Ambitious Projects with the 8th Graders

May 11

Two weeks ago, our community gathered to support this year’s 8th graders as they presented their Ambitious Projects. The AP was invented many years ago by former Center School teacher Bob Strachota. It is the capstone of our projects curriculum here at the Center School, which encourages kids to think about themselves as artists, as writers, as builders, as thinkers, as scientists and as learners in an authentic and student driven way. Throughout Uppers, we have them focus on questions like “how do you get ideas?” And then once you have an idea, “how do you make it happen?” They learn about what they’re passionate about and what is worth pursuing.

The goal of the AP is to just really see, for a kid, what they can get up to without any adult pushing. This year’s crop of projects was impressive both in terms of process and final products.

On AP night, we start with a museum portion, where students stand with their work and talk with audience members about their projects. Then we head into the All School Room where they do a presentation about their process and answer a few questions from the MC (me, Josie!). At the end of the night we all share noticings, give compliments and just bask in the glow of all of the hard work, self reflection and growth on display. It was a magical night!

Here’s a list of what each 8th grader did for their Ambitious Project