Overview
In a world of constant and rapid change, the question arises: How do we prepare students to become not just participants but leaders in the 21st century? Today’s effective citizens, workers, and leaders must possess a dynamic skill set, including the ability to think critically, collaborate across cultural and disciplinary boundaries, embrace innovation, and adapt to new technologies.
At Moonshot Thinking, we are dedicated to fostering a transformative educational experience that cultivates these essential skills. Through innovative teaching methods like the Harkness approach, we challenge students to think independently, engage in meaningful discourse, and explore creative solutions to complex problems. Our goal is to nurture not just learners, but adaptable, forward-thinking individuals prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The Harkness Method: Education Through Collaboration
Central to our approach is the Harkness method, a student-centered pedagogy that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and open dialogue.
• Collaborative Learning Environment: Students gather around the Harkness table to engage in thoughtful discussions where every voice is valued.
• Building Core Skills: By participating in these discussions, students develop:
• Exceptional listening and analytical skills.
• The ability to articulate ideas with clarity and confidence.
• A deep appreciation for diverse perspectives.
• Independent Learning: Graduates leave with the tools to teach themselves, solve problems creatively, and adapt seamlessly to new environments.
21st-Century Curriculum: Honors, Accelerated, and Advanced Study Courses
Our curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while preparing them for a complex, interconnected world.
1. Honors and Accelerated Courses:
These sections provide advanced material at a faster pace, requiring a deeper level of engagement, discipline, and analytical thinking.
2. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses (through Spring 2027):
• Yearlong, college-level courses following College Board guidelines.
• Culminate in an AP exam in May, offering students opportunities to earn college credit.
• Highly rigorous, requiring focus, time management, and intellectual curiosity.
• To ensure balance, students are encouraged to take no more than three AP courses per year.
3. Transition to Advanced Study Courses (beginning Fall 2027):
As part of our commitment to innovation, Advanced Study courses will replace AP courses, offering a broader and more flexible curriculum that emphasizes real-world problem-solving and interdisciplinary learning.
The Moonshot Mindset
At Moonshot Thinking, we aim to cultivate a mindset that goes beyond traditional educational goals. Inspired by the term “moonshot”—representing bold, ambitious projects with transformative potential—we encourage students to:
• Dream Big: Explore visionary ideas that challenge conventional thinking.
• Innovate Fearlessly: Use technology and creativity to tackle complex problems.
• Collaborate Across Boundaries: Work with peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise.
• Adapt Constantly: Embrace change as a constant and develop resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Preparing for a Changing World
The graduates of Moonshot Thinking programs are not only academically accomplished but also equipped with the confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills to lead in a rapidly evolving world. Our holistic approach ensures that they are:
• Nimble thinkers.
• Effective communicators.
• Collaborative innovators.
• Resilient learners.
Together, we are shaping the future—one bold idea at a time.