About the School

  • Outside The Box Thinking (OTB Thinking) is a proposed K–8, tuition-free, nonsectarian public charter school in San Luis Obispo County, California. It combines strong, standards-aligned academics with project-based learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking, so students learn to move ideas into action.

  • We have submitted the petition to SLCUSD, which includes Morro Bay, Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley, CalPoly, Avila Beach, North Pismo Beach, and Shell Beach. Please join us in determining the final location.

  • OTB Thinking is designed as a K–8 school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

  • OTB Thinking filed its charter petition in September 2026. The founding team expects to know by January 2027 whether the school will be approved to open in Fall 2027 (the 2027–2028 school year) or open in Fall 2028.

  • Not yet. OTB Thinking is a proposed public charter school pending authorizer approval. The website and enrollment updates will share news as soon as a decision is made.

Cost and Eligibility

  • No. OTB Thinking is a tuition-free public school. As a California public charter school, it is funded with public dollars and open to all students.

  • OTB Thinking is open to all K–8 students. As a public charter school, it does not use entrance exams or academic admissions criteria. If interest exceeds available seats, California charter schools hold a public random lottery.

  • Neither. OTB Thinking is a public, nonsectarian charter school. It is not affiliated with any religion and does not charge tuition.

  • No. Families do not need to disclose disability status, an IEP, or a 504 plan to apply or enroll. Once a student enrolls, sharing existing plans helps the school provide the right supports from day one.

Learning Approach

  • OTB Thinking blends rigorous academics with project-based learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Key features include:

    • Project-based learning that connects academics to real-world problems

    • High expectations paired with high support

    • Small class sizes

    • Inclusive, individualized instruction grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

    • Student agency, self-direction, and a strong sense of belonging

    • A close, transparent partnership with families

  • Project-based learning means students investigate authentic questions and problems over time, then create, test, and share solutions. At OTB Thinking, literacy, mathematics, research, and communication are the foundation for project work, not a replacement for it.

  • At OTB Thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship mean learning to identify needs, develop and test ideas, use feedback, and take purposeful action. It does not mean students are required to start businesses. These are 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence that serve students in any future path.

  • Yes. OTB Thinking is committed to standards-aligned instruction in literacy and mathematics and to measurable academic growth. Projects give students meaningful reasons to apply and deepen those core skills.

  • OTB Thinking is designed around small class sizes so teachers can know each student well and personalize instruction. Although we will give a concrete ratio once we have enrollment numbers, our goal is 22 students or fewer to one adult.

  • OTB Thinking's plan is built around five measurable goals: academic growth; self-direction and belonging; innovation; inclusive access to grade-level standards; and attendance. Progress will be tracked with state assessments and local measures, reported for student groups, and published through the school's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

Inclusion and Student Support

  • Yes. OTB Thinking welcomes all students and is intentionally designed to support neurodivergent learners, including students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning differences, as well as gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students. Instruction is strengths-based, flexible, and accessible, using Universal Design for Learning and neuroaffirming practices.

  • OTB Thinking will provide special education services and supports required under federal and state law, including services and accommodations outlined in each student's IEP. The school plans to operate as its own special education local educational agency (LEA) within the San Luis Obispo County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area), with a credentialed special education teacher and related services providers.

    Our team considers parents an essential part of the team and is dedicated to ensuring all are valued, welcome, and that their voices are heard.

  • English learners will receive designated and integrated English Language Development (ELD), with an Educational Coach coordinating English-learner support and assessment so students grow in English while accessing grade-level content.

  • High expectations and personalized instruction mean students who are ready for more can go deeper through extended projects, advanced tasks, and opportunities to lead. Project-based learning provides advanced learning for students who are ready for a bigger challenge.

  • OTB Thinking prioritizes belonging and well-being. Families can expect no-surprises communication when a child is struggling socially, emotionally, behaviorally, or academically, along with practical next steps developed together. We incorporate social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and pragmatic language into daily lessons.

Families and Community

  • OTB Thinking believes parents and caregivers know their children best. Families can expect:

    • Clear, consistent communication about learning and school events

    • Regular progress updates so growth can be celebrated and support offered early

    • Accessible, respectful staff who solve problems with families

    • Plain-language information about routines, policies, and supports

    • Flexible ways to connect: in person, phone, email, or virtual

    • Family workshops on learning differences, child development, and supporting learning at home

    • Meaningful opportunities for family voice in school decisions

  • You will know what is happening, who to contact, and how we are working together to help your child thrive.

  • Write a letter of support, attend a Parent and Caregiver Info Meeting, join the parent action group, sign an intent-to-enroll form, or support OTB Thinking with a donation.

Enrollment

  • Right now, families can submit an intent-to-enroll form on www.otbthinking.org. This shows meaningful interest and helps demonstrate community demand for the charter petition. It is not an enrollment application. Official enrollment opens after the charter is approved.

  • No. Signing an intent-to-enroll form is not a commitment and does not enroll your child. It signals interest and helps the school plan.

  • Yes. Submitting by November 1 helps OTB Thinking secure additional startup funding. Forms are welcome after that date as well.

  • The next Parent and Caregiver Info Meeting is on October 24 at 9 a.m. Check www.otbthinking.org for future dates.