The problem — and promise — of high school

The common complaints about high school are no accident — that’s how high school was designed more than 100 years ago. But across the country, innovative educators are discovering new ways of teaching and learning.

High school was originally designed with the goal of training factory workers and teaching the “average” student. Now, 200 years later, it still follows the same model — down to the bell schedule.

But now we know so much more, like there’s no such thing as the “average” student. And learning fast is not synonymous with being smart. In fact, giving each individual student time to learn at their own pace is proven to be a better way to learn and retain information. And long lectures? Better to infuse lessons with student voice and choice and project-based learning. We can learn a lot from the innovative schools across the country that have thought about the school’s culture, crafted mission statements, and work every day to live their values, show compassion, and meet kids where they are.

So what kind of high school do we need in the 21st century? Explore Transforming High School to understand what you want for your child and your school and share your discoveries with other parents, teachers, principals, superintendents, and the school board. When we raise our voices together, change can happen.

Find out more about Transforming High School

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