Design thinking begins with the premise of tapping into student curiosity and allowing them to create, test, and re-create until they eventually ship what they made to a real audience (sometimes global but often local). Design thinking isn’t a subject or a topic or a class. It’s more of a way of solving problems that encourages risk-taking and creativity. Design thinking is a flexible framework for getting the most out of the creative process. It is used in the arts, in engineering, in the corporate world, and in social and civic spaces.

Students in grades K-12 publish their work to an online digital portfolio. They showcase their work through various media, including photos, videos, and graphics. This practice is aligned with the Fairview Advantage skills set and helps students understand the various best practices when it comes to online publishing.

The district implemented full-day, tuition-free Kindergarten at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. At the Parkview Early Education Center, children ages 18-months through pre-K are actively engaged in the Creative Curriculum.

Research-proven teaching strategies that focus on Ohio Learning Standards and emphasize clear learning targets, performance assessment, feedback, and student ownership of learning.

We partner with this national coalition that helps schools implement personalized, research-based digital learning strategies so all students can achieve their full potential.

The Rigor/Relevance Framework^® is a tool developed by staff of the International Center for Leadership in Education to examine curriculum, instruction, and assessment. “D” focuses on Developing students’ competence to think in complex ways, emphasizing evaluating, analyzing, and creating.

Students at Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School have access to professional equipment for creating and exploring a wide variety of projects. The Innovation Center houses 3D printers, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, five iPads, nine iPad Pros, Apple Pencils, 30 iMacs and a Mac Pro Media Server. Also, there’s a large format printer, color photo printer, video and photo cameras, a green screen and black screen photo-video studio, screening room for presentations and critiques, and an audio recording studio. Over the summer of 2016, teachers and staff transformed what was once the library into a space that inspires creativity and innovation.

Students in the 11th grade participate in an active internship with a local business to identify a problem or unique challenge of the business. Then, using the skills outlined in the Fairview Advantage, work to solve that problem and elevate the business through innovation and collaboration with employees and leaders in the field. Students then create a summary review of their experience and present what they’ve learned to their faculty mentor. Students also incorporate a college visit experience into their portfolio.

Students in high school and middle school are assigned a faculty mentor to serve as an additional support system throughout the year. Students also send weekly communications to their parents/guardians during their mentoring time, giving them an update on their coursework.

In 2006, the district implemented the one-to-one technology initiative. Students in grades K-5 are assigned a device (iPad) to use at school, and students in grades 6-12 have a device (laptop) to use both at home and at school.

Personalized, project-based learning engages students and encourages collaboration and creativity while promoting authentic work and assessment. At FPCS, each student has a pathway that makes sense to them and that is connected to their long-term goals and aspirations.

Graduating seniors will present their portfolio of work up through 12th grade for a panel of faculty, staff, and community members to demonstrate how they have implemented the Fairview Advantage skill set in their coursework.

Grounded in the conviction that all students can learn. Insists on excellence and high achievement. Creates flexibility, allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of academic content, regardless of time, place, or pace of learning.

There are many opportunities for students to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and encouraging design thinking and a “maker” culture within the district. At Gilles-Sweet Elementary, students have a STEAM room where they are able to tinker, problem-solve, and collaborate with fellow students. At the middle and high schools, the Innovation Center provides a space for students to create, innovate, and more.

The district utilizes an online learning management tool, the Summit Learning Platform, in middle and high school, which supports the district’s personalized, project-based learning model of engaging students, encouraging collaboration and creativity, and promoting authentic work and assessment.

Teachers meet daily to discuss curriculum alignment, embedded professional development, align their assessment strategies, plan collaborative projects together, and have discussions on hands-on learning opportunities.

Academic support is available for all students before and after school, during winter and spring breaks, and over the summer. Those interested in tutoring can contact the main office to sign up.