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In most cases, critical thinking and problem solving are effective if students think outside the box.  A traditional classroom often keeps students thinking narrowly, because they are not given the tools they need to think critically or develop problem-solving skills. Traditional schools offer limited opportunities for students to think outside of the box, and often students are not getting the successful outcomes they need.

Charter schools offer freedom of thought to students and opportunities to use their imagination to generate new ideas.  Da Vinci Design, a charter school located in Los Angeles, opened its doors in 2009 and serves kindergarten through twelfth grade students. Da Vinci prepares students for college and a career in design through project-based learning (PBL)—a learn-by-doing approach that integrates core subjects with real-life problems to be solved. Emily, a former student says, “The best thing about Da Vinci is the project-based learning. I’m a hands-on person and enjoy putting my time and effort into projects.” Examples of such projects include designing and building Medieval-style catapults to demonstrate mastery of quadratic equations or by analyzing advertisements in order to refine persuasive media techniques. Another example, Orange Charter School, located in Hillsborough, NC uses a workshop model for teaching Math, Reading, & Writing in order to instill independence in students. Many other charter schools think outside the box to tailor curriculum that fits the specific needs of students.

Also, the Academy for Science & Design (ASD), a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math  (STEM) School located in Merrimack New Hampshire, prides itself on challenging students through rigorous academic assignments. In addition to homework designed to challenge students, ASD offers six to eight week seminars in specific focus areas such as art and music ensemble. Parents, teachers, and community members may teach these seminars, bringing their diverse backgrounds into the classroom.

Regardless of specialty, charter schools are held highly accountable for their results. In fact, performance-based accountability is the cornerstone of charter schools. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools are intended to, and do close if they fail to perform according to their charter. However, it is important to note that a large majority of closures is due to financial issues, which may include lack of funding.

Recently, Doral Academy, an arts-integrated charter school opened its doors near Fort Apache in Las Vegas.  Although enrollment is capped at 900 students, there are over 3,000 students on the waiting list. David McKee, a writer for Las Vegas CityLife writes, “The Doral Academy is an example of how to create an ‘arts-integrated’ charter school in a lot of not particularly easy steps” (read full article). Success and demand for art-based schools is also highlighted by KLAS-TV Las Vegas. In an article titled,  “Charter schools gaining popularity in Nevada,” reporters showcase a video filled with parent and teacher testimony (watch video).

These are just a few examples of charter schools that apply non-traditional methods of teaching to help develop imagination and creativity within students. Through hands-on lesson plans, students can effectively reach their potential.