Design 39 Campus

Design 39 Campus (D39C), located in the 4S Ranch community of San Diego, is a unique K-8 public school within the Poway Unified School District. Rather than functioning as a traditional school, D39C operates as a "learning laboratory" centered on the philosophy of innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. The school is highly regarded for its modern, open-concept physical design, which is intended to break away from traditional rows of desks in favor of flexible learning spaces that encourage students to explore, create, and solve real-world problems.

The school’s curriculum is driven by its core values—labeled "The 39 Habits"—which emphasize critical thinking, empathy, and social-emotional development alongside academic mastery. By utilizing a project-based learning (PBL) model, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, often working in multi-grade groups to tackle interdisciplinary challenges. With a strong emphasis on community involvement and a partnership-focused approach between students, teachers, and parents, Design 39 Campus aims to prepare students not just for high school, but to be adaptable, lifelong learners in a rapidly evolving global society.