Several parents Jennifer met while canvassing had chosen the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) for their children, so on October 26 she asked Principal Cornejo for a visit. CAMS serves approximately 670 students with 27 teachers across three pathways: Engineering, Computer Science, and Biomedical Technology. What stood out: hands-on, project-based learning, daily common planning periods for teachers, partnerships with businesses and outside organizations, and a culture where students want to be there.
In Jennifer’s words
During my door-to-door canvassing, several parents shared that they had chosen to send their children to the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS). Their stories sparked my curiosity, so I reached out to Principal Cornejo to request a visit and learn more about what makes CAMS a choice for families. I’m so glad I did!
Serving approximately 670 students with 27 teachers, CAMS offers three pathways: Engineering, Computer Science, and Biomedical Technology. What stood out most was CAMS’s commitment to hands-on, project-based learning. Students are empowered to explore, create, collaborate, and apply their learning to real-world problems. Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding students as they develop their thinking, take risks, and learn from failure. Daily common planning periods allow teachers to collaborate and design meaningful learning experiences, while partnerships with businesses and external organizations provide additional resources and opportunities.
During my visit, Principal Cornejo and I observed students investigating soil samples in an AP Environmental Science class, working on robotics projects, and participating in hands-on science activities. With many students completing Algebra in middle school, they can begin taking AP courses as early as ninth grade. CAMS students also compete in international robotics competitions!
A memorable conversation with Mr. Carpenter, one of CAMS’s founders, reinforced several important principles:
- Let students explore and take their learning as far as they can.
- Allow students to fail so they can learn and grow.
- Give students ownership of their roles, responsibilities, and learning.
- Create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through authentic projects.
Principal Cornejo emphasized three essential questions: What are you learning? Why is it important? How will you apply it in the future? These questions capture the heart of meaningful, relevant learning. Perhaps the most powerful takeaway was the culture at CAMS. Students want to be there! They are engaged, motivated, and excited to learn, supported by dedicated teachers, involved parents, and strong community partnerships.
As educators, how do we create more learning environments where students have the autonomy to apply their learning, take risks, learn from failure, and solve real-world problems? CAMS reminds us that transforming teaching and learning takes more than equipment and facilities. It requires a different approach to teaching, intentional collaboration, strong partnerships, and a belief in what students can accomplish when given the opportunity.
Thank you to Principal Cornejo, Mr. Carpenter, and the CAMS team for welcoming me!
