Case Study Overview
The Challenge
Springfield International Charter School was seeking new ways to engage students with real-world applications, especially those who may not thrive in traditional academic settings.
The administration saw a need to:
- Expand STEM and Career and Technical Education offerings.
- Offer a career-connected pathway for students not pursuing a four-year college.
- Find a solution that wouldn’t require teachers to be drone or aviation experts.
They wanted a program that was flexible, hands-on, and didn’t add a heavy burden to existing teachers. Equally important, they wanted something that could resonate with students who often feel disconnected from traditional schoolwork.
The Solution
Drone Launch Learning offered a comprehensive, ready-to-use drone curriculum that teachers could use without needing prior experience in aviation or drones.
The course came with structured modules, built-in video instruction, guided student notes, and support for classroom implementation. It could run fully online while including meaningful hands-on flight experiences.
The team decided to embed the drone course halfway through the year into their Science and Technology course. Students were given access to mini drones and guided flight practice in hallways. Chris Amrich and the staff set a clear standard: students had to be caught up on course modules in order to fly.
This approach proved particularly valuable for teachers who were new to drone technology. The curriculum's structured format removed the intimidation factor, allowing educators to focus on facilitating learning rather than becoming drone experts themselves.
“You're able to do it with a small budget, and you're able to implement it across a lot of different students that you might not think would enjoy it. I think that giving students access to technology and guiding them through it is really valuable. And Drone Launch Learning really guides you through that process and I think that that's very valuable for any department that's looking to implement some kind of science and technology into their curriculum.”
- Chris Amrich, SICS Teacher and Science Dept. Chair
The Implementation
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The rollout began midway through the school year with students who were already enrolled in existing electives. Teachers introduced the curriculum as part of their daily classes. The students progressed through about two modules per week, mixing video instruction with hands-on drone flying days.
Despite some early challenges (including the occasional drone flying into lockers), students quickly got the hang of it and looked forward to the flight portions of class. Sean Walsh, a teacher at SICS, noted that students who rarely completed assignments began working consistently.
The rollout began midway through the school year with students who were already enrolled in existing electives. Teachers introduced the curriculum as part of their daily classes. The students progressed through about two modules per week, mixing video instruction with hands-on drone flying days.
One student explained the incentive system clearly:
“You could only fly if you were caught up on your modules. So I was flying, and a lot of my friends were just doing their modules, trying to catch up.”
-Matthew, Student at SICS
Despite some early challenges (including the occasional drone flying into lockers), students quickly got the hang of it and looked forward to the flight portions of class. Sean Walsh, a teacher at SICS, noted that students who rarely completed assignments began working consistently.
The Results
The results exceeded expectations:
1. Student Engagement
Students who typically struggled in traditional classroom settings began showing up, participating, and staying on top of assignments. The hands-on, interactive nature of the drone curriculum created excitement and motivation to complete work. Teachers observed that even students with a history of disengagement were suddenly eager to keep up, just to earn flying time. The change in classroom energy was immediate and noticeable.
One compelling example was a student who had been academically struggling and was at risk of not graduating. After enrolling in the drone course, he experienced a remarkable turnaround. The hands-on nature of the program and the incentive of flying drones sparked his interest and fundamentally shifted his attitude toward school, putting him back on track to graduate.
2. Real-World Connections
The drone course helped students make real-world connections that extended beyond the classroom. Several students began thinking seriously about how drone skills could be applied in careers like real estate photography, trade work, construction site inspections, or technical fields that integrate drone technology. For many, this was their first exposure to a career-aligned tech skillset, sparking conversations with family and creating new pathways for post-graduation goals.
3. Confidence and Pride
The course also became a source of personal accomplishment. As students practiced, improved, and began mastering drone flight skills, they experienced a sense of success that traditional academic settings didn’t always provide. This confidence boost was particularly meaningful for students who had struggled with more rigid, test-heavy classes. The drone program gave them a chance to excel in a new, hands-on environment and take pride in their own growth.
What’s Next
Due to the success of the drone program, both in terms of student engagement and academic turnaround stories, Springfield International Charter School is doubling down. In the upcoming school year, they’re expanding the program to serve 50–60 students across two separate classes in both their Science/Technology and Engineering tracks.
The program's success not only ignited student enthusiasm but also convinced the teaching staff of its educational value, prompting their decision to renew for another year. Teachers found that the well-structured curriculum required minimal additional preparation while delivering maximum student engagement and learning outcomes - a rare combination that made renewal an easy decision.
When asked about what the teachers thought of the program, SICS Principal, Brendan Dwyer said:
Bring Drone Learning to Your Students
If you're a school leader looking for a way to connect students to real careers, boost engagement, and bring hands-on learning into your classrooms, Drone Launch Learning can help.
Reach out today to learn how easy it is to implement drone education at your school, even if you’ve never flown a drone yourself.
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