Local schools win Apple Distinguished School honors

Five San Diego County schools — three in North County — recently won The Apple Distinguished School designation for 2017-2019, which is by invitation only for schools that meet the program qualifications.

Recognition is for two years, with an opportunity to renew. Among other requirements, schools must have a one-to-one iPad program, and show innovative use of the Apple platform, faculty proficiency with iPads or Macs, and documented results.

In North County:

Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary, Carlsbad: This K-6 school’s STREAM philosophy blends science, technology, research, engineering, art and math for hands-on learning. Young students who lack reading skills do research through videos or have books read aloud, and older, struggling readers listen to online articles. Fifth-graders reading at higher levels can access texts that match their understanding.

Quantum Academy at the Nicolaysen Center, Escondido: This demonstration intermediate elementary school has 320 general and special education students in grades 4-8. Through project-based learning, students use iPads and MacBooks to demonstrate knowledge of content areas. Students can choose classes, called Explore and Elements classes, lasting two to four weeks.

Tierra Bonita Elementary, Poway (third consecutive designation): Tierra Bonita uses iPads to create a curriculum where students in grades 3-5 can own their learning. Apple TV is in all classes, and hands-on labs offer rotational science, technology, engineering, arts and media (STEAM) learning. Scores grew 19 percent on the district’s MAPs (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment, and 12 percent in English Language Arts and 9 percent in math on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

Continuing as an Apple Distinguished School is Temple Heights Elementary in Oceanside, part of the Vista Unified School District. The school was recognized for the 2016-18 term for its iPad take-home program. Apple TV in every room allows students to mirror iPad work, promoting collaboration and student-driven mini-lessons. Students use a variety of apps to demonstrate learning.

In San Diego:

Cathedral Catholic High School: This private school integrates Apple tech into a multidisciplinary curriculum, including Apple TV in classrooms. Nearly all courses are taught with digital books and apps in place of traditional texts; online classes have also expanded. Students make their own websites, apps, videos and blogs. The number of students with GPAs below 2.0 has dropped significantly.

Feaster Charter: At this TK-8 school, instead of doing research papers, students compose podcast series or create videos. Each room has a Maker’s Space to build prototypes of their ideas. Students can participate in a STEM, STEAM, or Visual and Performing Arts academy. The school also offers dual immersion Spanish classes that use iPads for translations.

Visit https://www.apple.com/education/apple-distinguished-schools or call (800) 800-2775.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com