Portfolio School (U.S.A.)

From the moment I walked into Portfolio School to see a child no older than nine independently drilling through a piece of wood that was properly vice-gripped to the table, I could tell that this school was going to be different.

Portfolio School is a project-based learning school that encourages risk-taking, curiosity and creativity located in the Lower Manhattan neighbourhood of Tribeca in New York.

The teachers work collaboratively with the students, helping to guide them in their projects and inquiries. The goal of the school is the give students the freedom to ask questions and explore topics that interest them, and then to share that with others. The teachers acknowledge that students will face challenges and likely fail, but through adversity the children will learn how to approach the problem from a new direction.

Frequent visits from experts in their field give the students the opportunity to learn from those who are involved in these types of projects on a daily basis. Taking advantage of the resources that exist around them, the students delve into real-world projects where they can demonstrate their mastery of their chosen topics.

From discussions around a class pet that led to learning about animal domestication, care and habitat, to a fascination of ice cream that took students on a path to learn about refrigeration, electrical systems and finally designing their own ice cream maker, the children get to take their curiosities and explore all the possibilities contained within their questions.

Website: https://www.portfolio-school.com