Competencies Overview

Students design and conduct investigations using the scientific method. They form testable hypotheses, gather empirical evidence, and refine models or theories based on results. Students must demonstrate competency across at least two major scientific disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics).

Students apply engineering principles to design, build, and evaluate solutions under real-world constraints. They analyze trade-offs, optimize performance, and understand how systems interact within larger contexts.

Students evaluate evidence, reason logically, and test arguments for validity. They consider multiple perspectives, identify fallacies, and construct sound solutions to complex problems.

Students use programming, algorithms, and computational models to create, automate, and evaluate work. They approach problems with abstraction, decomposition, and algorithmic precision. Students demonstrate fluency in two or more programming languages.

Students apply mathematical and statistical tools to interpret data, build models, and solve problems. They use quantitative analysis to test assumptions, evaluate reliability, and make informed decisions.

Students investigate meaningful questions through sustained, structured inquiry. They gather and evaluate sources, design inquiries, and communicate findings with clarity, rigor, and integrity.

Students demonstrate originality and design thinking in generating, refining, and realizing ideas into expressive or functional outcomes.

Students communicate and interpret ideas with clarity, precision, and creativity across multiple forms of expression, including written, spoken and multimedia communication.

Students understand and engage with social, political, and historical systems as informed global citizens. They analyze civic issues, appreciate diverse perspectives, and act with cultural competence. Students must demonstrate functional proficiency in another language or equivalent cross-cultural competency.

Students contribute to group success through teamwork and leadership, demonstrating initiative, responsibility, and respectful communication. Mastery requires demonstrating effectiveness in both peer collaboration and leadership roles across different contexts.

Students take ownership of the learning process, set goals, reflect on progress, and adapt strategies over time. They demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and the ability to seek out resources independently.

Students demonstrate ongoing commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They practice healthy habits, maintain regular physical activity, and develop strategies for stress management, self-awareness, and resilience.

Students develop and test scientific or engineered solutions to complex technical problems. They may build physical or computational models, write research papers, conduct lab work, or develop robotics, electronics, or mechanical systems that demonstrate technical mastery.

Students collect, analyze, and visualize data to uncover insights, build models, or inform decisions. This could include conducting original research, writing research papers, creating or implementing visualization methods, or any other type of data science-focused research.

Students identify needs or opportunities and create solutions that demonstrate initiative and value creation. This could include starting or contributing to a business or non-profit, creating or selling artifacts or services, or any other entrepreneurial venture. Students should demonstrate competency in finance, marketing, product development and other pillars of entrepreneurship.

Students produce artistic, technical, or multimedia works that combine creativity and technical competence. This could include choreography, playwriting, music composition, video game development, creative writing, videography, or any other creative medium.

Students investigate philosophical or systemic questions with empathy and reasoning. Students lead or contribute to meaningful change in their community through service, advocacy, or organizing. This could include analyzing ethical dilemmas, engaging with foreign cultures, analyzing international systems, proposing or analyzing political change, engaging with non-profit groups, or any other human-centered exploration.