Cleveland
Design Lab Early College High School
Long before the term “STEM education” was coined to represent an interdisciplinary approach to education, Viktor Schreckengost made the critical connection between art and the science of design. Called an "American da Vinci", Schreckengost created the nation’s first industrial design program at the Cleveland Institute of Art in the 1930's. His work as a professor has touched generations of students and his creations – from the first-cab-over-engine truck to the 1939 Mercury Bicycle – have impacted millions of adults.
What Schreckengost has done to link art and industrial design at the college- and career-level, Design Lab Early College High School in Cleveland is doing for students at the high-school level.
Design Lab is one of two STEM schools (MC2STEM High School is the other) included in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's New and Innovation School portfolio. In partnership with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and a host of partners from the community, business and higher education, Design Lab provides students with small learning environments and the opportunity to explore career fields in art and the science of design.
School Snapshot
What is the mission statement of Design Lab Early College High School?
Mission Statement of Design Lab ECHS: Cultivating innovative thinkers using the design process!
Our Vision
In order to accomplish our mission, Design Lab will:
Environment
Foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere that encourages respect for self, others, and resources to provide a nurturing learning experience.
Instruction
Facilitate student exploration by creating experiences that extend learning beyond school walls.
Curriculum
Sustain a rigorous, project-based curriculum relevant to solving real-world problems.
Community
Engage parents, higher education and industry as active partners to provide authentic learning opportunities.
Staff
Promote an inquisitive attitude through continuous collaboration and professional development that drives educational excellence.
Who can attend Design Lab Early College High School?
Students in grades 9-12 who live in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and within the 15 First Ring School Districts can attend Design Lab.
What makes Design Lab Early College High School different?
The school operates on a year-round academic calendar aligned to a college program of study. Students attending Design Lab can earn both high school credit and college credit simultaneously through a relationship the school maintains with Tri-C.
What are the school’s teaching and learning philosophies?
With an emphasis on art and the science of design, Design Lab draws upon its location to enhance student learning. The Design Lab Early College High School is in the center of industry resources and the arts community in downtown Cleveland. Housed at Jane Addams Business Career Center, the campus is adjacent to Tri-C Metropolitan. Working with Tri-C’s curriculum, students are exposed to foundational coursework in Industrial Design, Media Arts and related programs.
When does the recruitment start for both teachers and students?
The The school is currently taking applications for incoming 9th grade students as well as faculty. Students can apply online at www.mc2stemhub.org and all teacher applicants are required to apply through CMSD Human Resources (Click here).
When did Design Lab Early College High School open its doors?
Design Lab opened its doors to 9th grade students in August 2008. Each year a 9th grade class will be added until fall 2011 when all Design Lab will be a complete comprehensive high school (grades 9-12).
