Technology & Innovation

Nurturing a love of learning, creativity, and innovation is the foundation of curriculum projects developed by the ESJ Technology & Innovation Department. A key goal of the department is to provide engaging and challenging development in digital literacy and technology, enabling the discovery of tomorrow’s opportunities and solutions for today’s problems. Real-world applications of computer science and inquiry-based learning are at the heart of projects in classrooms, computer labs, and STEM spaces across campus. Working freely between hardware and software in both the Lower and Upper School builds lifelong confidence in ESJ students and strengthens the future communities they will serve.

Middle and Upper Schools

In sixth through eighth grades, students build digital literacy, research skills, and design thinking while using collaborative tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office. Courses emphasize the ethical use of technology, creativity in digital design, and applied problem-solving through programming—progressing from block coding to Python. Students also explore media literacy, AI, and data analysis, preparing them for advanced projects. Opportunities in robotics, drones, STEAM challenges, and 3D modeling introduce students to the engineering and design processes, helping them brainstorm, prototype, and share their own innovations.

By Upper School, students are confident with design thinking and problem-solving. In courses such as Honors Engineering Design, Digital Design Studio, Blockchain & Business Technology, App Development, Robotics, and AP offerings in Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and Networking Fundamentals, they advance their programming skills in Python, Java, and SWIFT while applying industry-relevant tools for design and development. ESJ’s Technology & Innovation curriculum is supported by two computer labs, a Robotics/STEM Lab within a maker space environment, and a growing list of hardware and software to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Participation in ESJ’s two FIRST Robotics teams provides students in grades 6–12 with opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and showcase their innovation in competition.