Inspired by the Reggio-Emilia  approach, our project-based learning combines real-life problem-solving skills with numerous opportunities for students to engage in creative thinking and exploration. Often, several different activities are going on in the classroom at the same time, as some students choose and pursue individual projects, while others work in small groups with the teacher as a guide.

Projects begin with observation, and with asking the children about a topic of interest to them. From their responses, the teacher introduces materials, questions, and opportunities that engage the childs’ curiosity and inspire them to explore the topic more fully. While some interactions between teacher and student are predictable, children often identify problems and questions that move classroom projects in unanticipated and intriguing directions. For that reason, we keep curriculum planning and implementation open-ended, employing long-term projects based on the reciprocal nature of teacher-directed and student-initiated activity. Click for example of KMS project-based learning.

Documentation is a major learning tool in project-based learning. It puts the focus on the process of learning, rather than on the "product," thus creating an environment conducive to open-ended inquiry. Students have the opportunity to reflect on what and how they’ve learned, and in this reflection, gain a deeper understanding of the lessons the project reveals.

"Daniel came to KMS at 3 1/2  looking for alternatives to sitting in rows, rote memorization and a one size fits all education. He is now ready for public school. The KMS project based learning methodology gave him skills that allowed him to succeed in any changing learning situation. He has learned teamwork, creative thinking, how to use his intuition, how to enjoy learning, and how to enlist sources inside and outside the "box"... traits KMS fosters." Steve (KMS parent)