The Self Directed Learning Academy is the expansion of an idea that two young men had during their high school careers. Jack Jajewski and Wilson Platt attended public schools in Seattle their entire lives, and while at Garfield High noticed that there were several inherent flaws with the system. They took it upon themselves to look deeper into education and set a goal of eventually starting a school.
In the second summer, Wilson has continued the work of the SDLA, this time with the added help of Rachel Keyser from Pomona College (2015). The two have recommitted themselves to the goal of providing an experience that is nothing like what today's students face in the classroom. Learning is the primary goal, rather than a heavy emphasis on standards and high stakes testing. Creativity, innovation, group work, and critical thinking are all encouraged throughout the classes. With a mixture of lessons and engaging activities, students will be challenged to take ownership of their education.
In the second summer, Wilson has continued the work of the SDLA, this time with the added help of Rachel Keyser from Pomona College (2015). The two have recommitted themselves to the goal of providing an experience that is nothing like what today's students face in the classroom. Learning is the primary goal, rather than a heavy emphasis on standards and high stakes testing. Creativity, innovation, group work, and critical thinking are all encouraged throughout the classes. With a mixture of lessons and engaging activities, students will be challenged to take ownership of their education.
The Story
Jack Jajewski is the co-founder of the Self Directed Learning Academy (SDLA). He graduated from Chapman University in Orange, CA with a degree in Integrated Educational Studies and minors in sociology and English. His focus throughout college was non-traditional education and non-profits. After learning a tremendous amount from his first summer at the SDLA, Jack wrote a majority of his thesis about that experience and developed new ideas on how to continually improve the organization. Currently, Jack is working for his fraternity as a leadership consultant but will continue to work remotely with the SDLA, especially with curriculum development, fundraising, and business operations. 
Wilson Platt is the co-founder of the Self Directed Learning Academy (SDLA). He graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, with a major in English and a correlate in Education. He was the NSEA New York state student employee of the year (2013-14) as the Head Consultant at the Vassar College Writing Center. His experiences there, and his education both at Vassar and growing up, have led him to believe that the best work must come from a place of passion. Having learned an absolutely incredible amount' in his first summer at the SDLA, Wilson is excited to continue to strive toward his goal of giving students experiences that connect learning to their own lives and their own passions via innovative curriculum and careful facilitation.
Rachel Keyser is a senior at Pomona College in Claremont, CA where she is majoring in Public Policy Analysis in Politics. She recently finished a semester in an experiential-based program studying politics, languages, and development in Ecuador. Last summer she worked for Alliance for Education, a non-profit consultant and advocate for Seattle Public Schools. Her time in Seattle Public Schools and throughout college have inspired her to become passionate about alternative and progressive models of education. She is excited to be a new member of the team as a co-facilitator for the Summer 2014 courses.