The Learning Project Elementary School

In science, fifth graders learned about the ocean and issues within the ocean. ln small groups, they completed a design thinking project around a challenge in the ocean (plastic pollution, oil spills, and coral bleaching) and then came up with ways to help combat the problem. Finally, they shared their projects at the Copley Farmers Market to market-goers!

A cornerstone of a Learning Project education is what we call the Independent Research Study, or IRS. Each spring, students in grades 3-6 are given the freedom to select a topic that is of personal interest to them, then develop a series of questions to be researched over several weeks, describe their findings in expository form, and create a project inspired by their research.

Among other objectives, this project is designed to enhance the students’ critical thinking skills, promote autonomy and time management, synthesize a number of writing skills taught over the year, and then provide an opportunity for public speaking/presentation. Typically, students relish this opportunity to dive deep into a topic they are particularly curious or passionate about, further promoting a love of learning.

Each spring, LP 5th graders take part in Mr. Hajj’s Leadership Workshop course in preparation for their 6th grade year. Today was their culminating trip, a full day city hike for students to exercise their leadership skills while learning about local leaders impacting our neighborhood and city. A special treat was running into Mayor Wu, an LP honorary diploma recipient, who took the time to say hello to our students! It was a glorious day of learning, leadership and several stops to simply play and bond as a class.

We beat the weekend rain and had a glorious day out on Boston Common for our annual Olympics on Friday! Thanks to our 5th graders for organizing and managing a great day of athletics, fun, and school spirit! Alpha! Beta! Gamma! Delta! Gooooo Team! 🥇🥏🥍🏃🏾‍♂️🎾🏆

Civic engagement is an important element of an LP education. As part of their Leadership Workshop course, 5th graders spend time each year learning about care of their communities and public spaces, then join hands in participating in a clean-up effort at the Clarendon Street Playground. As a city school, this is just one of the many ways that LP students learn to ‘give back’ to Boston.

Earlier this week we opened the doors at 263 Clarendon Street for an informal Open House. LP community members were invited to tour the 5-floor building, see draft floor plans and imagine the space as a rich learning environment - one that continues to embrace our Mission, honors our traditions, and supports each child’s full development - all while remaining in the heart of the city. Our 6th graders were able to also leave their mark, by signing their names onto bricks in the building.

Please join with our many community members as we near the completion of the school’s Building for Tomorrow capital campaign.

Earlier this week we opened the doors at 263 Clarendon Street for an informal Open House. LP community members were invited to tour the 5-floor building, see draft floor plans and imagine the space as a rich learning environment - one that continues to embrace our Mission, honors our traditions, and supports each child’s full development - all while remaining in the heart of the city. Our 6th graders were able to also leave their mark, signing their names onto bricks in the building.

Please join with our many community members as we near the completion of the school’s Building for Tomorrow capital campaign.

Today a contingency of LP students helped kicked off the 2026 Duckling Day and were marshals in the Duckling Day Parade. The Learning Project was honored for its commitment to preserving public spaces and stewarding the care and keeping of the Earth and the environment. Thank you, city councilor , for issuing the citation to our students….and for posing for a few photos with them! And thank you to the Friends of the Public Garden for recognizing The LP and for all its work in caring for our beloved city campus.

The clouds cleared, the sun was out and we were back at Copley Square! ☀️ Mayfest is our schools gift back to the city of Boston for our use of the city as our campus & this year’s program was dedicated to the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States. Children sang songs of both patriotism and protest and concluded by weaving ribbons around the maypole.

After jumping rope for a collective 1,000 minutes as part of their Jump Rope for Heart unit in PE, LP students were rewarded with a visit from Calvin Belfon. Calvin is a former professional football player who persevered through challenges and demonstrated a lot of LP grit. He now leads Open Run which fosters growth, teamwork, and leadership among inner-city youth through sports and educational programs.