K-12 education needs to be rethought and redesigned: The engine for STEM learning is curiosity and imagination.
Curiosity is king. Students start their educational journey curious, creative and thirsty for knowledge. This is what drives STEM, particularly science. Our job is to cultivate that and not let a standardized approach to education quash those highly valued traits of a learner.
The world is dependent on innovations, systems and equipment that are designed and sustained using science, engineering, technology and mathematics. This means the nurturing of STEM talent cannot be reserved for a slice of our student population but, instead, an essential component of every student’s educational journey.
It turns out, industry agrees.
Our colleagues in the semiconductor community report the need for curious and creative professionals who can work in teams to solve the toughest problems encountered in the fabs and labs of our most advanced workplaces.
Because innovation is happening at a quickening pace, readying students through the curriculum for every workplace scenario will be impossible. The ability to design solutions from scratch, in real time, is necessary to the innovation enterprise.
Whether this is perceived as an issue of equity or economics, the goal is the same: To value STEM knowledge in the same way we value reading.
K-12 needs to be rethought and redesigned or it will not only fail to meet the needs of a STEM-dependent world, it will fail to meet the needs of a unique generation of students who learns, thinks and engages with the world around them differently than any before.
Millennial and Gen Z parents are tech-integrated and experience-driven. Their children are hard-wired to be the same. Practically, this means they innately use technology to learn anytime, anywhere. But it also means they want to learn by doing. They consider technology their guide but want in-person engagement for connection, collaboration and support.
These were the trends and challenges we had to consider when designing ASU Prep. ASU Prep is a P-20 system of schools and educational services embedded in a larger learning enterprise at Arizona State University. The needs and preferences of our student body is what drives our iterative design. Students become masters in various learning domains from home, at a K-12 campus, on a university campus, at their parent’s workplace or even with peers at a coffee shop.
Thanks to the innovative K-12 policy environment in Arizona, students who can do a day’s worth of school work in less time can fill the remaining hours getting ahead in courses, catching up on concepts where they struggle, working, pursuing an interest in music, theater, Olympic sport or even launching their own small business.
Online learning should not be remote from people. We pair students with Learning Success Coaches to help students build personalized educational pathways into their desired future career. From kindergarten on, ASU Prep students build their own learning plans in concert with a guide and present it to their parents.
Our students are exposed to ASU courses as soon as they are ready and can take any of the 4,000-plus courses on the ASU catalog: in person, online or through our Universal Learner Platform. High school students at ASU Prep are applying their learning via paid internships and hybrid high school/university schedules.
It’s working. With graduation and college-going rates that exceed the averages and large numbers of students matriculating to STEM careers, we believe that we are the school system of the future. As part of ASU’s New American University, ASU Prep is wired like no other K12 system in the country and is poised to design and open access to a K12 model fit for the future of work.
We do all these things not to simply grow enrollment but to develop a knowledge base of what works to share with the broader community and the ASU teams that are increasing university enrollment in underrepresented communities.
Stakes are high for both our country and the families striving within. We embrace the efforts laid out in the New Essential Education Discoveries (NEED) Act to evaluate what is happening right now in the most innovative systems in the United States and apply those lessons rapidly for the benefit of all students.
There is brilliance in every household. We believe it’s our job to design new educational models that value curiosity and show every student that they do, in fact, have a path to a successful future.
Amy McGrath is an educator, vice president for ASU, and managing director of ASU Preparatory Academy, a system of schools and innovations designing new models for all learners.
For many years (at least until 2020), we visited about 100 innovative schools a year. It’s the most important form of professional learning we do for ourselves and for the educators that accompany us. It’s how we create and update a shared vision of powerful learning.
This page features some of the most innovative schools that exhibit best practices — schools that, on one or more dimensions, illustrate the path forward. We most appreciate practices, supports and environments that promote deep engagement. We’re most interested in schools that serve historically marginalized groups — or whose practices have the potential to promote equity at scale. This list is only a segment of the many great examples of learning that exist, and we are going to continue adding exemplars of deep learning experiences as we are made aware of them.
If you’d like to visit schools (physically or virtually) contact Jessica. If there is an innovative school that we should know about, send information to Info.
Elementary (K-6)
Classic Rehab. Horace Mann Elementary School, in northwest Washington D.C., is a joy-filled student-centered personalized learning environment serving a diverse student body. The new and modernized historical facility reflects thoughtful programmatic values: Collaboration and Connection, Sustainability and Stewardship, and Choice and Invention. (See podcast with principal Elizabeth Whisnant.)
Project-Based.Epic Elementary School, Liberty Public Schools in north Kansas City, is a project-based school serving 300 learners in the renovated district office. EPiC features double classrooms and partner teaching. Many of these studios have big roll-up doors and share common space and quiet small group rooms. (See feature.)
Early Leadership.Mukilteo Elementary, north of Seattle, makes great use of the Leader in Me program to empower student leadership. They finish each year with a family portfolio picnic where they review quality student work. Students also help to develop a nature preserve with trails and a two-acre outdoor classroom. (See feature.)
Microschool.KM Explore is one of four district-sponsored microschools west of Milwaukee. The open-plan multi-age blend features high engagement projects, place-based learning and collaborative teaching. They also figured out what to do with those old textbooks.
Mandarin IB.Wade King Elementary School in Bellingham, Washington features the IB Primary Years Program. Students have the opportunity to learn Mandarin and benefit from individualized instruction, access from home, and coaching from a native speaker.
K-8 Schools and Paired Elementary & Middle Schools
New Model.Design39, Poway School District in north San Diego County, is a spectacular K-8 school featuring design thinking and personalized learning. Check out this podcast episode with Joe Erpelding, formerly of Design 39 on why this is such a magical school and how they live into their motto: “Life ready thought leaders who elevate humanity.”
Team Taught PBL. The 200 school New Tech Network (NTN) includes a growing number of project-based, STEM-focused middle and elementary schools. The movement began in the Evergreen School District in San Jose with Katherine Smith Elementary, a joyful project-based school with a great student ambassador program. (See feature). Bulldog Tech is a purpose-built middle school with double classrooms ideal for integrated project-based learning. New Tech Network has a handful of the most innovative schools. (See feature.)
Career Education.Cajon Valley USD in east San Diego County features elementary and secondary schools that feature the World of Work in 54 immersive community-connected experiences that explore career options and conclude in reflection on strengths and interests (see feature). They have a great middle school career center developed with the San Diego Workforce Partnership.
Data-Driven.Cesar E. Chavez Multicultural Academic Center is a neighborhood P-8 in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood on the south side. Despite nearly 100% poverty and nearly half of the students new to English, the school has been a top academic performer in Chicago for a decade. Principal (and data ninja) Barton Dassinger was a teacher at Chavez and has kept a veteran staff focused on getting better every year.
Lit Magnet.Burley School is a Chicago literature, writing and technology magnet school. Visitors see students discussing, reading, thinking, exploring, questioning, experimenting, creating and collaborating. Students have access to iPads and laptops and a full art and music program.
Personalized Performing Arts CBE. Metropolitan Arts Academy, part of Westminster Public Schools in Denver, Colorado, is a visual and performing arts public innovation school that has a focus on artistic expression through project-based instruction within the context of visual and performing arts. This learner-centered environment with a rigorous competency based learning model, partners with artists, professional organizations, and community partners to provide authentic learning experiences.
4 Pillars. Caliber Beta opened in 2014 in Richmond, California, with personalized learning plans, a flexible rotation model for math and English and project-based learning for science and social studies. Four pillars include a safe and supportive environment (HEART) so that students can engage in rigorous learning (SMART) and develop the skill set to be critical thinkers (THINK) who then become agents of change in their communities and world (ACT). Students participate in computer programming, engineering and robotics classes.
Competency. Washington Elementary School, Lindsay Unified School District in California’s Central Valley, is a leading example of a personalized and competency-based K-8 school. Every student has a personal learning plan and sets daily goals–a great example of developing and engaging student agency and social emotional learning. (See podcast, and report.)
Montessori.Magnolia Montessori for All educates the whole child, focuses on leadership, embraces diversity, and welcomes families as partners. The Austin muti-age P-8 charter school is organized in four grade spans.
In Park.Environmental Charter School at Frick Park in Pittsburgh uses their theme to build systems thinkers, explore complexity and develop problem solving skills in a multidisciplinary, “out-the-door” learning approach that builds active, engaged, and empathetic citizens.
Chinese.Mandarin Immersion Magnet School in Houston features a state-of-the-art facility, cohesive culture, blended learning and student supports. Elementary students spend half of the day in a Mandarin class and the other half in an English class.
PRIDE. Ingenuity Prep opened in Southeast Washington, D.C in 2013. It helps PK-8 students develop civic leadership, strong relationships and an inclusive community. Their “kid friendly” spell PRIDE: positivity, resilience, integrity, discipline and empathy.
Art + Competency. Metropolitan Arts Academy is an Innovation School in Westminster Public Schools north of Denver. Visual and performing arts are integrated into a rigorous learner-centered and competency-based environment. Working with local artists and arts advocacy groups provides authentic learning experiences. (See podcast.)
Innovation.Bricolage Academy in NOLA is a diverse, active learning K-8 school focused on creative problem solving. Teachers model design thinking and rapid iteration across the curriculum.
Homeschool Hybrid. DaVinci Connect is a TK-8 school in Hawthorne, California (profiled here) that combines homeschool with two days per week of on-campus project-based and social emotional learning.
Middle (6-8)
Greenfield Design.Achievement First operates 41 schools in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. AF Providence Mayoral Academy is one of four Greenfield Design middle schools. Students create advisory “Dream Teams” for goal setting and support, enjoy enrichment opportunities, and have two-week expeditions in an area of interest every term.
Turnaround Network. Grant-Beacon Middle School is a transformed middle school in Denver featuring blended learning, character development, critical thinking and extended learning opportunities (featured here). Kepner-Beacon Middle School is the second school in the network (featured here). Both have great student ambassadors.
Middle and High Schools (6-12)
Equity for Underserved Learners. Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School serves low-income students in the heart of Brooklyn’s Tech Triangle. Rigorous academic courses are supported by small group tutoring, a college-ready culture, social-emotional learning and strong support particularly for learners with complex needs. LAB co-founded the Educating All Learners Alliance and has been a leader in pandemic precautions.
Competency.Highland Academy in Anchorage is a 6-12 learning environment that promotes mastery learning through integrated project-based learning. Guiding ideas include shared leadership, shared vision, and personal mastery through standards-based instruction with systemic and systematic continuous improvement (featured on CompetencyWorks).
STEM Partnerships.School of Innovation, part of Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools (east of Cleveland), is a 3-8 school (growing to 3-12) in a former corporate training facility.
Compass Circles. Valor Collegiate AcademiesinNashville has two middle schools and a high school powered by Compass, a human development model that is incorporated into the advisory system and rigorous academics. More than 50 schools have adopted the Compass. (See video.)
STEM + Values. Denver’s DSST may be the best open access STEM network in the country but it’s also a values-driven organization that incorporates six core values into everything they do. Visit the flagship Montview Middle and High School. (See feature.)
Museum.Grand Rapids Public Museum School is a partnership between a museum, three colleges, the city, and the school district. The middle school is in a science museum (below) and the XQ winning high school is in a renovated art museum. Both feature design thinking and community connected project-based learning.
Learner-Centered.Making Community Connections (MC2) in Manchester, New Hampshire, is an innovative 7-12 school with two campuses that share an understanding of motivation, engagement and student agency. Experiences include personal learning, field experiences, internships and challenge activities. Students prepare portfolios and a presentation in order to pass through gateways onto the next phase. (See series and feature.)
Team-Teaching.Intrinsic Schools has two Chicago high schools that feature big integrated team-taught blocks in open pods with three teachers and 60 students who rotate between teacher-led instruction, independent and small-group work, and project-based learning. The Belmont campus is in a cool converted lumber yard and the new campus is in a downtown high-rise. (See feature.)
Design. Nuvu, in Cambridge Massachusetts, is an innovative microschool based on a project-based studio model led by coaches who are leaders in their industry, experts in diverse fields, and passionate thought leaders. The independent school is developing a partner network through a fellowship program.
Leadership.Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders serves 800 girls in grades 6–12 in Austin, Texas. The focus is on leadership, college readiness and STEM. Sophomores do a big project, juniors participate in an internship, seniors conduct a capstone project. All graduates attend college, most in STEM fields.
Community Center.Gary Comer College Prep and Gary Comer Middle School are part of the 18 school college prep focused Noble Network. They share a campus with Comer Youth Center and together they offer extended learning opportunities and youth and family supports. Campus and rooftop gardens support an urban agriculture program. (See feature.)
Competency. Del Lago Academy, Escondido USD in north San Diego County, is a health sciences focused school featuring interdisciplinary projects. Business partners help define competencies and assess student work. To assess what students were doing throughout the scientific process they created Competency X, a badging system. (See tenth grade example, feature, op-ed, and podcast.)
Real-World Focus.Energy Institute High School in Houston is creating opportunities for students to engage with engineers and business leaders in the field of energy through high-quality project-based learning. (See feature.)
Design Thinking. Freshman atLEAD Innovation Studio in the Park Hill School District , north of Kansas City, learn design thinking and develop leadership skills. A new facility for the 2020-21 school years was designed to support collaborative, project based learning and display student work. (See feature and video of new facility.)
Network for Good.DaVinci Schools is a network of seven innovative Los Angeles schools including three campus schools just south of LAX. DaVinci Communication, Design, and Science are all good examples of personalized and project based learning. Each school has three career pathways rich with professions-based learning.
The DaVinci network also includes Connect (mentioned above) and XQ grantee RISE High, a unique three campus school helping youth navigate foster care, housing instability, probation and other complex challenges .
Playlists & Projects.Summit Everestin Redwood City is the flagship high school of Summit Public Schools (@SummitPS), a network of 16 schools in California and Washington. Through a nonprofit affiliate, nearly 400 schools use the Summit Learning platform which serves up individualized skill-building playlists and challenging projects. A student dashboard helps learners monitor progress and builds self-direction. (See podcast with founder Diane Tavenner.)
Coding.Washington Leadership Academy “graduate graduates are college-ready, have career-ready tech skills, and lead change in their communities and the world.” The DC school in an old seminary requires four years of computer science. (See feature and XQ profile.)
Art.Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA), opened in 2001, is a great example of city-as-campus with theaters, museums, and a university as partners. Adjunct performers and artists support depth and application (See feature and feature.)
Zoo.Science and Math Institute (SAMI) at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma is a great STEM school with built in zoo internships and outdoor science. They collaborate with SOTA (above) on academic and extracurricular opportunities. (See feature and feature.)
Library.e3 Civic High is located in San Diego’s high rise downtown library. Students learn through a mixture of self-paced online instruction, teacher or student-led small-group instruction, direct instruction, and problem-based and project-based work. They benefit from strong supports and extended learning opportunities.
Challenge.NYC iSchool combines core experiences (literature seminars, writing workshops, and scientific thinking and laboratory experiences), challenge-based modules (nine-week interdisciplinary courses developed around real-world challenges), online learning and advisory in support of core values of innovation, individualization and personalization, and metacognitive skill development. Students choose an Area of Focus as a junior and it guides course taking and a Senior Project.
Expeditions. Casco Bay High School in Portland, Maine is an EL Education school which keeps the school’s goals “clear, ambitious and essential.” Casco juniors engage in a long-term interdisciplinary project that results in demonstration of learning. (See 4 part series.)
Gradual release. Huntley High School,northwest of Chicago, features a blended learning program where teachers set the number of days in class needed from week to week depending on how the class is doing, or how individual students are progressing. Students can study in the HUB in individual or team spaces. (See feature and podcast with Superintendent Scott Rowe.)
Alternative.Eagle Rock in Estes Park, Colorado, is an initiative of American Honda, is both an alternative residential high school and a professional development center for educators–and a beautiful place to visit. (See podcast.)
Competency-Based. Building 21 operates public high schools in Philadelphia and Allentown and has four network affiliate schools. The personalized learning model (below) features problem-based learning, real work experiences, and competency-based assessments. (See 2020 feature, 2018 feature, and 2018 description.)
Art+. While in Boston, visit Boston Arts Academy which creates great art learning and exhibition opportunities with the Professional Arts Consortium and other community partners. It cohabitates with Fenway High, another great small school.
Alt Mashup. Boston Day and Evening Academy has proficiency-based pathways that allow students to progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than seat time. Students benefit from wraparound services, digital tools that help create a personalized approach, and a school open 12 hours a day. Self-paced alternative ed meets adventure-based leadership training meets blended learning. (See feature.)
Early College.Bard College at Simon’s Rock is “a small, selective, supportive, intensive college of the liberal arts and sciences in the middle of the Berkshires.” Students enroll after 10th or 11th grade. Simon’s Rock was the basis for the seven school Bard Early College network, where students can leave high school with an Associate’s Degree and an leader in the early college movement.
Service. Sconzo Early College High School in Humble ISD (north of Houston) has a great student-led service learning program. About 40% of graduates (many first generation college goers) earn at least one year of college credit and 25% leave with a high school diploma and an AA degree. (See podcast.)
Micro Kickstart. Kettle Moraine School District west of Milwaukee kickstarted its transformation by developing three small schools inside a comprehensive high school: KM Perform with a performing arts focus, KM Global, a global studies school, followed by the School of Health Sciences. A remodeled facility created collaborative learning spaces that better support personalized learning in the academies and the comprehensive school. (See 2020 podcast and 2018 feature.)
Tech Jobs.IBM launched the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) in Brooklyn in 2011 in partnership with CUNY and City Tech. The model combines early college and tech work experience and has been replicated to more than 200 innovative schools with more than 600 industry partners. Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy in Chicago is a good example (See 2021 podcast and 2017 feature).
Work Study. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago anchors the 37 school network of Catholic schools. Students take a full college prep course load and work one day each week in a Corporate Work Study Program to fund the majority of their tuition. Initiated out of financial desperation, the work study builds valuable success skills and work experience.
Advanced Manufacturing.RAMTEC in Marion, Ohio (an hour northwest of Columbus) at Tri-Rivers Career Center runs career and technical high school programs in advanced manufacturing, engineering technologies and welding. Through corporate partnerships, RAMTEC is able to offer high school students, community college students and adult workers some of the most current job training in the country. With a state grant, RAMTEC developed a network of 23 sites around Ohio .(See feature.)
Career High. Dubiski Career High in Grand Prairie ISD (between Dallas and Ft Worth) offers 15 career pathways in three academies: business and communications, health science and engineering, and human services and transportation. Most of the students have internships and more than half of these are with organizations outside of Grand Prairie. The school provides transportation to the internships, while also providing six on-site enterprises. (See feature.)
Finance.Southwest Miami High Academy of Finance, a member of the NAF network, has a 17-year track record of business partnerships that support student work experiences. The problem-based curriculum prepares students for careers in finance and includes dual enrollment courses.
Hospitality.Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Academy of Hospitality & Tourism in North Miami is also an NAF academy. Every student completes a 150-hour internship between their Junior and Senior years. The school has a productive dual enrollment relationship with the adjacent Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism at Florida International University.
Miami-Dade offers 58 NAF academies in the five career themes of Engineering, Finance, Health Science, Hospitality & Tourism and Information Technology. (See feature on NAF.)
Design. Design Tech High School (d.tech) on the Oracle campus blends design thinking with a focus on success skills to help students forge an identity that will help them as students, professionals, and citizens. (See podcast tour.)
Learner Centered Portfolio. Latitude High School has intentionally designed their offerings, schedule, and curriculum around a thorough set of competencies. Students develop and refine these competencies through community-engaged project-based learning, and graduate with a portfolio of accomplishments and work products to back up their learning.
Competencies that Matter. Purdue Polytechnic High School, created in partnership with Purdue University, awards credit based on student attainment of competencies. The school’s schedule is organized around 6-week project cycles in which teachers “pitch” projects and students are able to select projects based on their interests and needed competencies. The school’s agreement with the University means that all students are able to graduate credit toward Purdue University, and almost all do. (See feature.)
Community Connected. Students at Crosstown High spend most of their school day on the fourth and fifth floor of Crosstown Concourse, a million-square-foot renovated Sears office and distribution center opened in 2017 just east of downtown Memphis. The building is home to health providers, universities, theaters, businesses and retailers that support Crosstown projects and internships. Learners at the XQ grantee school progress on 12 competencies. (See feature and XQ profile.)
Humanities. Humanities Preparatory Academy is one of hundreds of new small coherent high schools formed in New York City in the last decade. Launched in 1997 with support from New Visions for Public Schools, the Humanities Prep team embraced a mission “to provide a philosophical and practical education for all students, an education that features creativity and inquiry, encourages habitual reading and productivity, as well as self-reflection and original thought.” As a democratic community, they strive to exemplify the values of democracy: mutual respect, cooperation, empathy, the love of humankind, justice for all, and service to the world. It’s also a member of the New York Performance Standards Consortium.
ELL.Bronx International High School, opened in 2004 as part of the NYC small schools initiative, was the fourth school in the Internationals Network for Public Schools which serves immigrant youth new to English. The network of 18 schools integrates language development and academic content while building student and family capacity for integration into American society. (See feature.)
Young Men of Color. EPIC North is one of three New York City schools opened in 2014 as a result of the Open Society sponsored Expanded Success Initiative designed to make sure that young men of color will thrive. As the EPIC Playbook describes, it combines competency education with youth development, cultural relevance and high engagement learning. (See feature.)
Essential. Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, west of Boston, has been in the vanguard of progressive, student-centered public education for over twenty years. It’s based on the beautiful design principles from the Coalition of Essential Schools including “learning to use one’s mind well, less is more, goals apply to all, personalization, student as worker, demonstration of master, tone of decency, and democracy and equity. (See Springpoint profile.)
Flexibility. iLEAD Academy is a small blended and project-based high school with career connections and college credit opportunities. It’s located in a converted strip center an hour north of Louisville. (See feature and podcast.)
Coding.Phoenix Coding Academy, part of Phoenix Union High School District, focuses on computer coding and multiple technology pathways through an inquiry-based instructional design. Students address big problems and learn how to use computation as part of the solution.
Urban. Urban Academy Laboratory High School uses performance-based assessment tasks as graduation requirements. The school was a founding member of the New York Performance Standards Consortium that share a rich performance assessment system. It was approved as an alternative to state tests by the Board of Regents in 1995 and reaffirmed in 2008 when additional schools were added (see feature). Founder Ann Cook negotiated an early and nationally visible co-location of six schools at the Julia Richmond Education. Cook also co-founded the NY State Standards Performance Consortium. (See our feature.)
Hip Hop High.High School for Recording Arts, a public school in St. Paul, pioneered the concept of connecting with at-risk students through music and related businesses. It helps young people develop agency and change-making skills to tackle real-world problems. For the full backstory, see Hip Hop Genius : Remixing High School Education by Sam Seidel (at Stanford d.school) and check out the facility designed by Fielding International.
K-12 Schools and Systems
Multiple model university high school partnerships: ASU Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, AZ is a multi-modal network of public charter schools that offers a range of options from on-site to full virtual through ASU Prep Digital. With options of hybrid microschools located on the campus of ASU, students begin their college journey during high school. Additional options are available through a partnership with Khan Academy via the virtual Khan World School.
Show & Tell. High Tech High has 16 schools on four campuses in San Diego County. They are all world class examples of integrated project-based learning and spectacular student art.
PBL District.Winton Woods City Schools, in northern Cincinnati, serves students living in poverty. With support from a state-level innovation grant, the district adopted the team taught project-based approach from the New Tech Network. (See Winton Woods feature and El Paso feature.)
Equity & PBL. iLEAD is a Southern California network where students are learners and teachers are facilitators. They focus on high quality project-based learning and recently have doubled down on racial inequality. (See PBL feature and feature on fighting inequity.)
Progressive. Harlem Village Academies is a progressive PK-12 public charter school network that creates learning experiences that inspire and require the highest levels of intellectual sophistication.
Hero’s Journey. Acton Academy is a student-centered K-12 microschool in Austin that spurred more than 200 global replications. The promise is that through Socratic dialogs and experiential learning, each member of the Acton community will begin a Hero’s Journey and discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery. Learners take on real world projects and life changing apprenticeships. (See feature and podcast.)
Real World Learning.Crossroads Preparatory Academy is a Kansas City high school featuring project-based learning, internships and service learning. It is fed by two K-8 that value authentic learning and have a creative culture. The Crossroads system is a leader in the Kauffman Foundation sponsored Real World Learning initiative.
Interest-Based Learning. Minnesota New Country School opened a teacher-powered learner-centered secondary school west of Minneapolis in 1994 with the goal of leveraging the power of purposeful relationships, community, student-led project-based learning, and experiential education. An elementary school was added in 2013. MNCS spurred development of the Edvisions network of small teacher-led schools featuring self-directed project-based learning and authentic assessment.
World Class Focus.Northern Cass School District believes every learner can change the world and is committed to providing a “world class education.” This work led to collective commitments that shape all systemic design and budget decisions. Their emphasis on relationships helps to drive continuous improvement, strong instructional practice, self-reflection, and playing off personal strengths.
Eastbay Maker.Lighthouse Community Charter School, a diverse K-12 community, is fast becoming Oakland’s leader in Maker Education through the great work of their Creativity Lab. They believe “young people have the potential to become lifelong changemakers who realize their unique vision — rooted in their identity, knowledge, and skills — to create equity in their own lives and in the community, leading to a healthier, more joyful world.”
Liberal Arts. Renaissance Academy is a K-12 public charter school in Phoenixville, 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Co-located with several businesses and educational service providers in a mixed-use factory redevelopment known as Franklin Commons, it serves 1,060 students. The longer day and year support a strong advisory program, AP and dual enrollment courses, and service learning. (See feature.)
Tutoring. Match Schools in Boston serves 1,250 students on three campuses with daily individual and small group tutoring for every student and an extended day. The schools are also supported by The Charles Sposato Graduate School.
College Completion.University Academy in Kansas City sends all of its graduates to four-year universities—and is working to ensure that they all graduate. The top performing Missouri school features international travel, drama, music, debate and strong extracurriculars. (See case study and podcast.)
Statewide.Virtual Learning Academy (VLACS) is New Hampshire’s competency-based online school with 30,000 course enrollments. Founded in 2007, it has served predominantly part time high school learners with a variety of courses, projects, and experiences that develop and demonstrate more than 300 competencies (see learning catalog). Funding is based on mastery rather than time. VLACS added Added elementary services in 2020.
Professions-based Learning. The Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), south of Kansas City, takes an innovative business-partnership approach to giving its students professional and business skills that help them succeed in a range of industries. A national affiliate program, CAPS Network, has grown to about 75 school districts. (See podcast and feature.)
High Tech Learning. Summit Technology Academy is a half-day program in Lee’s Summit, southeast of Kansas City. It shares a state of the art facility on the Missouri Innovation Campus with the University of Central Missouri. It offers tech and health pathways with college credit and real world learning opportunities.
Community Connected Projects.Iowa BIG students from four partner school districts to two Cedar Rapids locations for a half-day program where students learn core academics and 21st century skills through authentic projects connected to community partners. (See podcast and feature.)
International Schools
Low Cost Private. Inspired in 2012 by visits to American school networks, two MBA students launchedSPARK Schools and developed 17 schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town featuring blended and extended learning and design thinking.
Dual Immersion.La Paz Community School is a PK-12 school that focuses on place-based education, culturally responsive curriculum and dual immersion on two campuses in northwest Costa Rica.
Active Learning.Singapore American School. A great school takes a “culture of excellence, possibility and extraordinary care,” said former superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball–and SAS is one of a handful of schools that does all three well. Through school visits and PLCs, the 4000 student school was transformed from a school with great test scores to a place that is preparing great people. (See case study, a feature on facilities, and podcast.)
Green. The Green School in Bali combines a rigorous K-12 core curriculum with hands-on experiential learning within a Green Studies curriculum and a Creative Arts curriculum. Check out the spectacular bamboo architecture. It’s a boarding school, so you could send the kids and visit a couple times a year.
Student-Centered Design. The American School of Paris features design studios and projects in 1:1 classrooms that promote creativity, innovation and connected learning.The leadership team is adopting broader measures of success, supporting more student-centered learning experiences, and striving to make the campus even more inclusive. (See feature and podcast.)
A teacher’s response to learning about artificial intelligence is comparable to a child’s face after eating ice cream, bulging eyes and happy smiles. “We’re like the happy cheerleaders for AI,” said Janel White-Taylor, clinical professor at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
From K–12 classrooms to university lecture halls, artificial intelligence continues to be tested and Arizona State University is taking a lead in discovering the untold world of AI.
At Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, instructors are formulating a training program that can prepare students who are going to be teachers in a few years to use and understand the technology. In order to teach the students that artificial intelligence is still learning new algorithms, the goal is to identify what it isn’t accomplishing, Jennifer Werner Instructional Designer Senior at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College explained.
Taylor adds that ASU faculty are exploring new methods to incorporate AI into courses, particularly one on problem-solving using digital technology applications, in which students can learn how to write a script or create a piece of artwork using intelligence.
Arizona State University Preparatory Academy partnered with Khan World School, a virtual learning platform teaching grades 6 through 12 virtually at the charter school. The instructors who are apart of this learning environment refer to themselves as guides rather than teachers.
“Their (guides) in a digital environment and are actually facilitating the learning,” Rachna Mathur, the STEM strategist for Arizona State University Preparatory Academy said.
The goal is for instructors to include AI in their classes and begin modifying their lesson plans. Teachers claim that rather than worrying about students cheating, they should be worried about whether their assignments are motivating them.
Taylor gave an illustration of how teachers might revamp their lesson ideas. Instead of merely having a student summarize an article, educate them to request the summary from artificial intelligence. Then, let the student evaluate if the summary was accurate.
“What educators are increasingly seeing is that it is an incredible teaching partner..it can help foster the creative process,” Punya Mishra the Associate Dean of scholarship and innovation and professor at Mary Lou Fulton teachers college said.
AI has advanced to an extent where it is now the new kid on the block within certain workplaces.
Are educators worried about losing their jobs?
Professors expressed that students will always need a human connection in order to fully learn and there is a possibility that artificial intelligence might have a bigger role in lessons.
“A large reason of why we go to school is to learn how to engage and interact with people, learn views, it’s not just about learning math and chemistry,” said Mirsha.
The accepted norm today in education is for kids to learn how to use computers “before” they learn how to compose sentences.
“It’s more of a new relationship with this learning system…its a different type of thinking,” said Mathur.
It can also be a era of going back to basics and having children read books out loud and having a designated writing time, “its all about strategy,” said Taylor.
On the morning of October 12, the world will witness a new era of space exploration as the spacecraft Psyche embarks on its journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission, aimed at exploring a metal-rich asteroid also named Psyche, marks the first deep-space venture led by Arizona State University.
To celebrate this groundbreaking event, ASU Preparatory Academy Phoenix is hosting a launch party, inviting ASU Prep families from all campuses to attend. With doors opening at 7 a.m., attendees can anticipate an exciting morning filled with breakfast, engaging STEM activities, and a recording of previous launches to help set the stage for the Psyche mission launch next week. Special guest speakers include Dr. Carver Bierson, ASU postdoctoral research scholar and Psyche mission expert.
The Psyche spacecraft’s destination, an asteroid that resides between Mars and Jupiter, will take nearly six years and 2.2 billion miles to reach. The study of this metal asteroid could provide invaluable insights into how Earth and other terrestrial planets came into existence.
Stefanie Contreras, ASU Prep Director of Marketing and Communications, is eager to inspire the next generation of explorers who may one day pursue STEM-related education and careers, saying, “By the time the rocket arrives, our current seventh graders could be at ASU, ready to start studying the findings.”
Ms. Contreras hopes students will come dressed in space-themed costumes and accessories created as part of Arizona State University’s statewide Psyche Spirit Week Photo Contest. The prize is a tour of ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration center, including the Mars Space Flight Facility where scientists and researchers are exploring the geology and mineralogy of the Red Planet.
Join us as we celebrate this monumental occasion and inspire the future leaders of space exploration. The themes for the Psyche photo contest can be found on the spirit week contest website. For more information on ways to celebrate the first deep-space NASA mission led by ASU, check out the university’s website.
Selected from nearly 2,000 applications representing 27 million students in grades PreK–12 across all 50 states, ASU Prep Global is proud to be named a 2023 Yass Prize Quarterfinalist, a prestigious recognition from the Yass Foundation for Education, powered by the Center for Education Reform (CER) in partnership with Forbes.
The $1 million Yass Prize, to be announced in December, is considered the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation,” and along with the STOP Awards, will distribute nearly $13 million to the winners.
According to the Yass Foundation for Education, ASU Prep Global stands as one of 64 trailblazing “best in class education providers who can tackle the big education challenges of the day and deliver an education for students that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless.”
Let’s highlight some of the ways ASU Prep Global’s personalized, online education earned this significant honor.
Sustainable education
With Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds, families have the flexibility to choose educational offerings that best meet their learners’ needs. ASU Prep’s Global microschools offer the convenience of online courses plus the benefits of in-person interaction.
Transformational learning
The blend of digital and in-person learning in our microschools offers students ultimate choice in their day. Each learner’s academic journey is supported and guided by passionate teachers and Learning Success Coaches. With immersive and innovative technology, students can explore a living cell in biology class or interact with a museum statue during history.
Outstanding results
ASU Prep Global’s model has proven outstanding, with a 96% retention rate and a 90% overall satisfaction rating in the 2022-2023 school year. Parents are actively engaged in their children’s learning, providing feedback, and supporting their academic journey. Learners have the flexibility to self-pace and blend learning styles, leading to improved engagement and success.
Permissionless innovation
ASU Prep Global microschools can adapt lessons based on student interests and choice. This fluidity fosters an environment where pace, place, and experiences are personalized, not standardized.
Looking to the future
As ASU Prep Global moves forward in the Yass Prize journey, we look forward to engaging in unique conversations with industry experts and advocating for change. We are excited to continue fueling new pathways that enable more students to access our offerings and transform their educational journeys.
US News & World Report accolade joins university’s series of top rankings in areas that matter
For the ninth year in a row, Arizona State University is No. 1 in innovation among American universities, ahead of Stanford, MIT and Caltech, in the newly released annual “Best Colleges” 2024 rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
The continued recognition underscores ASU’s commitment to being a New American University — an enterprise dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact — and joins a series of top rankings that ASU has earned in high-impact areas.
In the past three years, ASU has been named:
No. 1 in global impact, by Times Higher Education (2020–23), ahead of MIT and Penn State.
No. 1 in research expenditures for geological and earth sciences, anthropology, and transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and other sciences, by the National Science Foundation (2021), ahead of such universities as Caltech, Harvard and Johns Hopkins, respectively.
No. 1 in engineering technology enrollment, by the American Society for Engineering Education (2021), ahead of Texas A&M, the Rochester Institute of Technology and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
No. 1 journalism school in top overall awards for news, by the Broadcast Education Association (2023), ahead of Syracuse, the University of Florida and the University of Southern California.
No. 1 in visual and performing arts doctorates, by the National Science Foundation (2022), ahead of UCLA, Harvard and Yale.
No. 1 public university in the U.S. chosen by international students, by the Institute of International Education (2022), ahead of UCLA, UC Berkeley and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
No. 1 in homeland security and emergency management, by U.S. News & World Report (2023), ahead of George Washington University, Columbia University and the University of Southern California.
No. 1 business online bachelor’s programs, by U.S. News & World Report (2023), ahead of Penn State University-World Campus and the University of Arizona.
“The world is changing faster than ever, and outmoded approaches are not enough to counter the increasingly complex problems facing our planet,” said Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow. “ASU’s innovation mindset attracts creative and dynamic minds who tackle society’s biggest challenges — from ending health disparities to ensuring a habitable planet to advancing our national security — in ways both inventive and effective.
“Bolstered by collaboration across disciplines and sectors, we are perpetually inspired to demonstrate how optimism and ingenuity can yield better outcomes for all.”
ASU has ranked No. 1, ahead of MIT and Stanford, every year since the “most innovative” category was created by U.S. News & World Report magazine. Institutions are nominated by college presidents, provosts and admissions deans across the country, and schools are chosen based on who is making the most innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.
In the past year, ASU has announced several initiatives that will have a huge impact on the local and global stage:
The university will launch the ASU School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, which will integrate clinical medicine, biomedical science and engineering. The new school highlights a comprehensive new effort to help improve health outcomes across Arizona, which ranks near or in the bottom quartile of many health system performance indicators.
In partnership with Applied Materials Inc., ASU will build a $270 million research, development and prototyping facility — the Materials-to-Fab Center — in the university’s MacroTechnology Works building at ASU Research Park. This effort will help advance Arizona’s burgeoning semiconductor industry, key to the nation’s security.
ASU won $90.8 million — the largest National Science Foundation research award in the university’s history — to advance groundbreaking research in X-ray science by building the world’s first compact X-ray free electron laser, or CXFEL, on the Tempe campus. This one-of-a-kind, room-sized X-ray laser instrument will fill a critical need for researchers to explore the intricacies of complex matter at atomic length and ultrafast time.
The university was chosen to lead the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative to provide immediate, actionable and evidence-based solutions to ensure that Arizona will have a secure future water supply. The governor has asked ASU to work with industrial, municipal, agricultural, tribal and international partners to rapidly accelerate and deploy new approaches and technology for water conservation, augmentation, desalination, efficiency, infrastructure and reuse.
ASU has widened access to higher education through Study Hall, a partnership with YouTube and Crash Course in which learners can now earn college credit through courses that begin on YouTube. The first four courses, which launched in March, create a flexible new pathway to higher education that provides up to 12 transferable college credits.
Latest rankings
In the new U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university placed in the top 20 in other notable categories, including tied for No. 13 among U.S. universities in undergraduate teaching; tied No. 16 for senior capstone programs; and tied for No. 16 for first-year experiences.
ASU also had distinguished rankings among several of its undergraduate degrees and programs including:
Business
For undergraduate rankings, the W. P. Carey School of Business was tied for No. 29 in the country, ahead of Brigham Young University, Babson College and the University of Rochester. The school also had 10 undergraduate disciplines or departments ranked in the top 30, including: No. 2 for supply chain management and logistics; No. 9 for analytics and No. 9 for business management information systems.
Engineering
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering tied for No. 34 overall and placed in the top 20 for public engineering schools, ahead of the University of Florida, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of California, Irvine. Four undergraduate programs ranked in the top 20 for their categories: civil engineering (No. 16), cybersecurity — computer science (No. 16, tied), computer engineering (No. 16, tied) and electrical engineering (No. 17, tied).
Education
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College ranked in the top 20 for two undergraduate programs: elementary teacher education and secondary teacher education, which both ranked No. 13.
September 11, 2001 is a day that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of Americans. It was the day when the nation was attacked by terrorists, leaving thousands dead and countless more injured. This tragic event gave rise to Patriot Day, a day of remembrance to recognize the selfless heroes who sacrificed their lives. On this day, we pay tribute to the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who died in the line of duty, as well as the innocent civilians who lost their lives.
Patriot Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by President George W. Bush in 2002, a year after the attacks. The day serves as a reminder of the resilience of our nation and the courage of those who fought to defend it. We honor the heroes who rushed into harm’s way to save the lives of others, and we recommit ourselves to the values that make this country great – including democracy, freedom, and justice.
It’s important to remember that Patriot Day is about coming together as a community to honor those who have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe. While it may be challenging to explain the events of 9/11 to our children, it’s important to make sure they understand the significance of this day in a way that is both age-appropriate and respectful.
Meaningful and inclusive ways to commemorate Patriot Day with kids:
Learn Together: Take the time to research and learn about what happened on 9/11 as a family. Use age-appropriate materials to explain the events and the impact on our country. Make sure to have conversations that allow for questions and emotions. Even young children can learn about empathy and compassion for others.
Make Art: Art can be a powerful way to process emotions and commemorate important events. Children can create a drawing, poem, or letter that reflects the theme of courage, resilience, or hope.
Participate in Service: Honor Patriot Day with an act of kindness. Volunteer as a family at a charity or nonprofit that serves others in honor of those who lost their lives during the attacks. Participating in service will allow you to honor the sacrifices made and also teach children the importance of giving back to their community.
Have a Moment of Silence: Explain to children the United States flag is flown at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11. You can also observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. – the time when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center – as an appropriate way to show respect.
Participate in a Walk or Run: Community walks and runs have become a popular way to pay tribute to 9/11 victims, survivors, and first responders. Many cities host their own 9/11 memorial events, which provide a space for individuals and families to come together.
By participating in these remembrance activities, families can help their children express their emotions, connect with their community, and commemorate this important day. Let us come together, remember together, and honor together.
Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This observance appreciates the history, heritage, and immeasurable contributions of citizens who trace their roots to Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The origins of Hispanic Heritage Month trace back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. With a growing recognition of the Latin community’s contributions to American society, President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated the observance of Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Later, under President Ronald Reagan, the celebration was extended to a month-long commemoration.
The start date of September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Additionally, Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, 18, and 21. Dia de la Raza, a day to celebrate Indigenous American and Spanish heritage, also falls within Hispanic Heritage Month.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with activities as diverse and vibrant as the community itself:
Food: Stop by a local bakery, market, or restaurant to explore unique ingredients and spices used in authentic Hispanic and Latino culinary dishes. Try out a new recipe at home, like savory paella or sweet tres leches cake.
Art and Literature: Visit the library or access online resources to experience the works of Hispanic artists like Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Diego Velazquez, and Francisco Goya. Also, delve into books by Hispanic and Latino authors — many libraries will have dedicated displays and book lists, or watch recorded “story times” available on YouTube in English and Spanish.
Movies: Kid-friendly movies exploring Hispanic and Latino culture, like “The Book of Life,” “Encanto,” “Coco,” “Chupa,” and “Vivo,” offer fun, educational entertainment. There are also many television documentaries highlighting Hispanic and Latino culture and history.
Music and Dance: Introduce your child to the vibrancy of Latino dance styles. Learn the basic steps of salsa dancing or get moving to cumbias.
Celebrations: Host a fiesta that includes the ideas above, plus decorations like a piñata or papel picado, beautiful and colorful banners cut with intricate designs. Play games like Lotería (a lottery game similar to Bingo) or a bilingual memory card game.
Virtual Tours: Visit the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Latino online to explore the contributions of Latino communities. Then, take virtual tours of amazing places like Mexico’s Mayan Pyramids, the Galápagos Islands, or the Panama Jungle.
Festivals: Enjoy a local event that offers live music, dancing, art displays, and food vendors.
Online: Expand your social media community by following and supporting Hispanic and Latino artists and activists. Consider adding a social media bio or email signature that recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Support: Strengthen the Hispanic community by donating or volunteering time to Hispanic and cultural institutions or charities.
Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration of culture and history. It’s a recognition of the enduring contributions of a diverse and vibrant community that has shaped the American landscape in countless ways. Let’s embrace and honor this rich heritage, not just for a month, but throughout the year.
We are shining a spotlight on two remarkable individuals who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to ASU Prep. Allow us to introduce Eric Roth, math marvel and esteemed 2023 Teacher of the Year, and Allison Voltaire, exemplary elementary principal and 2023 Staff Member of the Year. They both embody the spirit of excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student success that defines ASU Prep.
Meet Teacher of the Year: Eric Roth
In the realm of education, there are teachers who leave an indelible mark on their students and inspire them to reach for the stars. Eric Roth, a middle school math teacher at ASU Prep Digital, is one such educator. Since joining the ASU Prep team in the fall of 2020, Mr. Roth has made a profound impact on his students and the school community, earning him the well-deserved title of Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Roth explains what led him to a career in teaching math. “My parents and grandparents always told me if I set my mind to it, I could accomplish anything. I also had several professors during my undergraduate program that supported me. What better way to give back then do the same for others.” Prior to joining ASU Prep Digital, Mr. Roth dedicated more than a decade to teaching math at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Arizona. During these years, he also demonstrated impressive versatility and commitment by working as a special education teacher for pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade during the summer, and grades 9–12 during the school year.
What sets Mr. Roth apart is his meticulous attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and his innate ability to make each student feel special. He creates a welcoming classroom environment where every student is valued and encouraged to strive for academic and personal growth. His knack for pinpointing each student’s strengths and providing any necessary support has had a positive impact on their overall success. He instills confidence in his students, showing them that they are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to. Mr. Roth says, “Acknowledging the small things students do add up: participating in the live lessons, attending help sessions just to say hello, or sending me a text message to let me know what is going on in their lives. Pointing out these behaviors and thanking students for doing such things helps build a rapport with them.”
Mr. Roth appreciates the opportunity to interact with students from different parts of the state, country, and even the world. This diverse interaction is something he cherishes, as it gives him the opportunity to facilitate learning among students from various backgrounds.
Another aspect he enjoys is seeing students lift one another up. “There are many times during a live lesson or help session that students compliment each other. Whether it be a new haircut, a shirt they are wearing, or an answer they gave to a question, these are the moments that I enjoy most and I make it a point to show how proud I am when these behaviors are displayed. The care and concern they have for each other really displays how awesome our middle school marvels are.”
Mr. Roth’s hero, Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman revered for helping many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust, reflects his own values of selflessness, service, and faith.
An Ohio native, currently residing in Flagstaff, Mr. Roth spends his free time embracing the beautiful terrain and scenery of Northern Arizona. He enjoys biking, running, and hiking. Mr. Roth’s well-rounded character and dedication have rightfully earned him the title of ASU Prep’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.
Meet Staff Member of the Year: Allison Voltaire
Allison Voltaire, ASU Prep Digital Elementary Principal, began her teaching journey as a 6th grade teacher before transitioning to virtual roles in middle school math, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade. Her passion for leadership led her to earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and another in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology for Educators, and ultimately to ASU Prep in 2020.
Living on the Space Coast of Florida with her husband and two children, Ms. Voltaire manages her role virtually, valuing each interaction with ASU Prep stakeholders as an opportunity to reinforce her commitment to the school community. At the heart of Ms. Voltaire’s leadership approach is communication and teamwork. She explains, “We call this the tripod effect when a student, parent or home educator, and the teacher/Learning Success Coach work together as an academic team to support each student.” This approach centers the student and fosters engagement, motivation, and dedication within the school community, creating a vibrant learning environment.
Ms. Voltaire’s vision aligns with ASU Prep Academy’s promise to help students “Prep for college. Prep for careers. Prep for life.” She prioritizes academic excellence alongside the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and socialization skills. Embracing the digital nature of the school, she equips students with digital literacy and technology fluency, enabling them to confidently navigate digital tools and platforms for effective learning.
By fostering a personalized learning environment, Ms. Voltaire encourages students to take ownership of their education, setting goals, and embracing self-directed learning. She also aims to cultivate global awareness and cultural competence, preparing students to become responsible global citizens. “By appreciating diversity, demonstrating empathy, and understanding different cultures, our students will be better prepared to become responsible global citizens, making positive contributions to the world.”
Ms. Voltaire shares, “My ultimate goal is for our students to develop a lifelong love for learning, extending well beyond their time at ASU Prep Digital. By fostering this love for learning, I hope to nurture individuals who are eager to explore new ideas, pursue knowledge, and continue growing throughout their lives.”
Reflecting on her time at ASU Prep Digital, Ms. Voltaire recalls the second year of the elementary school as a defining moment. This was when perceptions shifted post-Covid pandemic, and ASU Prep Digital was recognized not as a mere fill-in option, but as a truly extraordinary digital school offering unparalleled opportunities for personalized learning. This shift embodies the mission of the school and reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire community.
As the 2023 Staff Member of the Year, Ms. Voltaire extends her heartfelt gratitude to the school community for their unwavering commitment to shared vision. Honored to be part of this remarkable journey, she looks forward to continuing the path of excellence and innovation at ASU Prep.
Thank you Eric Roth and Allison Voltaire for your exceptional service. From all of us at ASU Prep, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and countless achievements.
Picture a cozy nook as you immerse yourself in the pages of a captivating story. Welcome to the enchanting realm of Book Lovers Day, a celebration of literature and the transformative power of reading, recognized on August 9.
Studies have shown reading is not just a source of entertainment but also a gateway to numerous health benefits. As you embark on literary adventures, you simultaneously stimulate your mind, improve memory retention, reduce stress levels, and even enhance your social skills. It’s like a workout for your brain, leaving you feeling refreshed, inspired, and intellectually invigorated.
What better way for bibliophiles around the world to celebrate Book Lovers Day than to share in new authors, different genres, and a love for books with fellow enthusiasts? Recently, ASU Prep staff and students shared their favorite literary treasures. Let’s take a look at their recommendations.
Student Recommendations
Or Give me Death by Ann Rinaldi, historical fiction, is a Revolutionary War tale about Patrick Henry’s family as told by his daughters about their mother Sarah, who is locked in a cellar due to her mental illness.
Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton, contemporary young adult, is the tale of two mismatched classmates on a mission to make their high school a little less awful.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garica, gothic horror, is set in glamorous 1950s Mexico and follows a young woman investigating her cousin’s claims that her husband is trying to murder her.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, young adult mystery, is a series about an investigation turned obsession when a student re-examines the closed case of a murdered schoolgirl.
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean, young adult fiction, tells the story of a Japanese American girl discovering her father’s true identity—the Crown Prince of Japan—and being caught between two worlds.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, fantasy fiction, is a two-book series following the Shadow and Bone trilogy that tells the story of a criminal prodigy and his crew on an impossible heist.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, young adult romance, is a trilogy that follows Belly’s most memorable summers, growing up and falling in love.
Some notable reliables that were also recommended by students include the fantasy series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as coming-of-age classics Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
Staff Recommendations
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, nonfiction, combines commentary on product design and the principles of cognitive psychology.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams, memoir, is an engaging and funny recounting of the author’s journey to the historic site.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, historical fiction, recounts the lives of two half sisters, one living in a castle, and the other sold into slavery and imprisoned in that same castle.
Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick, biography, tells the story of legendary musician Elvis Presely like never before.
The Human Target by Tom King & Greg Smallwood, detective story, follows the mystery of who is out to murder DC Comics villain Lex Luthor.
Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr., nonfiction, delves into the life of a reclusive heiress, tracing her family’s immense wealth from the Gilded Age opulence to a twenty-first-century legal battle over inheritance.
Many staff members recommended nonfiction instructional books including: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini, Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, and Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Tawwa.
Contemporary fiction novels often seen on book club lists were also common suggestions, including This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. His and Hers by Alice Feeney was recommended and may lead to reading more of her popular thrillers. The same is true for The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, which may turn readers into superfans of her many bestselling books.
Celebrate Book Lovers Day
Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or enlightening nonfiction, there’s always something new to discover in the pages of a good book. Join ASU Prep in celebrating Book Lovers Day by checking out one of these recommendations or sharing your own recommendation with our ASU Prep community on Instagram using #ASUPrepReads. Remember, every book you haven’t read is a new adventure waiting for you.
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