From Curious Questions to Real-World Impact. From farmers’ markets to marine science, Project-Based Learning helps Sea Crest students engage deeply with the world around them. Your support equips our teachers to scale this meaningful, real-world learning across every grade.

At Sea Crest, learning is not static or one-dimensional. It is grounded in strong academics and brought to life through experiences like hosting a farmers' market, raising trout, designing inventions, tracking sea turtles, and debating real civic issues. Our students are not just learning about the world. They are learning how to engage with it and shape it. Project-Based Learning (PBL) makes this possible. 

This year’s Fund-A-Need will send Sea Crest educators and program leaders to PBL World 2026, where they will deepen their expertise and return ready to lead the school-wide adoption of a high-quality PBL model across JK–8.

🧭 Why Project-Based Learning?

PBL is a research-based instructional approach where students learn by actively exploring meaningful, real-world challenges over time. Students investigate authentic questions, collaborate, apply academic skills, and share their learning through public products and presentations.

PBL helps students:

• Think critically 

• Solve complex problems

• Collaborate effectively

• Communicate with confidence

• Create work they are proud to share

These are the skills high schools, colleges, and future careers value most.

“Project-based learning engages students in deep, lasting learning and strengthens connections across subjects and grade levels.”
—Michelle Giacotto, Assistant Head of School for Academics

🌱 We Already Do PBL — And We’re Ready to Scale It

Sea Crest students already experience powerful project-based learning:

• 1st Grade Farmers’ Market: Economics, sustainability, and community engagement

• 3rd Grade Living Wax Museum: Research, storytelling, and public speaking

• Upper School Marine Science: Field studies and environmental data analysis

• Additional experiences include: hands-on studies of metamorphosis and trout, city and invention design projects, World’s Fair cultural studies, harbor conservation and sea turtle tracking, and immersive civics learning in Washington, D.C.

These experiences are meaningful. Our next step is to intentionally scale them into a cohesive, school-wide PBL model with capstone projects at every grade level.

💬 What Our Educators Are Saying

“I am very excited to learn about how I can use project-based learning to bridge the chasm that so often exists between theoretical and applied science.”
—Valerie Kern, Upper School Science Teacher

“I have seen the impact of PBL from both perspectives, as an educator and as a parent, and in both roles I’ve witnessed how powerful and meaningful this approach can be for students. It fosters curiosity, deep understanding, and a sense of purpose in learning that is hard to replicate through more traditional methods.”
—Beccy Howarth, Upper School Math Teacher

“PBL allows us to meet students where they are, reach all learners, and help them grow through authentic work that truly matters to them.”
—Ariel Boggs, 4th Grade Math and Science Teacher

“Project-based learning transforms the classroom into a vibrant, hands-on space where every learner belongs. It brings exploration and discovery, but most of all, it inspires students to think critically about the world around them. What greater gift could we give them?”
—Anjuli Griffiths, Upper School Humanities Teacher

🛠️ What This Investment Will Make Possible

• Summer 2026: Program Administrators and teacher-leaders will attend the PBLWorks Conference to deepen expertise.
• Fall 2026: All faculty will participate in a three-day foundational PBL training to ensure shared language and consistent quality.
• Ongoing Coaching Model: Program leaders and trained faculty will serve as PBL coaches to strengthen alignment and best practices.
• Sustainable Systems: Shared resources, planning structures, and onboarding systems to ensure long-term success as new faculty join.

🚀 Why Now

To grow this work intentionally and equitably, we need shared training, tools, and structures. This investment builds long-term instructional capacity that will shape Sea Crest classrooms for years to come. Your gift does not fund one project. It strengthens learning for every student, every year.