Our Story
North Park School for Innovation (NPSfI) is focused on providing high quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, PreK 4 - grade 5, that inspires creativity grounded in a commitment to sustainability. The educational experience of the students is supported by a renovated building with outside learning and play spaces that include edible landscaping and rain gardens. A unique feature of NPSfI is the Bio-Digester that takes all the food waste and much of the paper waste from the school and turns it into soil that can be used in the gardens and into fuel to heat the building. Innovation is woven throughout the student and staff experience at NPSfI- we welcome you to come be a part of this exciting place of learning!
Learning Studios
We believe that in the 21st century, teachers are tasked with the job of preparing students for a future we can only imagine. Our children may someday work in fields and jobs that do not yet exist. The 4 C's of 21st Century Skills - collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity – are as integral to the future success of our children as phonics and math facts.
Our Learning Studios allow students to work on the 4 C’s and other skills with the teacher as a facilitator and guide. Students learn by doing things on their own, with other students, and with teachers in small groups. Instruction is personalized and focused on the needs of the students. There is a lot of choice from where students sit, from what they read to how they show what they have learned. Technology is integral. Students in the Learning Studios are experts at using digital devices to access content, practice skills, record observations, and create a variety of projects to share what they have mastered.
Our students have the opportunity to practice 21st Century Skills through hands-on engineering exploration and student-driven project-based learning. The Learning Studio allows for plenty of flexibility, movement, and choice during these projects. The structure of the programming and procedures in the studio allows students to get help when they need it and they quickly learn that everyone is a teacher and their classmates are excellent resources. The Learning Studio prepares students for real-world work situations where they will need to collaborate with others, problem-solve by using critical thinking skills, use creativity, and communicate with others in a variety of ways. It is truly superior to a traditional classroom!
Student Engagement
At NPSfI, we understand the importance student engagement plays in higher-level learning. We believe technology will never take the place of dedicated teachers, but we use technology to gain learning and engagement advantages for our students. The level of student engagement in NPSfI's Learning Studios is simply remarkable. The atmosphere in a Learning Studio is rarely quiet - learning is rarely a quiet activity. Students are given the freedom to make their bodies comfortable and to move around their learning space as needed.
Collaboration happens everywhere in NPSfI’s Learning Studios; we find this improves student engagement. Regularly, students are gathered in small and large groups for short lessons. Invariably, groups are situated closely to one another, often facing one another through glass walls. The Learning Studios were built around relevant programming - 21st Century Learning programming. When mastering the 4 C's, learners’ attention is on learning because the learning is relevant…and fun…and challenging…and student-driven.
North Park Guiding Principles
Our learners unlock their potential through a strong academic foundation.
Our learners use science and the design thinking process to develop new solutions.
Our learners create an environmentally-sustainable community.
Our learners discover their passion through creativity.
Our learners see challenges as an opportunity for growth.