High Tech Elementary, North County 

​Learning at High Tech Elementary North County is rooted in project-based learning.  This means that our faculty guides our students through the creation of projects designed to develop their understanding of the world around them. Students are immersed in the processes of learning: exploring, discussing, designing, reflecting, and refining. They create work together that demonstrates their new understandings to a real audience, often beyond classroom walls and into our local communities.  Our sources of information are not limited to traditional textbooks and basal publications.  At HTENC, students examine information from “expert” adults, primary source documents, by conducting field work other, analyzing internet resources and learning from one another. The curriculum is rigorous, yet developmentally appropriate, providing the foundation for success at middle school and beyond. Over the course of the year, students build upon what they have learned, in preparation for the following grade.  Read more about our High Tech Community here.   ​

 First Grade Projects, Publications, and Celebrations 2014 - present

Tidepool Treasures Project (with Birch Aquarium and Cabrillo National Monument) 

• Models of Excellence EL Education  
• Tidepool Treasures Website
  • First Grade Explorer's Guide on Amazon here
  • Tidepool Treasures Products  and Activity Book samples 
  • Exhibition Video 2015 link
  • Exhibition Video 2016 link  
  • Student Created Product Video 2017 link  

​ First in Flight Biomimicry Project (with Escondido Creek Conservancy) 

• Escondido Creek Conservancy Publication 
  • Fly With Me Coloring Book samples
  • The First Flight 15/16 Exhibition Video link
  • ​First in Flight Project Calendar 18/19 link and stories 
  • Calendar Link on Amazon 

Nature's Nurseries Project (with Cabrillo National Monument) 

• Nature's Nurseries at Cabrillo! Reserve Traveling Trunks designed by First Graders
  • ​​​Nature's Nurseries Products 
  • Nature's Nurseries Slideshow  

Socktales Project (with The New Children's Museum in San Diego) 

• Socktales Exhibit at The New Children's Museum Photos 
• Socktales First Grade Exhibition Puppet Play video link ​
  • ​Socktales Exhibit at The New Children's Museum Photos 
  • Museum Website  

What's that Sound? Animal Tracks! First Grade Music and Sound Project 2021/2022 

• ​First graders studied animals and created music videos to teach others about animal adaptations! Learn more about this project by clicking here. 

Fintastic First Grade in collaboration with Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland  2022/2023 

•  First graders learned about sharks and helped Sea Life Aquarium by making interactive content for children and families! Learn more by clicking here. 

First Grade Hearts Youtube (to see more videos click here)

" I have a definition for success. For me, it's very simple. It's not about wealth and fame and power. It's about how many shining eyes I have around me. 

Look at their eyes. If their eyes are shining, you know you are doing it." 

- Ben Zander