’t just to enhance academic rigor and engagement. We aimed to redefine what rigor and high engagement should look like in a modern school setting.
This week, we took another step in that journey by officially launching a video that showcases the incredible work we’ve been doing at Saklan. This is more than just a celebration of our accomplishments; it’s an invitation for others to see how we’re shaping the future of education—where students are deeply engaged, challenged, and, most importantly, truly prepared for the world ahead.
At Saklan, we’re not just talking about Project Based Learning. We’re living it. And we’re proud to say—we’re really doing it.
Warmly,
David
#HeadsCorner
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