Project-Based, Interdisciplinary Coursework
Learning at Ark Institute happens in immersive, 12-week periods where real-world problems replace textbook chapters. Every project braids together insights from our five signature domains—Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability; Social Sciences, Ethics & Community Building; Health, Medicine & Well-being; Science, Technology & Innovation; & Arts, Culture & Creative Expression—so students experience firsthand how disciplines collide, and experience the power of applying ideas beyond their silos.
Portfolio Development
Our comprehensive portfolio system allows students to demonstrate their learning through real-world projects, practical applications, and tangible evidence of skill mastery through:
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Project documentation showing process, iteration, and final outcomes
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Skill mastery demonstrations across multiple domains
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Evidence of real-world problem solving and innovation
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Collaborative project contributions
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Global engagement and cross-cultural learning
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Personal growth reflections and goal achievement
Students progress through four levels of mastery: Beginning, Developing, Established, and Advanced. Regular portfolio reviews involve student self-assessment, mentor feedback, and parent input, ensuring a comprehensive view of each student's development. This approach not only provides richer evidence of learning but also prepares students for a future where demonstrable skills and practical experience matter more than traditional grades.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Ark Institute has a dedicated physical activity & well-being component to ensure students stay active and balanced. Monthly physical activity goals might include participating in sports, exercise classes, outdoor adventures, or other fitness pursuits of choice.
Students (with their families) set personalized fitness targets each month. Ark Institute provides a guide of recommended activities and students and families have flexibility in how to achieve this. Students share their achievements and progress in a dedicated "physical activity" forum where they can support and encourage each other.
To support these goals, Ark Institute aims to forge partnerships with organizations and resources across different locales, such as fitness facilities, dance studios, martial arts dojos, rock climbing centers and more. In some cases, partners offer discounted membership or free trial classes for our students. We also provide access to online fitness classes and challenges (through platforms like YouTube or fitness apps) for students who prefer to exercise at home.
Yearly Compass Project
Within the first 30 days of the school year, each student selects a personal project based on their interests, curiosity, and aspirations—whether it’s scientific research, an environmental initiative, a creative production, a technology prototype, a business idea, or a community impact project.
Throughout the year, students will research, plan, experiment, iterate, and build, guided by mentors and resources that support their unique vision. The Compass Project allows students to navigate their learning journey with autonomy, critical thinking, and creativity, culminating in an end-of-year showcase event where they present their work to the school community, families, and beyond.
In the process, students develop confidence, purpose, and real-world experience—turning ideas into action and passion into impact.
The Challenge Hub
Our curriculum extends beyond class projects with an extracurricular Challenge Hub – a program where businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations submit real-world challenges for students to tackle. This is a win-win collaboration: companies gain fresh, creative perspectives on their problems while students get an authentic learning experience solving actual business or societal challenges.
Expanding Horizons
We’re actively working on ways for Ark learners and families to connect in-person through regional gatherings, museum visits, and international field trips (optional).
Updates will be made available on through our platform to all students and families.