Learn by Doing. Lead by Design.
About Innovate
Innovate is the signature project-based learning pathway at Lakeshore School of Innovation. Designed for students who thrive in a hands-on, relationship-centered learning environment, Innovate connects academic learning to students' interests, future goals, and the world around them.
Rather than relying primarily on textbooks and lectures, students learn through authentic experiences, meaningful projects, and real-world challenges. Students have a voice in their learning while receiving individualized instruction, flexible pacing, and support from educators who know them well.
What Learning Looks Like
Teacher-Led Seminars
Hands-on learning doesn't mean students lose direct instruction. Students participate in targeted academic seminars aligned with Wisconsin Academic Standards in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, financial literacy, health, and career readiness. Small-group instruction helps students build the foundational knowledge they need to apply their learning in larger projects.
Project-Based Learning
Students investigate meaningful questions and tackle real-world challenges through student-driven projects.
Projects may include designing community improvement initiatives, developing small businesses, exploring environmental sustainability, completing engineering challenges, creating documentary films, or participating in youth apprenticeship experiences. Along the way, students build portfolios that demonstrate their learning and growth.
Advisory & Mentorship
Every student is paired with an advisor who serves as a mentor, advocate, and guide. Through regular advisory time, students receive support with academic planning, goal setting, time management, project tracking, self-assessment, and graduation readiness.
Competency-Based Learning
At Innovate, progress is about more than accumulating points. Students demonstrate mastery of academic standards and essential skills through their work.
Students build competencies in:
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Leadership and professionalism
- Communication and collaboration
- Self-management
The Community Is Our Classroom
Learning at Innovate extends beyond school walls.
Students participate in at least four community learning experiences each school year, connecting what they are learning to colleges, careers, businesses, skilled trades, government, service, and the greater Manitowoc community.
Experiences may include college and university visits, manufacturing and entrepreneurship tours, skilled-trades exploration, community service projects, guest speakers, and opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals.
The Innovators' Expo
Each semester, students have an opportunity to show what they've learned through the Innovators' Expo, a signature LSI experience.
Students select project artifacts, prepare a professional presentation, and share their work with families, community and business partners, postsecondary institutions, and district leaders. The experience gives students an authentic audience while strengthening public speaking, leadership, and professional networking skills.
Who Is Innovate For?
Innovate may be a good fit for students who:
- Learn best through hands-on experiences and real-world problem solving.
- Benefit from individualized instruction and flexible pacing.
- Thrive in a smaller, relationship-centered learning community.
- Are looking for an alternative to a traditional high school environment.
- Value strong mentoring relationships with teachers and advisors.
Preparing Students for What's Next
Innovate students leave LSI prepared to be innovative thinkers and problem solvers, effective communicators and collaborators, responsible community members, and lifelong learners.
The goal is bigger than earning a diploma. It's preparing students with the knowledge, confidence, relationships, and real-world skills they need to be college, career, and community ready.
Anchored in Innovation. Preparing Future-Ready Ships.