Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy

Why Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy was nominated

Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy reimagines the traditional learning environment with innovative practices in learning environments, instructional methods and staffing. Each learning studio within the program serves up to 120 students, and is taught by a core team of educators: one Teacher Executive Designer (TED), along with certified teachers and teacher candidates. Learning studios at Kyrene de las Manitas look, sound, and feel different from a typical classroom. The studios are open and dynamic, with fewer walls and a variety of learning spaces, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology and furniture designed for flexibility and collaboration. The staffing and curriculum are designed to prepare students for colleges and careers that are changing rapidly. Through a personalized, project-based learning approach, students have a chance to explore real-world issues and meaningful topics over the course of several weeks, to build knowledge on each topic through literature, research, and hands-on practice. Students simultaneously master grade-level standards and work toward a final project that puts all of their learning to work. Teachers encourage and facilitate discussion, collaboration and healthy debate. Students learn to question themselves and their peers, to foster a growth mindset.