Educational Philosophy
The priorities that define the student experience at the Barack Obama Green Charter High School of Plainfield are preparing informed, engaged and independent critical thinkers and inspiring both leaders for environmental sustainability and graduates prepared to compete in the green economy. Students will be educated in a school community that communicates high expectations for both achievement and conduct and facilitates clear connections between the curriculum, the community and world.

The education program at the Barack Obama Green Charter High School will capitalize on the evidence-based practice of making learning personal, meaningful and engaging through Problem-Based Service Learning (PBSL), a unique curriculum delivery approach which integrates problem-based learning with service leadership to foster high-interest, self-directed, teacher-facilitated, community beneficial learning experiences for students.  Holding its roots in Problem Based Learning, PBSL enhances student understanding of citizenship (i.e. what it means to be positive, productive members in their communities) by engaging them in meeting authentic school and community issues, needs, or problems in the areas of environmental sustainability through active service, individual initiative and/or advocacy.

The powerful inherent benefit of Problem-Based Service Learning is its multi-dimensional reach. PBSL will enable Barack Obama Green Charter High School to meet its goals for personalization and simultaneously integrate various effective education practices, i.e. integrated studies, technology integration, higher order questioning, and theme-based learning.  Implemented well, it is provides the perfect framework to yield a rigorous and relevant educational experience for students.

Problem-Based Service Learning
Problem-Based Service Learning is a rigorous hands-on approach to learning core subject matter in an interdisciplinary manner through meaningful activities that not only examine complex, real-world issues but also facilitate a way for students to address community challenges.  This dynamic approach to teaching fosters active and engaged learning and inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they study.  With Problem-Based Service Learning at the core of the education program, the school can most effectively achieve its mission because PBSL integrates a variety of education practices that will be used to promote learning at Barack Obama Green Charter High School.

Integrated Studies
Integrated studies combines curriculum from two or more disciplines, allowing students to see how ideas are connected. For example, History, English and Art can be interwoven and taught through text, images, and sound. Teaching in such a contextual manner promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and knowledge retention.  It also helps to students to experience learning in way that reflects how we experience life—not subject by subject but in a comprehensive, integrated fashion.

Technology Integration
At the Barack Obama Green Charter High School technology will mean more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Teachers will use technology routinely and transparently as a resource to support curricular goals.  Students will use technology for research, to complete assignments and  to connect with real-world experts. Through the intelligent use of technology BOGHS will also realize its goals for personalization, active engagement, and real-world relevance in student learning.

Higher-Order Questioning
“Higher-Order” Questioning promotes learning by requiring students to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information instead of simply recalling facts.  Through the use of problem-based service learning, this approach to advancing critical thought will be inherent in lesson design at Barack Obama Green Charter High School as PBSL has at its core inquiry, analysis, and synthesis.

Theme-Based Learning
Theme-based learning provides opportunities for students to develop deep knowledge about a few "big ideas" rather than a superficial knowledge of a broader range of ideas and information.  At Barack Obama Green Charter High School the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards will be met for each grade level through an overarching theme promoting focus on the environment, leadership and sustainability.

The researched-based practices that drive the design of the education program at the Barack Obama Green Charter High School will provide for students an education that will allow them to become innovators and problem-solvers in all aspects of their lives:  at home, at the workplace, in their community and in their world.  It will be policy of Obama Green to consult the research of reputable sources to keep the school’s curriculum rich with rigor, relevance and cutting-edge education practices. In order to provide a better understanding on the foundation of thought from which this school curriculum will be established, a listing and short synopses of the core curricular research is provided.