O'Dowd students design, build and discover in science and math

"What kind of education truly prepares today's teenagers for tomorrow's world? As a parent of three O'Dowd graduates and now as president of this remarkable community I think about that question every day. Parents want their children to be ready for college, of course, but also for a future shaped by rapid advances in technology, global challenges and opportunities we can't yet imagine."

"At O'Dowd, we believe the best preparation isn't just teaching facts. It's teaching students how to think, how to solve problems, and how to see themselves as capable of making a difference. Innovation is at the heart of our program, not as a slogan, but as a way of learning that runs through every classroom and lab on our campus."

"In math, students don't simply memorize formulas they uncover them. Classes are designed to encourage teamwork, exploration and discovery. When students work together to solve a problem, they gain not only mathematical understanding but also the confidence to apply their reasoning in new contexts. I recently heard from a ninth grader named Tiebe, who said, Collaborating with others helped me break down complex problems and approach them from different angles. I started to realize I actually thrive in a group setting, where we brainstorm and build on each other's ideas. That kind of insight shows me that O'Dowd's approach is preparing students for far more than success in math it's preparing them to collaborate and lead in any field they choose."

O'Dowd High School focuses on preparing students for college and a rapidly changing future by teaching how to think, solve problems, and make a difference. Innovation permeates classrooms and labs as a consistent learning approach rather than a slogan. Math instruction emphasizes uncovering formulas through teamwork, exploration and discovery to build reasoning and confidence. Science courses connect theory to practice with weekly labs that encourage experimentation, trial and error, and applied understanding. Collaborative projects help students discover strengths, build leadership skills, and gain readiness for technology-driven and global challenges. Admissions events include an Open House on Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Oakland campus.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org