Project-Based Learning (PBL) Pathway

  • Join a PBL Pathway Information Session!
    Presented by Jessica Rishe, PBL Principal; and Nicole Nicodemus, PBL Assistant Principal. Learn more from currently enrolled students & their parents.

    Information Session Dates:
    1/18/2023
    1/25/2023
    2/1/2023
    2/8/2023
    2/22/2023
    3/1/2023
    3/8/2023

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  • Samohi's PBL Pathway
    8th Grade Students: Learn About Santa Monica High School's PBL Pathway

    PBL Pathway: for students who solve through inquiry and learn by doing

    This program is part of a successful network of almost 200 project-based learning schools globally. Students engage in internships and multi-disciplinary projects based on their interests. They graduate with a Samohi diploma and real-world experience prepared to thrive in college and career.

    Students will:

    • Get an individualized, interest-based learning plan.
    • Learn academic content fully aligned to California state standards, through integrated and rigorous real-world projects.
    • Have ability to revise/improve/learn and receive personal feedback on progress.
    • Have professional industry internships to connect interests to fieldwork, and to build skills and a professional network.
    • Benefit from small class sizes (have their voices heard and maintain strong relationships with teacher advisors).
    • Include parents and community as valued partners.
    • Experience hands-on making in the Innovation Lab.
    • Enjoy SMMUSD's newly renovated learning facility, the Obama Center, on Ocean Park & Lincoln.
    • Participate with Samohi friends in sports, clubs, social events, art and theater course, languages and more!
    • Take SMC courses in high school and graduate with a Samohi diploma.
    • Are college and future ready!

    PPBL students display sustainable productsThe PBL Pathway began in the fall of 2019 with ninth grade students and will continue to grow to include students in all grades over the next three years. We will accept 100 Freshmen by lottery for the 2022-2023 school year, and are also accepting sophomores based on space availability.

    Applicants must be current SMMUSD students or reside within SMMUSD boundaries prior to the April 2022 lottery. We seek to have balanced representation from all SMMUSD middle school programs (LMS, JAMS, SMASH and MMS) and strive to represent our community by ensuring a minimum of 26% socio-economically disadvantaged students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on March 11, 2022. Admission and waitlist notifications will be delivered in April.

  • Apply Now for the 2023-24 School Year