Design 39 Campus

Posted: September 21, 2023

Girl from opening year (2nd grade) through 8th. Thriving in High School.
Boy from K through 8th, thriving too
Different kids, it worked for the 2.
It worked wonders for us.
Do your research before enrolling, they do tours in January.
If you prefer traditional, stay in our also amazing neighborhood schools.

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Please do not send your kids here. Been here since the opening and I can tell you that the the school doesn't prepare you for high school at all and admin is a absolute JOKE. Admin tries super hard to push a narrative that they are "design process" centered when really it is just a big play to enroll your kids then pressure you into donating to the school foundation then that money is never seen again. Teachers are very inconsistent with their teaching methods especially elementary school. Admin does nothing about the major bullying issue and there is a unhealthy amount of favoritism towards students with parents that teach there. There were two kids that were major bullies but they both had parents working at the school so they never got reprimanded. The things they got away with included stabbing kids with pencils, throwing chairs at teachers, and regular harassment. This was not the only type of favoritism shown, as these kids constantly were taken out to the nearby shopping center across the street during lunch to eat at the restaurants and they were not taken out by their parents but by admin themselves. Don't send you're kids to this money hungry school

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: October 30, 2022

Very fun! They teach fun stuff and are never scared to say, "Let's work on this" or "You're not getting it, would you like some help!" The teachers encourage you to do amazing stuff! My friend is writing a book and she's gonna publish it!

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: October 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2021

A lot of inconsistencies observed in learning methodologies used year over year.
Teaching approach across grade levels is not consistent - every year seems like a different experience for learners.
They boast of a "fluid" culture which given very little predictability.
Project based learning has imparted very shallow knowledge about any subject.
Learning approach in many areas is like jumping the gun. For E.g. As a parent I would like more focus on building my child's grammar and vocabulary instead of propagating that elementary kids are "publishing books".
Lacks instilling regular homework. Student assessment are close to nil.
In general there seems a lack of leadership.

Posted: January 7, 2020

I cannot say enough good things about this school. Everything we've ever wanted in a school, we've found here. The staff is top notch. The parents are dynamic, giving, and entrepreneurial. Kids learn so many skills I didn't get to learn until I started working later in life. I would have died to go to a school like this growing up!

Posted: January 7, 2020

Posted: January 7, 2020

Posted: January 7, 2020

Posted: January 7, 2020

Posted: January 7, 2020

Posted: January 7, 2020

Posted: November 15, 2019

Kids are victims of "New teaching philosophy". No consistent way of teaching from grade to grade or from LED to LED.

Posted: November 15, 2019

Almost no homework. How effective could that be?

Posted: November 15, 2019

High rate of staff turnover. Some LEDs with good reputation left after one year or two. Each teacher has their own preference to communicate with parents, not through email but through all kind of fancy ipad apps.

Posted: November 15, 2019

Posted: November 15, 2019

Posted: November 15, 2019

Posted: November 15, 2019

Posted: October 14, 2019

Fourth year at this school with two kids and it has been an amazing experience. There were some growing pains when the school first opened, now the school is an amazing community of supportive teachers and families. Love this school and how it focuses not so much on academics but the love of learning and improving oneself.

Posted: October 14, 2019

Posted: October 14, 2019

Posted: October 14, 2019

Posted: October 14, 2019

Posted: October 14, 2019

Posted: October 14, 2019

Posted: September 10, 2019

I can rate 0/1 because I don’t like the way of teaching

Posted: September 10, 2019

I don’t think this a right way for teaching

Posted: September 10, 2019

I don’t able to tell about teachers

Posted: September 10, 2019

I don’t think so kids can get strong if they learn this way

Posted: September 10, 2019

Leadership is not important kids studying and s important

Posted: September 10, 2019

I do t think so to depend kids on iPad is not right way

Posted: September 10, 2019

What you guys what to buy I didn’t understand this question

Posted: August 25, 2019

It was the worst decision we ever made

Posted: August 25, 2019

Posted: August 25, 2019

Posted: August 25, 2019

Posted: August 25, 2019

Posted: August 25, 2019

Posted: August 25, 2019

Posted: February 2, 2019

The homework is authentic and relevant. The teachers work with you to make it "just right."

Posted: February 2, 2019

The teachers care and are continuously learning themselves to bring the best practices in to prepare our children for life.

Posted: February 2, 2019

Posted: February 2, 2019

Posted: February 2, 2019

Takes pride in individuals strengths and different way of learnings

Posted: February 2, 2019

Posted: February 2, 2019

A gift...After much research, this is the school we choose as a family for all three of our kids for 9 years of their education.

Posted: January 16, 2019

There is no homework in the lower grades and homework is meant to be an extension of school learning. Stanford white papers explain that homework is wholly ineffective in terms of increasing test scores and it also reduces time spent reading for pleasure- which is the only thing PROVEN to actually improve test scores (if that is a means in which you measure learning.)

Posted: January 16, 2019

I have never seen such an engaged group of educators- they are given trust, creativity and latitude to do some ambitious ideas and for that reason, they are having fun doing their job and that excitement and love of learning is an example for the kids.

Posted: January 16, 2019

One of the first tenants of the school is empathy. They use empathy to solve problems and create meaningful solutions but also to develop the character of the kids. The educators talk to the kids with respect and receive respect from their students.

Posted: January 16, 2019

The principal is very much in touch with what is going on in the classrooms and will teach 6 week courses (called deep dives) in the middle/upper grades to keep a pulse on the students and share his knowledge on a subject. The entire administration listens to the parent community, asks for feedback, and actually does something to constantly improve the school. This is not the norm at most public schools- AT ALL.

Posted: January 16, 2019

The school is not just about getting the right answer- it is about the process to get there and this process can look very different for different types of learners. All learning styles are included at D39 and what the teachers look for is engaging the students in their learning so that they may be effective in whatever problem they want to solve.

Posted: January 16, 2019

There is a counseling plan for talking through and working out differences rather than just a scale of punishment. The kids are educated through empathy and I have seen far less bullying at this school than at the local neighborhood school.

Posted: January 16, 2019

Excellent. I feel so fortunate to have my kids attend here and be on the forefront of how education should look. The old ways of tests, worksheets and sitting in desks in rows is so outdated and this school cares about the students and about how they succeed in our changing world. The school nurtures the whole person and is not focused on test taking or simply grades but on creating a lifelong learner with true resilience and passion for their learnings.

Posted: January 16, 2019

Posted: January 16, 2019

Posted: January 16, 2019

Posted: January 16, 2019

Posted: January 16, 2019

Posted: January 16, 2019

Posted: January 16, 2019

My son has thrived at Design39Campus since it's opening, and he is now preparing to advance to their "middle school". He's made huge strides in his academic progress, but most importantly, his emotional growth. Every staff member cares, supports, and encourages every student to empathize and consider others in every action. We can't wait to see these kids change the world!

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: January 15, 2019

This school is inspiring. I admire a school that has design principles that incorporate learning and growth. We've been beyond impressed with the teachers and administration. I am so happy we made the decision to be at D39C.

Posted: October 25, 2018

Children are learning how to be leaders, how to be critical thinkers and soft skills that are much needed in today's world.

Posted: October 25, 2018

Teaching here is personalized as opposed to the "one size fits all" approach of most traditional schools.

Posted: October 25, 2018

Kids are taught to use a methodology to learn how to handle those situations and the school is properly equipped to manage it.

Posted: October 25, 2018

Excellent, we came here after three wonderful years at a nearby traditional elementary school. However we felt that a project based learning environment, design thinking, and a lab centered approach to learning would better prepare our kids for their future and would give them the critical skills that they need to be prepared for the real world and their future. D39 is not for everyone, you need to be bought in as a parent that you want a different learning experience for your kids and you as a parent. The school has a wonderful sense of community and there is a focus on a common goal and approach to make kids "life ready". There is also greater diversity at this school which is something we wanted as a family. We have found the principal Joe to be a breath of fresh air and his staff is highly dedicated to their craft and to the kids. Again, it is not for everyone, if you embrace this new approach and have trust in the process, then you and your kids will have a wonderful experience. We are validated every day that we made the right decision by moving our kids to D39. We also very much like the fact that they will be here through 8th grade and will then transition to the high school across the street. The school also has amazing enrichment programs and clubs for kids to be immersed into various STEAM disciplines. As a business and technology professional I also love the fact that school encourages and teaches entrepreneurship.

Posted: October 25, 2018

Homework is based on experiential learning and comprehension/understanding of common core. It's not about tedious and unnecessary busy work that is lost after several weeks/months.

Posted: October 25, 2018

The teachers have an enlightened approach to teaching and understand the paradigm shift of project based learning and a lab centered school.

Posted: October 25, 2018

This is part of the fabric of the school culture and ingrained in everything that they do to make kids Life Ready!

Posted: April 19, 2018

Design thinking is a very strong and positive force at this school.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Administrators at this school are not properly prepared or experienced to work with middle school age students. In addition, they are only superficially effective re: special education law and best practices.

Posted: April 19, 2018

There is a significant culture problem on this campus. Many educators have a "they don't belong here" mentality as compensation for poor training and follow through when facilitating issues with atypical learners.

Posted: April 19, 2018

There are multiple avenues of interaction re: this issue and a newly developed "positive discipline" program that encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Poor to fair. While the quality of teaching is excellent and the rigor of the programs is appropriately challenging, opportunities for improvement are all but ignored because of lack of awareness and minimal support.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Posted: April 19, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

I do not know because my 2 kids do not get any resources but I am hoping they have the systems in place as the rest of PUSD

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

I love the concept, my kids LOVE going to school, it has worked wonders for us

Posted: February 18, 2018

Posted: February 18, 2018

Posted: February 18, 2018

Posted: February 18, 2018

Posted: February 18, 2018

Posted: February 18, 2018

This school teaches beyond the academic areas measured by test scores.

Posted: February 18, 2018

Posted: October 30, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

I’m incredibly disappointed in the experience my son has had st this school. We purchased our home in Del Sur so that he could attend this school but within six months I knew it was a mistake. He’s been here for two years and he has not blossomed like we hoped. What you hear from other parents pulling their children out of Design 39 is 100% true. I know parents that have transferred their children and I’ve heard of parents strongly considering it. I’ve never heard of a parent pulling their child out of Oak Valley, a traditional middle school and I had a child attending Oak Valley as well and had a great experience at Oak Valley. I would put your children in a traditional middle school rather than Design 39. This school really caters to the little guys. It’s like a glorified elementary school. I am not confident that my son will be ready for high school as a result of making the mistake to send him here. This school tries to be unique in its approach, and from my point of view it has only caused problems. There’s nothing wrong with the approach PUSD handles their other schools, so why try to change the way you do things, especially when you don’t have things figured out? For a while they had their teachers rating their peers and made it their responsibility rather than the principals to determine whether the teacher should be fired. Seriously, what teacher is going to want to give their peer a bad rating and be responsible for a teacher’s termination. I believe they’ve changed this strategy and it’s now the principals responsibility, but I’m not certain. They also didn’t believe in giving out letter grades or report cards. My son received grades in a 1-5 format without receiving a final grade in the class So the school put the responsibility on the parent to try and discern amongst all of their 1-5 grades and determine themself a grade for their child. I had to schedule meetings with my sons teachers to determine what his actual grade was. I had one teacher tell me he was between a 4 & 5. Seriously, that’s like saying your child is between an A+ and B-. They finally changed this silly approach too. Basically this school is learning on the job, and are still unorganized after all the years they’ve been open. They also don’t have Spanish classes at this school. Visit all the schools in the local area and make your decision from there as to where your child will attend.

Posted: September 15, 2017

Posted: September 15, 2017

Posted: September 15, 2017

Posted: September 15, 2017

Posted: September 15, 2017

Posted: September 15, 2017

Posted: September 15, 2017

Phenomenal experience. Changing the world of education