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A new kind of elementary school, Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy

The Learning Lab at Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy is a 3-year-old charter school in San Jose. Si Se Puede — Spanish for “ Yes It ’ s Possible ” or “ Yes We Can ” — is part of a tiny chain of schools set to expand nationwide.
The Learning Lab at Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy is a 3-year-old charter school in San Jose. Si Se Puede — Spanish for “Yes It’s Possible” or “Yes We Can” — is part of a tiny chain of schools set to expand nationwide.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
As students log on in the computer lab, they access what amounts to an individualized skills plan, the day ’ s instruction based on assessments that adjust to their performance.
As students log on in the computer lab, they access what amounts to an individualized skills plan, the day’s instruction based on assessments that adjust to their performance.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
Student Alyssa Lopez, 5, studies on a computer in the Learning Lab. Rocketship students score among the top performers on standardized tests.
Student Alyssa Lopez, 5, studies on a computer in the Learning Lab. Rocketship students score among the top performers on standardized tests.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
JiJi the penguin on a student's screen at Rocketship. When kids get a correct answer, the program quickly builds a roadway or removes an obstacle, letting JiJi pass wordlessly across the screen. There are no prizes, no fanfares, no cheers. It’s just JiJi appearing and disappearing. “It’s almost Zen-like in its simplicity,” said Principal Andrew Elliot-Chandler.
JiJi the penguin on a student's screen at Rocketship. When kids get a correct answer, the program quickly builds a roadway or removes an obstacle, letting JiJi pass wordlessly across the screen. There are no prizes, no fanfares, no cheers. It’s just JiJi appearing and disappearing. “It’s almost Zen-like in its simplicity,” said Principal Andrew Elliot-Chandler.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
Student Gonzalo Campos, 8, is assisted by learning specialist Jessica Nazareno as he studies on a computer in the Learning Lab.
Student Gonzalo Campos, 8, is assisted by learning specialist Jessica Nazareno as he studies on a computer in the Learning Lab.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
Rocketship Si Se Puede Adademy principal Andrew Elliot-Chandler, 30, checks in on students in the Learning Lab.
Rocketship Si Se Puede Adademy principal Andrew Elliot-Chandler, 30, checks in on students in the Learning Lab.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
The Learning Lab holds 130 students, and it’s nearly always full. Once students squeeze into their chairs and pint-sized headphones, the room takes on the hushed air of a study hall during final exams, with each student working at his or her own pace.
The Learning Lab holds 130 students, and it’s nearly always full. Once students squeeze into their chairs and pint-sized headphones, the room takes on the hushed air of a study hall during final exams, with each student working at his or her own pace.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy is one of a chain of Rocketship schools planning to expand nationwide next year.
Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy is one of a chain of Rocketship schools planning to expand nationwide next year.
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
Students at Rocketship Si Se Puede Adademy are plugged into learning on computers at the school's Learning Lab
Students at Rocketship Si Se Puede Adademy are plugged into learning on computers at the school's Learning Lab
Martin E. Klimek For USA TODAY
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