At iLEAD Agua Dulce, our team works to empower every learner, cultivate a caring community, and prepare individuals for a successful future. Our innovative educational approach is built on three core goals: Awaken, Build, and Champion.
Awakening the Leader Within
Our first goal is to awaken the leader in everyone. We do this through dynamic learning methods that put learners in charge of their own education:
- Project-Based Learning (PBL): Learners tackle real-world projects, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in a hands-on environment. This isn’t about memorization; it’s about ownership and practical application.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): We focus on developing self-awareness, self-management, and social skills. This emotional intelligence is just as vital as academic knowledge for success in all aspects of life.
- Individualized Learning: We recognize that every learner is unique. By tailoring educational experiences to individual needs and strengths, we foster personal growth and a sense of ownership over their journey.
While focusing on individual growth, we also nurture a supportive community where every learner feels secure and encouraged to take healthy risks. We actively build strong connections with parents, caregivers, and the wider community to create a solid support system for each learner. Our vision is to ensure every learner is excited and ready for their postsecondary path, whether that’s higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.
Building Lifelong Learners and Design Thinkers
Our second goal is to build lifelong learners and design thinkers. We provide a rigorous, creative, and broad program that maximizes academic achievement by tapping into a learner’s natural curiosity and love for learning. We emphasize a design thinking mindset, which empowers learners to do the following:
- Identify problems.
- Brainstorm creative solutions.
- Prototype ideas.
- Improve based on feedback.
This process prepares learners not just for tests, but for the complex challenges and opportunities of the future.
Championing Empathetic Citizens and Authentic Individuals
Finally, we champion empathetic citizens and authentic individuals. We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive community where everyone feels safe, supported, and encouraged to be their true selves.
This means cultivating empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. We encourage learners to engage with diverse perspectives, develop a strong sense of social responsibility, and contribute positively to their communities. By celebrating authenticity, we empower learners to embrace their unique qualities and build meaningful connections with others.
The iLEAD Agua Dulce Difference
These three goals—Awaken, Build, and Champion—are interconnected and reinforce one another. They represent our commitment to a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond traditional academics. By nurturing leaders, building lifelong learners and design thinkers, and championing empathetic citizens, we are preparing our learners not just for success in school, but for a lifetime of purpose, impact, and fulfillment.
About iLEAD Agua Dulce:
iLEAD Agua Dulce is a free public school offering TK-12th graders a unique, personalized education in picturesque Agua Dulce, CA. Founded in 2018, the school emphasizes leadership development, play-based and project-based learning, and social-emotional development. Its outdoor classroom, complete with farm animals, promotes empathy and responsibility. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and aerospace opportunities, developing collaborative skills and critical thinking. High schoolers take advantage of UC a-g approved coursework, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, preparing for success in college and career. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadaguadulce.org.