The Way We Learn
Sacramento Community School was founded on the belief that traditional models of education no longer serve the needs of today’s children or the world they’re inheriting. As our society faces complex and interconnected challenges like climate change, inequality, and widespread disconnection, students need more than memorization and test prep. They need spaces that nurture curiosity, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose.
Our approach is grounded in the principles of Project-Based Learning (PBL). Research from organizations like PBLWorks and major universities shows that students in high-quality project-based programs retain content longer, perform better on standardized assessments, and build stronger problem-solving and collaboration skills than their peers in traditional settings. Simply put, project-based learning works and it prepares students for both academic success and meaningful engagement in the world.
At SCS, students dive into interdisciplinary projects that integrate reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and the arts. They might design solutions to environmental problems, build models, conduct interviews, write persuasive essays, or create exhibitions to share their learning. Projects are carefully crafted to be developmentally appropriate, academically rigorous, and personally meaningful.
We believe in process over product. Learning here is active, not passive. It involves experimentation, revision, teamwork, and reflection. Our students learn to stick with challenges, revise their thinking, and celebrate progress. In doing so, they develop resilience, independence, and pride in their work.
We are proud to offer a model of education that is academically robust, emotionally intelligent, and deeply human.
To learn more about the research behind this approach, visit PBLWorks.
Why Project-Based Learning?
Studies continue to show that when students learn through real-world projects, they become more engaged and achieve at higher levels. Leading education expert Linda Darling-Hammond notes that this kind of hands-on, inquiry-driven approach reflects what actually works in classrooms and supports deeper, lasting learning.