One of the unique parts of the Early Childhood PBL Conference is the opportunity each year to learn inside a different school community and experience Project Based Learning within a new context. As the conference moves from one host school to another, each year offers something new to explore—even for those who have joined us before.

This year, we’re excited to gather at Indian Hill Primary School, a public school serving students in kindergarten through second grade. IHPS intentionally designs learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Across the school, students benefit from:

• A nationally recognized STEM program integrating hands-on inquiry, Project Based Learning, hydroponics, design thinking, and real-world problem-solving

• Strong literacy and foundational learning supports, including dedicated reading specialists at every grade level, Building Thinking Classrooms, and Orton-Gillingham-trained educators

• Spanish, music, visual arts, play-based learning, and partnerships with community organizations

• Service learning and leadership opportunities that connect young children with their community and the world beyond the classroom

• A commitment to belonging through sensory-friendly programming, social communication supports, accessible learning environments, and social-emotional learning

Because school will be in session on Day One of the conference, participants will have the unique opportunity to visit K–2 classrooms and see firsthand how learning takes shape with young children. Participants will observe classroom environments, see project work and student thinking, and experience the everyday rhythms of a school committed to meaningful, learner-centered experiences.

Classroom Visit Highlights

Learner-Centered Environments
Explore K–2 classrooms intentionally designed to support curiosity, independence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Inquiry and Exploration
Observe young learners as they ask questions, explore ideas, collaborate, and engage in problem-solving within their everyday classroom experiences.

Project Work in Progress
See project work, student thinking, and documentation that offer a window into how Project Based Learning and inquiry take shape with young children.

The Play Studio
Visit the Play Studio, a space for child-led, open-ended free play where students have opportunities to make decisions, think flexibly, follow their instincts, and put the 5Cs—communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and citizenship—into action.

The classroom visits will be followed by a panel discussion and debrief featuring members of the Indian Hill Primary School community. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on what they observed, ask questions, and hear directly from the school community about the experiences, thinking, and practices that shape learning at IHPS.

Additional details about the classroom visits and panel will be shared as the conference approaches.