By Michael Reagan, One Stone Lab School Director
Now that admissions are open for the 2025-2026 school year, I am often asked what student-driven learning is and what it looks like at one of the world’s most innovative high schools. This article will explore the following:
The Growth Framework: One Stone’s competency-based learning model and our world-class staff
Essential Skill Development: why One Stone graduates succeed in college
One Stone diploma requirements: students drive their education in real-world relevant areas of interdisciplinary, project-based, and STEM learning
Competency-Based Learning Leads to Personal Growth, Confidence, and Academic Excellence
Learn more about One Stone’s Growth Framework
One Stone’s Growth Framework (aka BLOB) empowers students to set goals and be assessed in 24 competencies and abilities across four quadrants: Mindset, Knowledge, Creativity, and Skills. One Stone’s research working in innovative education and alongside teens over the past 17 years has proven that well-balanced growth in these competencies results in self-efficacy, self-advocacy, self-awareness, and self-confidence. More than memorizing information, these are the qualities that students need to do well in college and their careers. Students not only learn about the rapidly changing world we live in—they learn about themselves and how to thrive and be happy and successful learners and leaders.
One Stone high school's academic excellence equips students with the academic skills and understanding necessary for success in both college and their future careers. One Stone graduates have been accepted to and earned degrees from many of the nation’s top colleges and universities, studying everything from science, math, engineering, entrepreneurship, computer science, 3D design, business, and more.
A World-Class Staff of Passionate and Caring Mentors and Experts
At One Stone, we value student-driven learning, allowing students to discover how they learn.
This is achieved through One Stone’s Growth Framework and a staff of innovative and dedicated educators who believe in the power of students.
We help students develop personal agency and accountability through scaffolded freedom and individual choice. The process is highly individualized and facilitated by One Stone’s world-class staff of passionate mentors, coaches, industry experts, and visiting college professors. Rather than teach using traditional methods, our staff work side-by-side with our students, getting to know what inspires and motivates each student.
Our staff support and challenge each student to reach their highest potential, while meeting each student where they are academically, professionally, socially, physically, and emotionally. Students are coached and encouraged to lead their learning journey, setting personalized goals and reflecting on their progress.
Equipped for College and Career Success
One Stone's holistic approach to education and growth ensures that students are not only academically prepared, but also equipped with the soft skills needed to succeed in college and in the workforce. One Stone high school's emphasis on academic excellence and a well-rounded education results in students who are curious, passionate, responsible, and prepared for anything. By engaging in interdisciplinary projects and real-world applications, students gain a deeper understanding of STEM subjects and how they intersect with other fields.
One Stone graduates credit their college success with the following essential skills they developed at One Stone:
They learned how to build and maintain relationships with trusted adults and became comfortable asking for help and advocating for themselves.
They identified their passions, strengths, and interests, which saved them thousands of dollars trying to figure out who they were while in college.
They were already excellent collaborators and leaders equipping them to thrive as freshmen in team projects and group work in college.
They developed the grit and resilience required to overcome obstacles, challenges, adversities, and difficulties that often arise in college.
They possessed the management and ownership skills to prioritize their work—they know how to plan and use their time effectively in college.
They knew how to become involved leaders on their college campuses, engaging deeply in their academic programs, communities, and relevant professional opportunities.
They graduated with a comprehensive portfolio and a robust resume of professional experiences, technical skills, internships, real-world partnerships and projects, and valuable social capital and relationships.
They have the confidence to try new things, explore new areas of interest, take risks, and embrace the possibility of failure.
Finding Relevance, Passion, and Purpose: One Stone High School Diploma Requirements
Download the 2025 One Stone School Profile
One Stone’s two-to-four-year high school program is rooted in competency-based learning and design thinking, a creative problem-solving process developed at Stanford University’s d.school. Although the learning method is innovative and interdisciplinary, a One Stone diploma represents a well-balanced transcript in the following traditional academic fields:
English Language Arts
Reading
Applied Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Computer Science, Technology, & Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Business & Marketing
Applying Math and Science to Real-World Problems
The components of One Stone’s Growth Framework include competencies such as Scientific Inquiry and Applied Mathematics. Students engage in place-based and project-based learning projects that require them to apply mathematical strategies, scientific principles, engineering and design mindsets, and essential technical skills to tackle complex issues, simulating the challenges they will face in STEM careers. These are not taught in isolation or in theoretical contexts, but instead, learning at One Stone is integrated into real-world problem-solving partnerships and situations.
Each term, every student engages in reading, English, research, human-centered design, and math, while science and social science are both recommended at least once or twice per year. Computer science, entrepreneurship, and marketing are each required once during a student’s time at One Stone.
In the 2024-2025 school year alone, students could design their own STEM learning opportunities or choose from the following variety of STEM-related experiences and workshops including:
3D & Virtual Design
3D Printing
Advanced Trig & Wave Functions
Agriculture & Food Science
App Design
Architecture & Design
Audio Recording & Engineering
Biomimicry
Blacksmithing
Boat Design & Engineering
Botany
Branding & Graphic Design
Bridge Design & Engineering
Chemistry
Climate Science
Coding & Robotics
Electrical Engineering
Exponentials & Logarithms
Fluid Thermal Systems
Game Design
Generative AI
Geography
Geology
Hydrology
Linear Functions
Math Fundamentals
Musical Instrument Design & Construction
Mycology
Nuclear Energy
Psychology & Mental Health
Quadratics & Polynomials
Qualitative Research Methods
Statistics & Data Analysis
Transportation Crash Data & Statistics
Video Game Design & Coding
Videography
Welding
Woodworking & Furniture Construction
Woodworking & Product Design
Developing Research, Critical Thinking, and Information Literacy Skills
In today's information-rich world, the ability to discern credible information from misinformation is crucial. One Stone addresses this through its focus on Information Literacy, helping students to learn how to critically evaluate the origin and value of sources and recognize bias. Students develop their own research questions, conduct dozens of research interviews and experiments, and regularly prototype and test their solutions with partners and external audiences. This skill is particularly valuable in STEM and design thinking, where human-centered, data-driven decision-making is critical.
Conclusion
One Stone's Growth Framework provides a robust opportunity for high school students to develop skills and confidence, especially those who are passionate about STEM. By focusing on personalized learning, real-world applications, and critical information literacy, the One Stone high school prepares students to excel in college and beyond, inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who are equipped to make the world a better place.
Student Stories of Academic Excellence at One Stone
This article was initially generated by One Stone’s Growth Coach, a piece of proprietary AI technology that helps One Stone staff implement the Growth Framework.
