Yarmouth High School - Yarmouth, ME

In order to navigate through the challenges of creating innovative learning opportunities for students while honoring traditional aspects of our school such as our advisory program and AP coursework, we adopted a "How Might We?" mindset. We first added new courses to provide new opportunities for exploration in learning. Our computer science and STEM programs have grown by leaps and bounds. Students tap into their curiosity and creativity building electric cars, designing video games, and developing weather buoys to help local lobsterman monitor ocean water temperatures. This inspired a culture of "yes" that spread throughout our entire school, and subsequently, we've overhauled other curricular offerings.

After a year of redesign that involved student input, students choose from eleven electives ranging from Dungeons and Dystopias to Literature of Social Justice. Other learning areas are now redeveloping their coursework to create relevant and engaging learning for students. Recognizing the importance of learning which takes place outside the classroom, students choose outside mentors who could help guide their learning with independently designed projects. As a response to growing unrest and lack of civil discourse in American society, our students created a Civil Rights Club and now host Naturalization Citizenship ceremonies every year. Other students started a "Day of Hope" which gives local political representatives the chance to share ideas and values at a respectful forum at our school. Based upon principles of project-based learning, students determine how to manage the logistics of this event while also coordinating with media and community, making their learning meaningful to the world around them.