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High Tech High Graduate School of Education
High Tech High Graduate School of Education
High Tech High Graduate School of Education

Project-Based Learning

Explore Offerings

PBL empowers students to build essential skills by engaging in authentic, real-world experiences within and beyond the classroom.

At High Tech High we believe young people are vital community members who learn deeply by producing meaningful work that makes an impact in their community. PBL facilitates learning by having students pursue authentic questions, adopt the roles of experts or professionals, practice important skills, and develop expertise in academic content through the creation of high-quality products and shared experiences.

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Essentials for Impactful Projects

Design for
Deeper
Learning Kaleidoscope

We have identified nine essential components of PBL. Explore the Kaleidoscope framework to design transformative projects for and with your students.

FRAMEWORK OVERVIEW
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Assessment

Exhibition

Project
Launch

Core
Content

Critique and
Revision

Product

Essential
Question

Community
Partners

Reflection

PROJECT LAUNCH

What shared experiences will engage us in the content, skills, and mindsets of the project?

Learn More
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Blue text reads “select for a sneak peek” at an angle, with a teal arrow pointing upward above the words. The light gray background enhances this PBLE description.
Diagonal blue text reads rotate and select for a sneak peek above a teal arrow pointing down and left, hinting that viewers should explore the PBLE Overview for a preview of the Project-Based Learning Environment. The background is light gray.

Upcoming Project-Based Learning Events

Mark your calendar for transformative events that elevate your practice.

SEE ALL
A young man explains an arcade game display to two visitors during one of the Curated Visits. The display features Pac-Man graphics and a screen showing the game Contra, capturing the guests attentive interest.

Curated Visits

Visit High Tech High’s San Diego campus for an insider’s view into our school’s culture.
  • Professional Learning, School Tours & Visits

Curated Visits

Visit High Tech High’s San Diego campus for an insider’s view into our school’s culture.
  • Professional Learning, School Tours & Visits
A group of people enthusiastically play foosball indoors during a Project Unpacking event, with another group enjoying a similar tabletop game in the background. The atmosphere appears lively and social.

Nov 2025

Project Unpacking

We are thrilled to learn from and with STEAM educator Amber George from High Tech Middle Chula Vista for this interdisciplinary project!
  • Professional Learning, Project Unpacking

Nov 2025

Project Unpacking

We are thrilled to learn from and with STEAM educator Amber George from High Tech Middle Chula Vista for this interdisciplinary project!
  • Professional Learning, Project Unpacking
In May 2025, the PBL Design Camp buzzes with energy as a group of people seated at tables engage in in-person discussions. Some hold pens and sticky notes, surrounded by colorful papers on the walls and a staircase in the background, creating a casual yet vibrant atmosphere.

Jan 2026

PBL Design Camp In-person

Collaborate with HTH students and teachers to design your own PBL curriculum. Learn education design processes and protocols through a series of interactive and personalized workshops.
  • PBL Design Camp, Professional Learning

Jan 2026

PBL Design Camp In-person

Collaborate with HTH students and teachers to design your own PBL curriculum. Learn education design processes and protocols through a series of interactive and personalized workshops.
  • PBL Design Camp, Professional Learning
SEE ALL

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING OFFERINGS

Explore PBL offerings grounded in the Kaleidoscope framework and collaboration with High Tech High educators and students.

Three women stand at a table with various documents and papers, deeply engaged in discussion, embodying the essence of project-based learning. One points at a document, directing focus. They wear visitor badges and jackets against a backdrop of pink and white checkered pattern.

PBL Design Camp

Join individually or as a team for three days to practice the PBL design process. Create rigorous projects by implementing the Kaleidoscope framework to your project unit. Design immersed in the HTH community.

REGISTER
A teacher in a patterned blouse and jeans engages students in project-based learning. They gather around a table with colorful books standing upright, cultivating an interactive learning environment. The background features a green checkered pattern, fostering creativity and exploration.

PBL in
Action

Multiday workshop to add to your PBL pedagogical toolbox. Learn from educational leaders in early childhood, literacy, or STEAM how to design engaging lessons. Collaborate with students and educators to practice these strategies.

REGISTER
Modern building with beige walls and large windows, featuring a geometric design on the upper section. This architectural marvel encourages project-based learning, offering flexible spaces. Surrounded by a landscaped area with plants and metal railings, its set against gradient teal blocks.

Curated Visits

Visit one or many of High Tech High’s campuses in San Diego county. Gain an insider’s view into the school culture that supports the implementation of the PBL model. Spend the full day engaged with HTH students and educators.

REGISTER
A young person in a red sweater and cap immerses himself in project-based learning, working on a laptop next to a robotics kit. A woman with glasses and a visitor badge leans over to assist, surrounded by open papers and another electronic device on the table.

Project Unpacking

In two hours a HTH teacher will guide you through the essential components of a project. Offered monthly online to strengthen your PBL design skills through the analysis of an exemplar model.

REGISTER

Customized
Project-Based Learning

Want to bring Project-Based Learning to your community? Co-Design your custom event!

Collaborate with our team to design impactful Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences for your school community. Our facilitators model teaching practices that inspire transformative learning, empowering educators to bring these experiences to their own educational communities. Sessions are available online or in person, with a minimum group size required. Contact us for more information.

 

resources

Read, Watch, Listen

Curated content from schools across the globe.

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Energizers and Icebreakers (minimal set-up required)

Alec Patton
Smiling person with long dark hair stands against a light gray background, reminiscent of high school days and youthful times.

Superintendent (and High School Dropout) Jessica Waters

Jessica Waters, Alec Patton
A smiling elderly man, Rob Riordan, wearing glasses and a red cap is shown in a close-up portrait. Co-founder of High Tech High, he stands against a soft, neutral background.

The Wisdom of Rob Riordan, High Tech High Co-founder

Rob Riordan, Stacey Caillier
Two men are featured side by side, embodying a sense of leadership. The man on the left, with gray hair and a thoughtful expression, wears a purple shirt. The man on the right sports a dark top, short hair, and a beard. Both are looking forward with purpose.

Finding Your Leadership Soul

Carlos Moreno, Elliot Washer

Building Positive Relationships

Malati Gopal, Lynn Rocha Salazar
A person in a green sweater holds a microphone on stage, resembling an artist like Ruby Ibarra. They look at people in the audience as several raise their hands towards the stage. Equipment is visible in the background, with people gathered around, all forming a lively tableau against self-erasure.

Ruby Ibarra on Art & Self Erasure

Brent Spirnak
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