Curriculum
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We blend concepts and theory into project-based learning that allows students to create original and meaningful work. Our educators share a variety of expertise, serving as coaches and mentors to students.
A differentiating aspect of our program is that we place emphasis on connecting students of all ages with outside organizations and companies. Students then transfer their knowledge to work on unique, real-world problems.
Divided into teams, our students execute various parts of the product development process. They learn to deliver high-quality results in the following areas:
Divided into teams, our students execute various parts of the product development process. They learn to deliver high-quality results in the following areas:
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Ethnographic Research
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Ideation
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User Testing
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Market Analysis
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Physical Engineering
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Web & App Design
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Computer Programming
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Data Analysis
“Twenty-first-century education must prepare students for the world they will enter. In the present and future, people will not be judged solely on technical abilities or credentials but on curiosity, creativity and execution. Through this lens, we believe that innovation and human-centered design should be a core component of education at La Jolla Country Day School.”
Dan Lenzen, Director of Design & Innovation
CamelBak and LJCDS Partnership
International Home + Housewares Show
Course Methodology
Our courses follow the human-centered design process. Students perform inquiry-based research where they make observations, engage in conversations and ask “why” to understand their problem. They develop quick, iterative prototypes to test their understanding and gain new knowledge. Students then learn new skills to solve their unique problems and seek frequent feedback from real users.
Student Projects
With the mentorship of expert leaders and the effective employment of the design process, our students have accomplished numerous inventive projects.
Meraki Skate Company
Meraki Skate, LLC was originally conceived to eliminate the need for bringing a skate tool to skate sessions.
La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Middle School students in the Product Design elective partnered with the La Jolla Institute for Immunology to help solve a need. The scientists were in search of a uniquely-designed pipette and test tube holder.
The Hydrone Project
The Design & Innovation classes partnered with CamelBak, an outdoor equipment company, in yearlong design projects.
