Studio D functions as a school-within-a-school magnet program at Westwood High School. Based on the practices and principles of the d.School at Stanford University, Studio D students use a unique five-stage design thinking process to create high quality end products for real world audiences.
Studio D empowers students to think critically and creatively, to take risks, to be innovative, and to collaborate on relevant design challenges. Rigorous interdisciplinary learning experiences allow students to learn key academic content, exceeding state standards and bringing that content to life through project-based learning and design thinking strategies. Human-centered challenges allow students to develop empathy and engage in the world as they learn.
Studio D is truly a one-of-a-kind magnet. Curriculum emphasizes open-ended inquiry and problem-solving, collaboration, process over product, continuous critique and revision, and reflection. Students are prepared to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, problem solvers, and creative leaders in order to compete in the emerging global economy while keeping empathy at the center of it all.
Students who thrive in Studio D are those who demand more from their education, those who enjoy finding diverse ways to approach a problem, those who appreciate the viability of multiple solutions, those who want to stretch their thinking, and those who dream of working on real world projects.
Studio D is a selective magnet.
Studio D accepts students entering the 9th and 10th grades. Selection for Studio D is based on thoughtful consideration of a written application and a review of student’s test scores and grades. Interviews will take place once the application window closes.