Project Based Learning, Leading Education at American Academy of Innovation
Written By: Connor Anderson
At AAI, projects drive the learning. American Academy of Innovation (AAI)—a grades 6–12 public charter school in the Daybreak area—combines Personalized Competency‑Based Learning (PCBL) with Project‑Based Learning (PBL) and experiential “Immersions”. As a result, students build real‑world skills while completing grade‑level projects, curating digital portfolios, and defending their work in capstone presentations.
AAI’s learning framework
PCBL + PBL
Teachers align projects to competencies and standards; students progress by demonstrating mastery rather than seat time.
Experiential learning
Field work, community partnerships, and exhibitions connect coursework to authentic audiences.
Portrait of a Graduate
Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and service leadership thread through projects and presentations.
How PBL is methodized at AAI
- Project arc: Entry event → inquiry & research → skill workshops → prototyping → feedback & revision → public product.
- Teacher coaching: AAI coaches faculty on PBL implementation across content areas; projects target key knowledge and “success skills.”
- Grade‑level projects: Each grade completes thematic projects that build in scope and rigor year over year.
- Public audience: Students present products to peers, families, partners, or judges during showcases and exhibitions.
Capstone: portfolio & oral defense
Every AAI high school student completes a Capstone for graduation. The capstone includes a grade‑level project, a reflective paper, a curated digital portfolio, and a formal oral defense that demonstrates mastery. Middle‑school students complete a scaffolded version to prepare for high school expectations.
Two week‑long Immersions
Twice a year, students participate in intensive, week‑long experiential “Immersions.” Offerings range from outdoor education and cultural studies to arts, design, entrepreneurship, and STEM topics—giving students space to explore interests and apply skills beyond a typical schedule.
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Projects meet pathways. Through CTE courses like College & Career Awareness and DECA‑aligned offerings, students explore high‑demand Utah careers while building workplace skills, often showcasing learning in competitions and community projects.
Learning options & flexibility
One size doesn’t fit all. AAI supports on‑campus and flexible options that allow students to blend in‑person learning with remote or independent work when appropriate—without losing the project‑based core.
How families can support
- Ask about the driving question: Have students explain the problem they’re solving and how they’ll show mastery.
- Attend showcases: Exhibition nights and capstone defenses are key milestones—add them to your calendar.
- Offer expertise: Mentor a team, serve as a panelist, or help source a real‑world client.
Enrollment & boundaries
Location: AAI is located in South Jordan’s Daybreak area, near Creekside and Heights Park villages.
Grades: 6–12 charter program; families apply directly to AAI.
Next steps: Review application windows and lotteries on AAI’s site; boundary‑school families may also explore Jordan School District options.
Project ideas tied to Daybreak
Lake ecology & stewardship
Design data‑collection protocols at Oquirrh Lake, then present findings to community partners.
Public‑art storytelling
Create audio tours and placemaking projects inspired by Daybreak’s public art.
Small‑business design sprints
Prototype branding or customer‑experience ideas with Downtown Daybreak (SoDa Row) merchants.
Related links
- American Academy of Innovation (official) · PBL at AAI · Capstone · Immersions · CTE
- Methodologies · Learning Options
- About AAI in Daybreak · Daybreak Schools Overview
