This year’s projects reflected the wonderfully varied interests and imaginations of the 8th grade class. Students explored investing, DJing, photography, journalism, digital animation, portrait drawing, sports card trading, and on-camera acting. They built and modified bikes, created websites and YouTube channels, designed clothing from salvaged or upcycled materials, made a documentary about female athletes, developed a web series pilot, and even trained and cared for rats. One student made custom trading cards for every member of the class, while another drew portraits of each classmate.

Once students choose their area of focus, they are encouraged to seek out a mentor with experience in that field. These mentors help students deepen their understanding, ask provocative questions, and see their topic in a wider context. This relationship also gives students the opportunity to connect their learning with people and places beyond campus.

Throughout the year, students document their process through written reflections shared with the Oak Grove community. These reflections help students develop their voice, notice challenges and breakthroughs, articulate what they are learning, and set meaningful goals for the next phase of their work. In this way, the project becomes more than an assignment. It becomes a record of growth.