{"id":815,"date":"2023-10-05T16:29:07","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T16:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asuprep.asu.edu\/poly-stem-elementary\/?p=815"},"modified":"2025-04-23T20:23:58","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T20:23:58","slug":"schools-worth-visiting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asuprep.asu.edu\/poly-stem-elementary\/news\/schools-worth-visiting\/","title":{"rendered":"Schools Worth Visiting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published on Getting Smart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For many years (at least until 2020), we visited about 100 innovative schools a year. It\u2019s the most important form of professional learning we do for ourselves and for the educators that accompany us. It\u2019s how we create and update a shared vision of powerful learning.<\/p>\n

This page features some of the most innovative schools that exhibit best practices \u2014 schools that, on one or more dimensions, illustrate the path forward. We most appreciate practices, supports and environments that promote deep engagement. We\u2019re most interested in schools that serve historically marginalized groups \u2014 or whose practices have the potential to promote equality 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.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to visit schools (physically or virtually) contact\u00a0Jessica. If there is an innovative school that we should know about, send information to\u00a0Info.<\/p>\n

Elementary (K-6)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Horace<\/p>\n

Classic Rehab.\u00a0<\/strong>Horace Mann Elementary School<\/a>,<\/strong> in northwest Washington D.C., is a joy-filled student-centered personalized learning environment serving a multicultural student body. The new and modernized historical facility reflects thoughtful programmatic values: Collaboration and Connection, Sustainability and Stewardship, and Choice and Invention. (See podcast<\/a>\u00a0with principal Elizabeth Whisnant.)<\/p>\n

Project-Based.<\/strong>\u00a0Epic Elementary School<\/a>,\u00a0Liberty Public Schools<\/a>\u00a0in 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\u00a0feature.)<\/a><\/p>\n

Early Leadership.<\/strong>\u00a0Mukilteo Elementary<\/a>, north of Seattle, makes great use of the\u00a0Leader in Me<\/a>\u00a0program 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\u00a0outdoor classroom<\/a>. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"KM<\/p>\n

Microschool.<\/strong>\u00a0KM Explore<\/a>\u00a0is one of four\u00a0district-sponsored microschools<\/a>\u00a0west 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.<\/p>\n

Mandarin IB.<\/strong>\u00a0Wade King Elementary School<\/a>\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n

K-8 Schools and Paired Elementary & Middle Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Design39\"<\/p>\n

New Model.<\/strong>\u00a0Design39<\/a>,\u00a0Poway School District<\/a>\u00a0in north San Diego County, is a spectacular K-8 school featuring design thinking and personalized learning. Check out\u00a0this podcast episode<\/a>\u00a0with Joe Erpelding, formerly of Design 39 on why this is such a magical school and how they live into their motto: \u201cLife ready thought leaders who elevate humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Team Taught PBL. <\/strong>The 200 school\u00a0New Tech Network\u00a0<\/a>(NTN) includes a growing number of project-based, STEM-focused middle and elementary schools. The movement began in the\u00a0Evergreen School District<\/a>\u00a0in San Jose with\u00a0Katherine Smith Elementary<\/a>, a joyful project-based school with a great student ambassador program. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>).\u00a0Bulldog Tech<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Career Education.<\/strong>\u00a0Cajon Valley USD\u00a0<\/a>in east San Diego County features elementary and secondary schools that feature the\u00a0World of Work<\/a>\u00a0in 54 immersive community-connected experiences that explore career options and conclude in reflection on strengths and interests (see feature<\/a>). They have a great\u00a0middle school career center<\/a>\u00a0developed with the San Diego Workforce Partnership.<\/p>\n

\"Cajon<\/p>\n

Data-Driven.<\/strong>\u00a0Cesar E. Chavez Multicultural Academic Center<\/a>\u00a0is a neighborhood P-8 in Chicago\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Lit Magnet.<\/strong>\u00a0Burley School<\/a>\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n

Personalized Performing Arts CBE<\/strong>.\u00a0Metropolitan Arts Academy<\/a>, part of\u00a0Westminster Public Schools<\/a>\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n

4 Pillars.\u00a0<\/strong>Caliber Beta<\/a>\u00a0opened 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). \u200bStudents participate in computer programming, engineering and robotics classes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Competency.\u00a0<\/strong>Washington Elementary School<\/a>,\u00a0Lindsay Unified School District<\/a>\u00a0in California\u2019s 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\u2013a great example of developing and engaging student agency and social emotional learning. (See\u00a0podcast<\/a>, and\u00a0report<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Montessori.<\/strong>\u00a0Magnolia Montessori for All<\/a> educates the whole child, focuses on leadership, embraces multiculturalism, and welcomes families as partners. The Austin muti-age P-8 charter school is organized in four grade spans.<\/p>\n

Montessori.<\/strong>\u00a0Urban Montessori Charter School<\/a>\u00a0in Oakland combines Montessori\u2019s pedagogy with\u00a0Design Thinking<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Arts Integration<\/a> in a multicultural community.<\/p>\n

In Park.<\/strong>\u00a0Environmental Charter School<\/a>\u00a0at Frick Park in Pittsburgh uses their theme to build systems thinkers, explore complexity and develop problem solving skills in a multidisciplinary, \u201cout-the-door\u201d learning approach that builds active, engaged, and empathetic citizens.<\/p>\n

\"Environmental<\/p>\n

Chinese.<\/strong>\u00a0Mandarin Immersion Magnet School<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Houston<\/a>\u00a0features 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.<\/p>\n

PRIDE.\u00a0<\/strong>Ingenuity Prep<\/a> opened in Southeast Washington, D.C in 2013. It helps PK-8 students develop civic leadership, strong relationships and a supportive community. Their \u201ckid friendly\u201d spell PRIDE: positivity, resilience, integrity, discipline and empathy.<\/p>\n

Competency.<\/strong>\u00a0New Emerson School<\/a>\u00a0is a demonstration site for\u00a0Mesa County Valley School District 51<\/a>, a district\u00a0featured by CompetencyWorks<\/a>\u00a0for their high engagement transition to personalized and competency-based learning.<\/p>\n

\"Bricolage<\/p>\n

Art + Competency.\u00a0<\/strong>Metropolitan Arts Academy<\/a>\u00a0is an Innovation School in\u00a0Westminster Public Schools<\/a>\u00a0north 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\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Innovation.<\/strong>\u00a0Bricolage Academy<\/a> in NOLA is a multicultural, active learning K-8 school focused on creative problem solving. Teachers model design thinking and rapid iteration across the curriculum.<\/p>\n

Homeschool Hybrid.\u00a0<\/strong>DaVinci Connect<\/a>\u00a0is a TK-8 school in Hawthorne, California (profiled here<\/a>) that combines homeschool with two days per week of on-campus project-based and social emotional learning.<\/p>\n

Middle (6-8)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Beacon<\/p>\n

Greenfield Design.<\/strong>\u00a0Achievement First<\/a>\u00a0operates 41 schools in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.\u00a0AF Providence Mayoral Academy<\/a>\u00a0is one of four\u00a0Greenfield Design<\/a>\u00a0middle schools. Students create advisory \u201cDream Teams\u201d for goal setting and support, enjoy enrichment opportunities, and have two-week expeditions in an area of interest every term.<\/p>\n

Turnaround Network.\u00a0<\/strong>Grant-Beacon Middle School<\/a>\u00a0is a transformed middle school in Denver featuring blended learning, character development, critical thinking and extended learning opportunities (featured here<\/a>).\u00a0Kepner-Beacon Middle School<\/a>\u00a0is the second school in the network (featured here<\/a>). Both have great student ambassadors.<\/p>\n

Middle and High Schools (6-12)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Equality for Underserved Learners. <\/strong>Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School<\/a>\u00a0serves low-income students in the heart of Brooklyn\u2019s 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\u00a0Educating All Learners Alliance<\/a>\u00a0and has been a leader in\u00a0pandemic precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Competency.<\/strong>\u00a0Highland Academy<\/a>\u00a0in 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<\/a>).<\/p>\n

STEM Partnerships.<\/strong>\u00a0School of Innovation<\/a>, part of Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools (east of Cleveland), is a 3-8 school (growing to 3-12) in a former corporate training facility.<\/p>\n

\"School<\/p>\n

\"Compass<\/p>\n

Compass Circles.\u00a0<\/strong>Valor Collegiate Academies<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in\u00a0<\/strong>Nashville has two middle schools and a high school powered by\u00a0Compass<\/a>, a human development model that is incorporated into the advisory system and rigorous academics. More than 50 schools have adopted the Compass. (See\u00a0video<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

STEM + Values.\u00a0<\/strong>Denver\u2019s\u00a0DSST<\/a>\u00a0may be the best open access STEM network in the country but it\u2019s also a values-driven organization that incorporates six core values into everything they do. Visit the flagship\u00a0Montview Middle<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0High School.<\/a>\u00a0(See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Language.<\/strong>\u00a0Young Women\u2019s STEAM Research & Preparation Academy<\/a>\u00a0in El Paso is the only dual language girls school in the\u00a0New Tech Network<\/a>\u00a0which is known for team taught project-based learning.<\/p>\n

Museum.<\/strong>\u00a0Grand Rapids Public Museum School<\/a>\u00a0is a partnership between a museum, three colleges, the city, and the school district. The middle school is in a science museum (below) and the\u00a0XQ winning\u00a0<\/a>high school is in a renovated art museum. Both feature design thinking and community connected project-based learning.<\/p>\n

\"Grand<\/p>\n

Learner-Centered.<\/strong>\u00a0Making Community Connections<\/a>\u00a0(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\u00a0series\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Team-Teaching.<\/strong>\u00a0Intrinsic Schools<\/a>\u00a0has 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\u00a0downtown high-rise<\/a>. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Design.\u00a0<\/strong>Nuvu<\/a>, 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 varied fields, and passionate thought leaders. The independent school is developing a partner network through a fellowship program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Nuvu\"<\/p>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Leadership.<\/strong>\u00a0Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders<\/a>\u00a0serves 800 girls in grades 6\u201312 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.<\/p>\n

Women in STEM.<\/strong>\u00a0Young Women\u2019s College Preparatory Academy<\/a>\u00a0opened in 2011 in Houston in partnership with the\u00a0Young Women\u2019s Preparatory Network<\/a>\u00a0(one of eight other similar schools in Texas including Ann Richards School).<\/p>\n

Community Center.<\/strong>\u00a0Gary Comer College Prep<\/a>\u00a0and Gary Comer Middle School are part of the 18 school college prep focused\u00a0Noble Network<\/a>. 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\u00a0urban agriculture program<\/a>. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

High School (9-12)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Internships.\u00a0<\/strong>The\u00a0Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center<\/a>\u00a0(Met) was founded in Providence in 1996 by Dennis Littky and Elliot Washor with the goal of teaching\u00a0one kid at a time<\/a>. Today the Met is six small Rhode Island public high schools and flagship of the\u00a0Big Picture Learning<\/a>\u00a0network, a leader in internships, individual learning plans, and advisory systems. (See\u00a0history<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0feature<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Early College + Internships.\u00a0<\/strong>San Diego Met\u00a0<\/a>on the campus of\u00a0San Diego Mesa College<\/a>\u00a0is a\u00a0San Diego USD<\/a>\u00a0high school and member of the\u00a0Big Picture Learning<\/a>\u00a0network. Learners take college classes three days a week and conduct internships two days a week.<\/p>\n

Competency.\u00a0<\/strong>Del Lago Academy<\/a>,\u00a0Escondido USD<\/a>\u00a0in 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\u00a0Competency X<\/a>, a badging system. (See\u00a0tenth grade example<\/a>,\u00a0feature<\/a>,\u00a0op-ed<\/a>, and\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Del<\/p>\n

Real-World Focus.<\/strong>\u00a0Energy Institute High School<\/a>\u00a0in 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\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Design Thinking.\u00a0<\/strong>Freshman at\u00a0<\/strong>LEAD Innovation Studio<\/a>\u00a0in the\u00a0Park Hill School District<\/a>\u00a0, 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\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0video<\/a>\u00a0of new facility.)<\/p>\n

Network for Good.<\/strong>\u00a0DaVinci Schools<\/a>\u00a0is a network of seven innovative Los Angeles schools including three campus schools just south of LAX. DaVinci\u00a0Communication<\/a>,\u00a0Design<\/a>, and\u00a0Science<\/a>\u00a0are all good examples of personalized and project based learning. Each school has three career pathways rich with professions-based learning.<\/p>\n

The DaVinci network also includes Connect (mentioned above) and XQ grantee\u00a0RISE High<\/a>,<\/a>\u00a0a unique three campus school helping youth navigate foster care, housing instability, probation and other complex challenges .<\/p>\n

\"SAMI\"<\/p>\n

Playlists & Projects.<\/strong>\u00a0Summit Everest<\/a>\u00a0<\/a>in Redwood City is the flagship high school of\u00a0Summit Public Schools<\/a>\u00a0(@SummitPS), a network of 16 schools in California and Washington. Through a nonprofit affiliate, nearly 400 schools use the\u00a0Summit Learning<\/a>\u00a0platform which serves up individualized skill-building playlists and challenging projects. A student dashboard helps learners monitor progress and builds self-direction. (See\u00a0podcast<\/a>\u00a0with founder Diane Tavenner.)<\/p>\n

Coding.<\/strong>\u00a0Washington Leadership Academy\u00a0<\/a>\u201cgraduate graduates are college-ready, have career-ready tech skills, and lead change in their communities and the world.\u201d The DC school in an old seminary requires four years of computer science. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and XQ\u00a0profile<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Art.<\/strong>\u00a0Tacoma School of the Arts<\/a>\u00a0(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\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Zoo.<\/strong>\u00a0Science and Math Institute<\/a>\u00a0(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\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"E3<\/p>\n

Library.<\/strong>\u00a0e3 Civic High<\/a>\u00a0is located in San Diego\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Challenge.<\/strong>\u00a0NYC iSchool<\/a>\u00a0combines core experiences (literature seminars, writing workshops, and scientific thinking and laboratory experiences),\u00a0challenge-based modules<\/a>\u00a0(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\u00a0Area of Focus<\/a>\u00a0as a junior and it guides course taking and a Senior Project.<\/p>\n

Expeditions.\u00a0<\/strong>Casco Bay High School<\/a>\u00a0in Portland, Maine is an\u00a0EL Education<\/a>\u00a0school which keeps the school\u2019s goals \u201cclear, ambitious and essential.\u201d Casco juniors engage in a long-term interdisciplinary project that results in demonstration of learning. (See\u00a04 part series<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Gradual release.\u00a0<\/strong>Huntley High School<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>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\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0podcast with Superintendent Scott Rowe.<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"Science<\/p>\n

Inquiry.\u00a0<\/strong>Science Leadership Academy<\/a>\u00a0is an inquiry-driven, STEM-focused, project-based school formed as a partnership between the\u00a0School District of Philadelphia<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0The Franklin Institute<\/a>. Shared instructional values of inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation and reflection are evident in every classroom. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Alternative.<\/strong>\u00a0Eagle Rock<\/a>\u00a0in Estes Park, Colorado, is an initiative of American Honda, is both an alternative residential high school and a professional development center for educators\u2013and a beautiful place to visit. (See\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Competency-Based<\/strong>.\u00a0Building 21\u00a0<\/a>operates public high schools in\u00a0Philadelphia<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Allentown<\/a>\u00a0and has four network affiliate schools. The personalized learning model (below) features problem-based learning, real work experiences, and competency-based assessments. (See\u00a02020 feature<\/a>, 2018\u00a0feature<\/a>, and 2018\u00a0description<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Building<\/p>\n

Art+<\/strong>. While in Boston, visit\u00a0Boston Arts Academy<\/a>\u00a0which creates great art learning and exhibition opportunities with the Professional Arts Consortium and other community partners. It cohabitates with\u00a0Fenway High<\/a>, another great small school.<\/p>\n

Alt Mashup.\u00a0<\/strong>Boston Day and Evening Academy<\/a>\u00a0has 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\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Early College.<\/strong>\u00a0Bard College at Simon\u2019s Rock<\/a>\u00a0is \u201ca small, selective, supportive, intensive college of the liberal arts and sciences in the middle of the Berkshires.\u201d Students enroll after 10th or 11th grade. Simon\u2019s Rock was the basis for the seven school\u00a0Bard Early College network<\/a>, where students can leave high school with an Associate\u2019s Degree and an leader in the early college movement.<\/p>\n

Service.\u00a0<\/strong>Sconzo Early College High School<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Humble ISD<\/a>\u00a0(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\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Early College STEM.\u00a0<\/strong>Metro Early College High School<\/a>\u00a0was launched in 2006 in partnership with the Ohio State University and Battelle. Students tackle big ideas, do real work, and take classes at OSU. Metro anchors the\u00a0Ohio STEM Learning Network<\/a>. (See feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Early<\/p>\n

Micro Kickstart.\u00a0<\/strong>Kettle Moraine School District\u00a0<\/a>west of Milwaukee kickstarted its transformation by developing three small schools inside a comprehensive high school:\u00a0KM Perform<\/a>\u00a0with a performing arts focus,\u00a0KM Global<\/a>, a global studies school, followed by the\u00a0School of Health Sciences<\/a>. \u200b\u200bA remodeled facility created collaborative learning spaces that better support personalized learning in the academies and the comprehensive school. (See 2020\u00a0podcast<\/a>\u00a0and 2018\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Tech Jobs.<\/strong>\u00a0IBM launched<\/a>\u00a0the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH<\/a>) in Brooklyn in 2011 in partnership with\u00a0CUNY<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0City Tech<\/a>. 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.\u00a0Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy<\/a>\u00a0in Chicago is a good example (See 2021\u00a0podcast<\/a>\u00a0and 2017\u00a0feature<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Work Study.\u00a0<\/strong>Cristo Rey Jesuit High School<\/a>\u00a0in Chicago anchors the 37\u00a0school network<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Advanced Manufacturing.<\/strong>\u00a0RAMTEC<\/a>\u00a0in Marion, Ohio (an hour northwest of Columbus) at\u00a0Tri-Rivers Career Center<\/a>\u00a0runs 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\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Career High.\u00a0<\/strong>Dubiski Career High<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Grand Prairie ISD\u00a0<\/a>(between Dallas and Ft Worth) offers\u00a015 career pathways<\/a>\u00a0in 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\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Finance.<\/strong>\u00a0Southwest Miami High Academy of Finance<\/a>, a member of the\u00a0NAF<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Hospitality.<\/strong>\u00a0Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Academy of Hospitality & Tourism<\/a>\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n

Miami-Dade<\/a>\u00a0offers 58 NAF academies in the five career themes of Engineering, Finance, Health Science, Hospitality & Tourism and Information Technology. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0on NAF.)<\/p>\n

Design.\u00a0<\/strong>Design Tech High School<\/a>\u00a0(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\u00a0podcast tour<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Design<\/p>\n

\"One<\/p>\n

Design for Good.<\/strong>\u00a0After a decade of innovative\u00a0after-school and summer learning<\/a>\u00a0experiences, Boise nonprofit\u00a0One Stone<\/a>\u00a0opened\u00a0Lab51<\/a>, a small innovative high school to help young people make the world a better place. (See\u00a0design summary<\/a>,\u00a0feature<\/a>,\u00a0video<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a02021 results\u00a0<\/a>from advisory pilot.)<\/p>\n

Learner Centered Portfolio.\u00a0<\/strong>Latitude High School\u00a0<\/a>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.<\/p>\n

Competencies that Matter.\u00a0<\/strong>Purdue Polytechnic High School<\/a>, created in partnership with Purdue University, awards credit based on student attainment of competencies. The school\u2019s schedule is organized around 6-week project cycles in which teachers \u201cpitch\u201d projects and students are able to select projects based on their interests and needed competencies. The school\u2019s agreement with the University means that all students are able to graduate credit toward Purdue University, and almost all do. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Community Connected.\u00a0<\/strong>Students at\u00a0Crosstown High<\/a>\u00a0spend most of their school day on the fourth and fifth floor of\u00a0Crosstown Concourse<\/a>, 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\u00a012 competencies<\/a>. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0XQ profile<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Crosstown<\/p>\n

Humanities.\u00a0<\/strong>Humanities Preparatory Academy<\/a>\u00a0is one of hundreds of\u00a0new small coherent high schools<\/a>\u00a0formed in New York City in the last decade. Launched in 1997 with support from\u00a0New Visions for Public Schools<\/a>, the Humanities Prep team embraced a mission \u201cto 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.\u201d 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\u2019s also a member of the\u00a0New York Performance Standards Consortium<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ELL.<\/strong>\u00a0Bronx International High School<\/a>, opened in 2004 as part of the\u00a0NYC small schools<\/a>\u00a0initiative, was the fourth school in the\u00a0Internationals Network for Public Schools\u00a0<\/a>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\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Young Men of Color.\u00a0<\/strong>EPIC North<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u00a0EPIC Playbook<\/a>\u00a0describes, it combines competency education with youth development, cultural relevance and high engagement learning. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Essential<\/strong>.\u00a0Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School<\/a>, west of Boston, has been in the vanguard of progressive, student-centered public education for over twenty years. It\u2019s based on the beautiful design principles from the Coalition of Essential Schools including \u201clearning to use one\u2019s mind well, less is more, goals apply to all, personalization, student as worker, demonstration of master, tone of decency, and democracy and equality. (See Springpoint profile<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Flexibility.\u00a0<\/strong>iLEAD Academy<\/a>\u00a0is a small blended and project-based high school with career connections and college credit opportunities. It\u2019s located in a converted strip center an hour north of Louisville. (See\u00a0feature and podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Coding.<\/strong>\u00a0Phoenix Coding Academy<\/a>, part of\u00a0Phoenix Union High School District<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Urban.\u00a0Urban Academy Laboratory High School<\/a>\u00a0uses performance-based assessment tasks as graduation requirements. The school was a founding member of the\u00a0New York Performance Standards Consortium<\/a>\u00a0that 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<\/a>). 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\u00a0our feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Hip Hop High.<\/strong>\u00a0High School for Recording Arts<\/a>, 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\u00a0Hip Hop Genius : Remixing High School Education<\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0Sam Seidel<\/a>\u00a0(at Stanford d.school) and check out the facility designed by\u00a0Fielding International<\/a>.<\/p>\n

K-12 Schools and Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Multiple model university high school partnerships:\u00a0<\/strong>ASU Preparatory Academy<\/a>\u00a0in Phoenix, AZ is a multi-modal network of public charter schools that offers a range of options from on-site to full virtual through\u00a0ASU Prep Digital<\/a>. With options of hybrid microschools located on the campus of ASU, students begin their college journey during high school. Additional options are available through\u00a0a partnership with Khan Academy via the virtual\u00a0Khan World School<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Show & Tell<\/strong>.\u00a0High Tech High<\/a>\u00a0has 16 schools on four campuses in San Diego County. They are all world class examples of integrated project-based learning and spectacular student art.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

PBL District.<\/strong>\u00a0Winton Woods City Schools<\/a>, 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\u00a0New Tech Network<\/a>. (See Winton Woods\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and El Paso\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Equality & PBL. <\/strong>iLEAD<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0feature<\/a> on fighting inequality.)<\/p>\n

Progressive.\u00a0<\/strong>Harlem Village Academies<\/a>\u00a0is a progressive PK-12 public charter school network that creates learning experiences that inspire and require the highest levels of intellectual sophistication.<\/p>\n

\"Acton<\/p>\n

Hero\u2019s Journey.\u00a0<\/strong>Acton Academy<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u2019s Journey and discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery. Learners take on real world projects and life changing apprenticeships. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Real World Learning.<\/strong>\u00a0Crossroads Preparatory Academy<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u00a0Real World Learning<\/a>\u00a0initiative.<\/p>\n

Interest-Based Learning.\u00a0<\/strong>Minnesota New Country School<\/a>\u00a0opened a\u00a0teacher-powered\u00a0<\/a>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\u00a0Edvisions<\/a>\u00a0network of small teacher-led schools featuring self-directed project-based learning and authentic assessment.<\/p>\n

World Class Focus.<\/strong>\u00a0Northern Cass School District\u00a0<\/a>believes every learner can change the world and is committed to providing a \u201cworld class education.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Eastbay Maker.<\/strong>\u00a0Lighthouse Community Charter School<\/a>, a multicultural K-12 community, is fast becoming Oakland\u2019s leader in Maker Education through the great work of their Creativity Lab.<\/a> They believe \u201cyoung people have the potential to become lifelong changemakers who realize their unique vision \u2014 rooted in their identity, knowledge, and skills \u2014 to create equality in their own lives and in the community, leading to a healthier, more joyful world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liberal Arts.\u00a0<\/strong>Renaissance Academy<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u00a0Franklin Commons<\/a>, it serves 1,060 students. The longer day and year support a strong advisory program, AP and dual enrollment courses, and service learning. (See\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Tutoring.\u00a0<\/strong>Match Schools<\/a>\u00a0in 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\u00a0The Charles Sposato Graduate School.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

College Completion.<\/strong>\u00a0University Academy<\/a>\u00a0in Kansas City sends all of its graduates to four-year universities\u2014and is working to ensure that they all graduate. The top performing Missouri school features international travel, drama, music, debate and strong extracurriculars. (See\u00a0case study<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Statewide.<\/strong>\u00a0Virtual Learning Academy\u00a0<\/a>(VLACS) is New Hampshire\u2019s 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\u00a0learning catalog<\/a>). Funding is based on mastery rather than time. VLACS added Added elementary services in 2020.<\/p>\n

Place-Based Education.<\/strong>\u00a0Teton Science Schools<\/a>\u00a0in Wyoming is the leader in\u00a0place-based education<\/a>\u00a0including\u00a0K-12 school<\/a>,\u00a0outdoor education<\/a>, a\u00a0graduate school<\/a>, and a\u00a0national network<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Teton<\/p>\n

Part Time Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"CAPS\"<\/p>\n

Professions-based Learning.<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies<\/a>\u00a0(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,\u00a0CAPS Network<\/a>, has grown to about 75 school districts. (See\u00a0podcast<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

High Tech Learning.\u00a0<\/strong>Summit Technology Academy<\/a>\u00a0is a half-day program in Lee\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Community Connected Projects.<\/strong>\u00a0Iowa BIG<\/a>\u00a0students 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\u00a0podcast<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0feature<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

International Schools\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"SPARK<\/p>\n

Low Cost Private.\u00a0<\/strong>Inspired in 2012 by visits to American school networks, two MBA students launched\u00a0<\/strong>SPARK Schools<\/a> and developed 17 schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town featuring blended and extended learning and design thinking.<\/p>\n

Dual Immersion.<\/strong>\u00a0La Paz Community School<\/a>\u00a0is a PK-12 school that focuses on place-based education, culturally responsive curriculum and dual immersion on two campuses in northwest Costa Rica.<\/p>\n

Active Learning.<\/strong>\u00a0Singapore American School<\/a>. A great school takes a \u201cculture of excellence, possibility and extraordinary care,\u201d said former superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball\u2013and 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\u00a0case study<\/a>, a\u00a0feature<\/a>\u00a0on facilities, and\u00a0podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Singapore<\/p>\n

Green.<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0Green School<\/a>\u00a0in 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\u2019s a boarding school, so you could send the kids and visit a couple times a year.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Student-Centered Design<\/strong>. The\u00a0American School of Paris<\/a> 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 supportive. (See feature and podcast<\/a>.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Originally published on Getting Smart. 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