Learning at Jefferson High School Project Based Learning (PBL) Academy is designed around problems or projects intended to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Students are expected to master content and skills through the application of discovery learning and actively engaging research. Working collaboratively, students, and facilitators work to produce end products that illustrate student knowledge. With the integration of multiple technologies and collaborative tools, students are immersed in an academic environment that mirrors the professional work world.

Students are issued a Chromebook that can be taken home, allowing students access to the web-based learning management program - Canvas. All students in the Sioux Falls School District utilize Canvas. This access allows parents a transparent window into their student’s work.

At the Jefferson High School Project Based Learning Academy, students and facilitators take great ownership and pride in the professional environment and familial level of care and concern invested in one another within our unique school setting. There are four pillars that all stakeholders commit to upholding during their time at Jefferson. Serve, Include, Lead and Compete

Students in the PBL Academy at Jefferson High School take a core of project-based courses with other students in the PBL Academy; this includes math, science, English, and social studies. Additional graduation requirements and electives are fulfilled through traditional Jefferson High School course offerings, many of which also teach in projects!

Students in the Jefferson PBL Academy will be expected to

• Take rigorous, college and career preparatory courses in project-based or problem-based learning

• Respectfully collaborate with peers each day

• Demonstrate high levels of professionalism, including dressing professionally during presentations

• Present their learning in front of class, community partners, guests/visitors 

• Complete 20 hours of community service before graduation

  • Students may receive up to 1 elective credit for completing 70 hours of community service.

  • A half credit for completing 35 hours of community service.

• Explore college-level course opportunities during junior and senior years