UC Irvine School of Education and SAUSD Leaders Explore Innovative School Models in San Diego
By Sam Bersola and Adam Lara
March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
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As part of the University-Assisted Community School (UACS) partnership between Monroe Elementary and UC Irvine’s School of Education, a team of 13 administrators from UCI’s School of Education Orange County Educational Advancement Network (OCEAN), Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) and Monroe Elementary recently visited two innovative schools in San Diego. The group toured Design39Campus and The Preuss School UC San Diego to explore best practices in student-centered learning, curriculum design, and university-school collaboration.
This visit followed a previous tour of two UACS campuses in Los Angeles – The Horace Mann UCLA School and the Robert F. Kennedy UCLA School - both of which serve as national models for university-assisted K-12 education. Design39Campus: A Student-Centered Learning Model At Design39Campus, part of the Poway Unified School District, educators use design thinking to create student-driven learning experiences. The school is structured around collaborative learning spaces, fostering creativity through “Makeries” -- hands-on exploration labs stocked with tools and materials to encourage student innovation. With 1,150 students divided into pods of 150, each facilitated by five to six Learning Experience Designers (LEDs), the school offers "Deep Dives"—specialized elective-style courses where students explore topics of interest with guidance from educators and volunteers. Founding staff members also underwent Adaptive Schools training, embedding collaboration and continuous lesson planning into the school’s daily culture. SAUSD administrators, who are leading the redesign of Monroe Elementary, drew inspiration from Design39Campus’ flexible learning environments and collaborative teaching models. |
Left column, bottom to top: Ted Walstrom, SAUSD; Maricela Roque, SAUSD; Frances Contreras, Dean UCI SOE; Jeremy Cogan, SAUSD; Adam Lara, UCI SOE; Yvette Miranda, SAUSD; Julie Malloy, SAUSD; Fernando Duran, Principal, Monroe Elementary; Jazmina Amado, Monroe Elementary). Right column, bottom to top: Andres Bustamante, UCI SOE; Jesus Silva, Monroe Elementary; Sam Bersola, UCI SOE; Symone Gyles, UCI SOE; Ortencia Sell, SAUSD
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“Our visits to UCLA, Design39, and Preuss reinforced that exceptional school facilities aren’t just about buildings – they're about fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and belonging,” said Ted Walstrom, assistant superintendent of Facilities and Governmental Relations with SAUSD. "As we plan the new Monroe facility, we are inspired to create a space that nurtures these values, ensuring students and staff thrive in an environment designed for connection and success.”
The Preuss School: a College-Going Culture
At The Preuss School, a UC San Diego-affiliated charter school serving low-income, first-generation college-bound students, Preuss’ model leverages UCSD’s resources to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory experience. Founded in 1999, Preuss serves 800 students in grades 6-12, with 90% of graduates attending four-year universities.“It was a joy to visit such innovative educational spaces with our SAUSD partners,” said Andres Bustamante, associate professor and faculty director of OCEAN. “We drew inspiration from both the physical spaces and the people in them, and it was highly productive to dream together about what’s possible at Monroe Elementary.”
Looking Ahead: Transforming Monroe Elementary
These site visits continue to inform the redesign and reconstruction of Monroe Elementary, ensuring it becomes a hub for innovation, equity and student success. With insights from leading-edge models like Design39 and Preuss, UC Irvine and SAUSD aim to create a state-of-the-art learning environment and a highly effective and functioning university-assisted community school model that empowers students, families, and educators alike.
The Preuss School: a College-Going Culture
At The Preuss School, a UC San Diego-affiliated charter school serving low-income, first-generation college-bound students, Preuss’ model leverages UCSD’s resources to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory experience. Founded in 1999, Preuss serves 800 students in grades 6-12, with 90% of graduates attending four-year universities.“It was a joy to visit such innovative educational spaces with our SAUSD partners,” said Andres Bustamante, associate professor and faculty director of OCEAN. “We drew inspiration from both the physical spaces and the people in them, and it was highly productive to dream together about what’s possible at Monroe Elementary.”
Looking Ahead: Transforming Monroe Elementary
These site visits continue to inform the redesign and reconstruction of Monroe Elementary, ensuring it becomes a hub for innovation, equity and student success. With insights from leading-edge models like Design39 and Preuss, UC Irvine and SAUSD aim to create a state-of-the-art learning environment and a highly effective and functioning university-assisted community school model that empowers students, families, and educators alike.
