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What if students learned not just to think outside the box—but to remake the box in their own original ways? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we are in conversation with Joe McDonald—Director of Digital Engagement and Strategy, Filmmaking Teacher, and Theater Operations Director—to explore how engineering, film, and theater intersect in powerful ways at JCHS. From corporate boardrooms to the stage and behind the camera, Joe shares how his diverse professional experiences have shaped his belief that education should never fit into neat categories. Together, we’ll unpack how creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and scaffolded independence help students move beyond guardrails and thrive, especially in situations where there’s no clear roadmap. It’s a conversation about courage, craft, and cultivating the kind of critical and original thinking that lasts long after high school.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What does it take to say yes to a school that doesn’t yet exist—no campus, no students, just an idea and a leap of faith? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we sit down with JCHS co-founder Noah Alper to revisit the risks, relationships, and convictions that shaped the school’s earliest days. Noah reflects on why pluralism, academic excellence, and deep human connection were essential from the start—and why Jewish identity as a choice still matters more than ever. Twenty-five years later, he looks at JCHS not just as a successful institution, but as a living expression of a big-tent vision that continues to shape leaders and community.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What if the most important thing school taught you was how YOUR brain works? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we sit down with Ellen Castillo, Co-Dean of Learning Support at JCHS, to talk about how a neurodivergent-affirming school culture helps students feel comfortable talking about how they learn. Ms. Castillo shares how JCHS normalizes neurodiversity through open conversations, student panels, and relationships built on trust—so no one feels like they have to hide who they are. We’ll break down what it really looks like to support different kinds of learners, including twice-exceptional students, by focusing on strengths instead of “what’s wrong.” Ms. Castillo explains how understanding your learning style and advocating for yourself in high school can set you up for life well beyond the classroom.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.