What is Project Approach and Why It Works
When you walk into a Rohan Woods classroom, it might not look like the traditional classroom you expect. You won’t find rows of desks or a teacher lecturing at the front. Instead, you might see third graders deep in research about butterflies—conducting fieldwork in the community, collaborating on ways to ensure their butterflies have enough food, and sharing their findings through storytelling and inquiry.
This is Project Approach in action. It’s hands-on, minds-on learning that drives curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connection—and it’s the foundation of our classroom experience.
So, What Is Project Approach?
Project Approach is an in-depth, student-driven method of learning where children investigate real-world topics by asking big questions, conducting authentic research, and presenting what they’ve discovered. Unlike traditional learning models that “cover” curriculum, our students uncover essential concepts by engaging in hands-on, meaningful study that blends multiple subjects.
Every Project focus begins with curiosity—students’ questions drive the direction of the unit. As they explore, they build critical thinking skills, collaborate with classmates, and deepen their understanding and use of core academic content. Teachers act as guides and coaches, helping students make connections and reflect on their learning.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
As children grow into more independent thinkers, they begin building academic confidence and discovering their unique strengths as learners and leaders. Project Approach supports this critical stage of development by:
- Empowering student ownership: Students take the lead in their learning, building confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.
- Building real-world skills: From research and synthesis to public speaking and collaboration, students gain tools that extend far beyond the classroom.
- Encouraging deeper understanding: Instead of memorizing facts, students apply knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts—leading to lasting insight.
- Developing leadership: Each project offers built-in opportunities for planning, presenting, and taking on team roles that strengthen executive function and leadership.
Real Examples from Our Classrooms
- In Fifth and Sixth Grade, students took on the challenge of understanding how drought affects food production—both locally and globally. What started as a conversation about climate turned into a full investigation. Students conducted hands-on research and, through trial and error, designed functional hydroponic systems to deliver water efficiently to plants. Their work blended science, engineering, and global awareness—making their learning both relevant and impactful.
- Meanwhile, Third and Fourth Graders dove into a study of the river systems that shape the St. Louis region. With curiosity as their guide, they explored everything from native wildlife and transportation routes to the inner workings of lock and dam systems. Their research took them beyond the classroom—into fieldwork, experiments, and collaborative discussions. The project culminated in an engaging showcase where students presented their findings to the school community, proudly connecting classroom learning to the real world.
Project Approach is rigorous, creative, and deeply meaningful—and students love it.
Why Families Choose It
Parents tell us they’re amazed by the quality of thinking their children are doing—and how excited they are to share what they’ve learned. Many families come to Rohan Woods looking for more challenge, more connection, and more joy in their child’s school experience. Project Approach delivers all three.
At Rohan Woods, our students don’t just learn about the world—they engage with it. They question it, explore it, and contribute to it. And that’s exactly what makes Project Approach such a powerful model.
