At Innovations Academy (IA), a tuition-free K-8 public school in San Diego, we believe that to be an educated person in the 21st century means understanding yourself so that you can make a meaningful contribution to society. How do we teach this? We prioritize thinking critically, creatively solving problems, posing questions, and fostering social emotional skills.
Critical Thinking
We realize that here in the information-saturated 2020’s we are bombarded with images, opinions, and data from which making informed choices is critical. Therefore we encourage a discerning mind in which to make competent decisions.
At Innovations Academy, we help our students learn critical thinking through a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our thoughtful and thoroughly researched academic curriculum means students learn how to think, not what to think.
Problem Solvers
Creative problem solvers are able to independently construct innovative approaches as well as coordinate with others about ideas. Thinking creatively is taking an approach to solve problems that is developed as you, and maybe a team, think something through.
Thinking creatively requires one to be self-motivated to look for new ways to solve problems. Innovations Academy’s inquiry-based project learning curriculum helps build self-motivation which in turn builds problem solving skills.
Curiosity
A principal part of the learning process is asking questions as well as recognizing that a single person does not have all the answers. In order to be a lifelong learner, a 21st century person, has to continue to ask questions to further their development. Starting in kindergarten, we let students explore real world questions and problems using our inquiry-based project learning model.
In addition, our Explorations Program exposes students to a variety of areas of study. Classes in art, media arts, performing arts, music, chess, nature studies, gardening, foreign language and more are offered in this program. This exposure allows students to discover new areas of strength and explore an assortment of experiences while acquiring ways of self expression.
Social Emotional Learning
Being self-aware and socially aware as well as having the communication tools to collaborate are critical to an educated person in the 21st century. Social emotional learning isn’t just a class, it’s a way of handling yourself and we use it throughout our days together.
Self-confidence is composed of an ability to freely communicate, an unwavering ability to relate to others, and the ability to apply one’s knowledge and skills to contribute to the self and others. We’ve developed a strong program in which academic and social emotional learning are interwoven throughout all aspects of learning.
Getting a purposeful and meaningful education in a K-8 small school community for free is the utmost of value in a priceless education in the 21st century. Connect with Innovations Academy and enroll now for Fall 2025!
About Innovations Academy:
Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in San Diego, California. Our small school values a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our new modern campus is intentionally designed with curiosity and exploration in mind. Join our innovative school today! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at innovationsacademy.org.