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At Renaissance Public School Academy in Mt. Pleasant, we’ve seen first hand how project-based learning (PBL) can transform student engagement, redefine success, and connect schools more deeply with their communities.
When we began our PBL journey, our enrollment was around 285 students. Today, we’ve grown to nearly 450. This is full to capacity with a waitlist, and attendance has increased, especially on project days! That’s not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of student ownership and excitement for learning.
Our community noticed, too. People in Mt. Pleasant began talking about Renaissance as a place doing something different; a school where students’ interests drive learning and where results are visible beyond the classroom walls.
For us, success is no longer just about test scores. We measure it in engagement, curiosity, collaboration, and long-term retention. PBL gives students the chance to show what they know in more authentic ways, especially our learners with higher needs. It levels the playing field and helps every student find a way to shine.
Each student has dedicated time each week to develop an individual project. Those projects often grow from idea generation into meaningful, community-connected work.
We make learning visible. Families are invited to “learning celebrations,” where they see the final results of each unit. Younger students present to family audiences, while older students share their work in public spaces like local museums or on the Central Michigan University (CMU) campus.
“These public showcases don’t just celebrate creativity; they serve as authentic assessments of competency. Students explain their process, defend their choices, and reflect on growth, skills that extend far beyond the classroom.”
Our partnerships with CMU, community organizations, and the local Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe have become a true 50/50 collaboration; one that gives students an authentic audience and connects their learning to real-world opportunities.
This kind of work only happens when teachers feel supported and trusted. One of our biggest lessons: create shared experiences for your team. Trust your people, follow their lead, allow mistakes, and learn together.
We’ve found that some of the best professional growth happens in informal moments like the car rides to group visits. Those unstructured conversations often spark the best ideas.
Our school community includes over 50% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, 15% with IEPs, and 4–5% English language learners. We also have one of the highest percentages of Native enrollment in Isabella County. Many of our students carry the weight of generational trauma or need additional emotional support.
PBL has been especially effective for these learners. It gives them space to demonstrate understanding in ways that feel authentic and affirming, rather than restrictive or test-driven. Because competency-based approaches honor progress at each student’s pace, our learners, especially those with unique learning needs, can show mastery in ways that match their strengths.
Build excitement early. Start with a small group of teachers who are curious and ready to try something new.
Project-based learning has reminded us why we became educators: to help students learn deeply, connect their learning to the world, and see themselves as capable of making a difference.
Megan Nix is a School Leader who partners with teachers to bring learning to life through Project-Based Learning and meaningful professional growth. She supports educators through individualized and team coaching, curriculum development, and schoolwide professional development focused on inquiry, feedback, and classroom culture.
Megan also leads her team in strategic planning, budgeting, and school improvement efforts, helping to create a supportive, innovative environment where both teachers and students thrive.
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