The 10 Most Admired School Districts

SEPTEMBER 2025

CommunitySchoolDistrict Sheldon

Where Education Evolves with Purpose!

DearReaders,

Intoday’sfast-evolvingworld,educationstandsasthecornerstoneoftransformation.Fromclassrooms thatoncecenteredontextbooksandchalkboardstodigitallearningenvironmentspoweredbyAIand innovation,thedefinitionoflearningitselfhaschanged.Thedemandsoftheglobalworkforcenowextend beyondknowledge—theyrequirecreativity,adaptability,emotionalintelligence,andaspiritoflifelong learning.Asthepaceofchangeaccelerates,America’smostadmiredschooldistrictsareprovingthat excellenceineducationisnotabouttraditionalone—it’saboutevolution.Thesedistrictsarenotmerely preparingstudentsfortests;theyarepreparingthemforlife.

ThiseditionofTheEducationMagazine, “The 10 Most Admired School Districts,” honorsthose institutionsthatareshapingfuture-readycitizensthroughinclusivity,excellence,and forward-thinkingleadership.

OurCoverStory—SheldonCommunitySchoolDistrict—beautifullyembodiesthisevolution.What beganinthelate19thcenturyasaclusterofmodestschoolhousesscatteredacrosstheprairieshasgrown intoavibranteducationalecosystemthatmirrorsthestoryofAmericanprogressitself.Ascommunities likeAshton,Archer,andMatlockjoinedhandsthroughstrategicconsolidation,Sheldonemergedasa unifiedforcecommittedtonurturingeverychild'spotential.

AttheheartofSheldon’sphilosophyliesamissionthatistimelessyetpowerful—topreparealllearners tobeproductivecitizens.Theirmotto, “Striving for Excellence in Education,” isnotconfinedtobanners orhandbooks;it’swovenintoeveryclassroomexperience.Whattrulysetsthedistrictapartisits unwaveringcommitmenttomeeteverystudentwheretheyare—academically,emotionally,andsocially ThroughitsMulti-TieredSystemofSupports(MTSS),Sheldonensuresthatlearningisnotaprivilegebut apromisekeptforeverychildwhowalksthroughitsdoors.

Thisspecialeditionalsofeaturesotherexceptionaldistricts—GlenbrookHighSchoolDistrict225, RadnorTownshipSchoolDistrict,CentraliaElementarySchoolDistrict,andJerichoUnionFreeSchool District—eachstandingasatestamenttothetransformativepowerofvision-driveneducation.Together, theyremindusthatschoolsdon'tjustshapefutures—theybuildthefoundationoftomorrow’ssociety.

HappyReading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

From The Editor’s Desk

People Behind This Issue

Publisher: Archana Ghule

Editor–in–Chief: Vikram Suryawanshi

Managing Editor:

Pankaj Gholap

Project Editor:

Parag Ahire

Sales & Marketing

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Research Team: Daisy, Rahul, Maranda, Rocky

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SHELDON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

CommunitySchoolDistrict

ThereisastoryoftentoldaboutruralAmerica, anarrativeofdecline,ofdwindling populationsandboarded-upmainstreets,of youngpeopleleavingforbrightercitylightsandnever lookingback.Itisastoryofquietdiminishment.Butin thenorthwestcornerofIowa,nestledintheheartofa hardworking,blue-collartown,the SheldonCommunitySchoolDistrictistellinga differentstoryaltogether.Itisastoryofgrowth,of innovation,ofstateandnationalrecognition,andofa communitysodeeplyinvestedinitschildrenthatitis activelyreversingthetrend,drawingfamiliesinand buildingafuturethatfeelsnotjuststable,but exceptionallybright.

TounderstandSheldon,youhavetounderstandthatthe schooldistrictisnotjustacollectionofbuildings whereeducationhappens.Itisthetown’sheart,its centralnervoussystem,anditsmostpowerfulengine ofprogress.It’saplacewhereastate-of-the-art, highschoolrenovation,fundedbya community-approvedbond,isrisingasatestamenttoa collectiveinvestmentinthefuture.It’saplaceof collaboration,wheretheschool,localcommunity college,andcityunderstandtheyarebetterwhenthey worktogether,asevidencedbytheirinvestmentsina sharedathleticcomplex.Aplacewhere,forover50 years,theschoolauditoriumhastransformedintoa magical,multishowsummertheatreseason,atradition unmatchedanywhereinIowa,andperhapsacrossthe country

Thisisastoryaboutaschooldistrictthathasachieved therarestoffeats:ithasheldontothe deep-rootedvaluesofitspastwhilerelentlessly innovatingforthefuture.Itisastoryabouthow, throughaquiet commitmenttoexcellence,asmall Iowatownbuiltsomethingtrulyextraordinary

FromHumbleSchoolhousestoaNationalBlue Ribbon

ThehistoryoftheSheldonCommunitySchoolDistrict isamicrocosmofAmericaneducationalevolution.It beganinthelate19thcenturywithhumble schoolhouses,scatteredpointsoflightontheprairie.

Overthedecades,throughstrategicconsolidationswith thecommunitiesofAshton,Archer,andMatlock,and thesteadymarchofprogress,itevolvedintothe moderndistrictitistoday,servingagrowing populationofnearly1,200studentsfromPre-K throughtwelfthgrade.

Thisevolutionisguidedbyamissionstatementthatis bothsimpleandprofound: “The mission of the Sheldon Community School District is to prepare all learners to be productive citizens.” Thisisfollowedbyamotto thatislessaplatitudeandmoreadailypractice: “Striving for Excellence in Education.”

Andstrivetheydo.WhilemanyruralIowaschools haveseentheirenrollmentnumbersshrinkoverthe years,Sheldon’scertifiedheadcounthasbeenona gradual,upwardtrendforthebetterpartofadecade,a clear,data-drivensignthatsomethingspecialis happeninghere.

Theaccoladesspeakforthemselves.In2024,East ElementarywasnamedaNationalBlueRibbon Schoolandisoneofonly16schoolsintheentire stateofIowa,placingitinthetop2%,toearnan “Exceptional” rating.Sheldonteacherscontinueto excel,asdemonstratedbyasecondeducatorinthe pastthreeyearsbeingnamedafinalistfortheIowa TeacheroftheYear.Thedistrict’sleadershipisalso top-tier,withtwoofitsprincipals,JasonGroendyke attheelementaryschoolandCindyBarwickatthe middleschool,havingbeennamedIowaPrincipalof theYear.Thisisnotadistrictthatisjustgettingby; itisadistrictthatisleadingtheway

APlaceforEveryLearner

ThesecrettoSheldon’ssuccessisnotasingle programoraflashyinitiative.Itisadeep,systemic commitmenttomeetingeverysinglestudentwhere theyare.

“Sheldon is a place where your child will be known, supported, and challenged.” “

ThefoundationofthiscommitmentistheirMulti-Tiered SystemofSupports(MTSS),aframeworkdesignedtoensure everystudent'sacademicandsocial-emotionalneedsaremet.

“Our focus begins with strengthening Tier 1 instruction,” the district’sleadershipexplains,referringtothehigh-quality, evidence-basedteachingthateverystudentreceivesinthe generalclassroom.Thisisthebedrock.Fromthere,a comprehensivewebofsupportiswovenaroundit.TheK-8 TitleIprogramprovidestargetedliteracysupport.TheK-12 At-Riskprogramidentifiesandassistsstudentswhomayface barrierstosuccess.AndacomprehensiveK-12English Learner(EL)program,servingagrowingmultilingual population,usescarefulscreeninguponenrollmentandELPA scorestoprovidetierednewcomerclassesandtargeted pull-outservices,allwhilemaintainingastrongfocuson integrationwithinthemainclassroom.

Thisphilosophyofinclusionextendstoeverytypeoflearner. TheTalentedandGifted(TAG)programoffersenrichment opportunitiesfromtheearliestgrades,evolvingintoadvanced, self-directedlearningexperiencesinhighschool,complete withcareerexplorationandacademiccoaching.Thedistrict alsoboastsstrongCareerandTechnicalEducation(CTE) pathwaysinAgriculture,IndustrialTechnology,Familyand ConsumerScience,andBusiness,whichworkinconcertwith arobustWork-BasedLearningprogramtoprovidestudents withreal-worldexperiencesthroughinternshipsand jobshadowing.

Butperhapsthemostpowerfulandhuman exampleofSheldon’scommitmenttoinclusion isitsuniquepartnershipwithVillage NorthwestUnlimited(VNU),asupportive communityforadultswithdisabilities.“This partnership creates wonderful opportunities for our students and staff to build meaningful relationships with VNU residents,” thedistrict shares.Throughtheseinteractions,students learntheprofoundimportanceofinclusion firsthand,andhelpVNUresidentslivelives filledwithpurposeanddignity.Itisan opportunitythatenrichestheentireschool community,fosteringalevelofempathyand understandingthatcanneverbetaughtfroma textbook.

TheHeartbeatoftheCommunity

InSheldon,theschooldaydoesn’tendwhen thefinalbellrings.Thedistrictisavibranthub ofactivity,offeringavastarrayof extracurricularsthatrivalthoseofmuchlarger communities.TherearethetraditionalIowa sports,suchasfootball,volleyball,basketball, wrestling,soccer,andmore;andahostofclubs foreveryinterest,includingGameClub, ScienceClub,SpanishClub,LibraryClub, FCCLA,FBLA,andSkillUSA.

However,twoareasstandoutaspillarsoftheSheldon experience: the arts and community connection

Thedistricthasbeenamulti-yearnationalawardwinneras oneoftheBestCommunitiesforMusicEducation,a reflectionofadeepandsustainedinvestmentinbandand choir Andthenthereisthesummertheatre.Forover50years, Sheldonhasproudlyrunitsone-of-a-kindsummertheatre season,abelovedtraditionthatbringstogetherstudents,staff, andtheentirecommunityforacelebrationofcreativity andstorytelling.

Theschooldistrict’sroleasacommunityhubiswovenintoits operations.IthostsFamilyNightstostrengthenthebond betweenhomeandschool,andrunsaSummerLunch Programprovidingfreemealsandtransportationtoallyouth inthecommunity,regardlessofwhichschooltheyattend.The partnershipwiththeCityofSheldontobuildnewballfieldsis anothertangibleexampleofthisdeepintegration,whichledto thecommunitybeingrecognizedasan‘All-StarCommunity’ bytheIowaLeagueofCities.

Thissenseofcommunityextendstoarobustsupportsystem forstudents.Dedicatedschoolcounselorsprovidecritical academicandemotionalsupport,collaboratingwithregional agenciestoensurestudentshaveaccesstobehavioraland mentalhealthserviceswhenneeded.Theimpactful ChampionsMentorshipProgrampairshighschoolstudent mentorswithelementarystudents,fosteringcross-grade relationshipsthatsupportthedevelopmentofyoungerlearners.

LeadershipfromWithin

Theenginedrivingthiscultureofexcellenceandopportunity isauniqueandempoweringleadershipmodel.Sheldonisa “LeaderinMe”schooldistrict,aphilosophythatfocuseson buildingleadershipcapacityinallstudentsandstaff.The schoolbelievesdevelopingstudentleadershipskillsisvitalto preparingstudentsforfuturesuccessbyfostering responsibility,confidence,andtheabilitytopositivelyimpact thosearoundthem.

OnekeyavenueforteacherleadershipistheTeacher LeadershipandCompensation(TLC)model,ledby exceptionalinstructionalcoacheswhosupportandempower theirpeers.Thismodelprovidesteacherswithadiversemenu ofleadershipopportunities.

TheycanbecomeaLeadTeacher,aProfessional DevelopmentPresenter,aMentortoneweducators, orserveoncriticalbodieslikethe Building Leadership Team (BLT), a Lighthouse Team, or the Leadership Alliance.Butthemostunique componentisthe“PassionProject,”atruly innovativeprogramthatallowsteacherstoprovide leadershipinareastheyarepersonallypassionate about,fosteringadeepsenseofownershipand personalinvestmentintheirprofessionalgrowth. Thiscollaborativeworkisoftendonethroughthe ProfessionalLearningCommunity(PLC) process,ensuringthatdataandbestpracticesare sharedeffectively

Thiscollaborativeandcompassionateethosis mirroredinthedistrict’sSuperintendent,Cory Myer. “I lead through collaboration, guided by compassion, and rooted in common-sense decision making,” hesays, “just as we ask our students to lead in their classrooms, activities, and communities.” Hespeakswithimmenseprideabout hisdedicatedstaff,who “go above and beyond to support every child,” andaboutthedistrict’sability toachieveimpressiveacademicoutcomesacrossall studentgroups,evenasthestudentpopulation growsindiversityandeconomicneed.

Itisthiscommitmenttoequitythathasledthe districttoprovidewhatitcallsa “truly free education.” Recognizingthatitsfamiliescome fromavarietyoffinancialcircumstances,Sheldon chargesnoschoolfeesandevenprovidesfree driver’seducationandactivityticketsforitshigh schoolstudents.Itisatangible,powerfulstatement thateverychild,regardlessoftheirfamily’s income,deservesaccesstoeveryopportunity.

StrivingforanEvenBrighterFuture

Despiteitslonglistofaccolades,Sheldonisnota districtthatrestsonitslaurels.Themotto,afterall, is“Striving for Excellence.”Thedistrictisina constantstateofself-improvement,withseveral keyinitiativesdesignedtostrengthenteachingand learningevenfurther

Amajorfocusforthecomingyearisprofessional developmentcenteredonthe“7Stepstoa Language-RichInteractiveClassroom,”a frameworkdesignedtosupportalllearners, particularlythegrowingELpopulation.To enhancemathematicsinstruction,thedistrictis exploringanupdatedsecondarycurriculumand intensifyingitsfocusonclosingskillgaps, supportedbyastaffbookstudyonthe“5Best PracticesinMathematicsInstruction” Andto helpstudentsbecomemoreeffectiveand confidentwriters,educatorswillreceivetraining inthe“thinkSRSD”framework,a research-basedapproachtowritinginstruction.

Theseinitiativesareaclearsignalthatfor Sheldon,excellenceisnotadestination;itisa continuousjourney Asthesuperintendent,Cory Myersaystocurrentandprospectivefamilies, “Sheldon is a place where your child will be known, supported, and challenged. We’re proud of where we are, excited about where we’re going, and would be honored to have you as part of our school family.”

Itisacompellinginvitation,backedbyalegacy ofachievementthatincludesnotjustacademic awards,butanOlympiclegacyaswell—three Sheldonalumnihavecompetedinthegames,two inwrestlingandoneinthehammerthrow.Itisa final,powerfulreminderthatfromthissmall cornerofruralIowa,anythingispossible.Ina worldfullofstoriesaboutwhat’sbeinglostin ruralAmerica,theSheldonCommunitySchool Districtisapowerful,inspiringstoryaboutwhat isbeingbuilt.

We’re proud of where we are, excited about where we’re going, and would be honored to have you as part of our school family.

Centralia Elementary School District

Shaping a Future of Learning and Opportunity

Intoday’srapidlyevolvingeducationallandscape,parentsseekmorethan academicachievement.Theywantschoolsthatprovidesafe,nurturing environmentswheretheirchildrencanthriveholistically TheCentralia ElementarySchoolDistrict(CESD),servingAnaheim,BuenaPark,andLaPalma, California,hasconsistentlydeliveredonthispromise.

Foundedin1875,CESDhasalonghistoryofadaptingtochangingtimes.Despite challengesfacedbymanyschooldistricts,CESDhasmaintaineditsreputationfor excellencebyprioritizingsafety,creativity,andacademicrigor.Undertheleadership ofSuperintendentMs.NormaE.Martinez,thedistrictcontinuestoinnovate, offeringprogramsthatinspirediverselearnersandcultivatealifelongpassion forlearning.

BuildingaLegacyofExcellence

CESDhasspentnearly150yearsbuildingstrong educationalfoundations.Thedistricthasearned recognitionatbothnationalandstatelevels,including theNationalBlueRibbonAward,U.S.News&World ReportBestElementarySchool,andmultiple CaliforniahonorssuchastheCAPBISPlatinumLevel Awardforallschools,CADistinguishedSchools,CA GoldRibbonAward,CAPivotalPracticeAwardfor boththeschoolsandthedistrict,andtheCAGreen RibbonSchoolSilverLevelAward.Theseaccolades highlightCESD’sfocusonhelpingstudentsachieve successacademically,socially,andemotionally

Centralia’semphasisonkindnessanddigital responsibilitydistinguishesitfurther Asbotha KindnessCertifiedDistrictandaCommonSense District,CESDintegratesethicaltechnologyuseand charactereducationintoitsprograms.Theseinitiatives preparestudentstoengageconfidentlyandresponsibly intheircommunitiesandthedigitalworld.

UnderstandingandExceedingParental Expectations

Parentstodayexpectelementaryschoolstoprovide morethanacademicinstruction.Theyseek environmentsthatensuresafety,encourageacademic growth,andnurturecreativitywhilepreparingstudents withskillsforfuturesuccess.CESDaddressesthese prioritieswithabalancedfocusonsafety,innovation, andenrichment.

Thedistrictstrengthensphysicalsafetywithsecure, single-pointentrysystemsandclearemergency communicationprotocols.Tosupportemotional well-being,CESDassignsmentalhealthprofessionals toeverycampus,ensuringstudentsreceivenecessary care.

Academically,CESD’saward-winningprogramspush studentstoreachtheirpotentialwhileexpanding opportunitiesforfuture-readyskillswithSTEM instructionandinitiativesthatbuildcollaborationand adaptability,meetingthedemandsofarapidlychanging worldthroughitslearningineachschool’sInnovation Labs,whoutilizetheDesignThinkingProcess. CreativityisfosteredthroughitsspiralingVisualand PerformingArts(VAPA)programs,wherestudent creativityinarts,danceormusicisfostered.

TheCESDAdmissionsAdvantage

CESDwelcomesallfamiliesresiding withinitsattendanceboundariesand acceptstransfersduringtheannualspring transferprocess.Familiesoftenchoosethe districtbasedonitsreputationforhigh academicachievement,numerousawards, andafocusonsafetyandcreativity.Many relocatespecificallytoenrolltheirchildren inCESDschools,drawnbythesupportive environmentandaculturethatvalues parentalinvolvement.

Thedistrictalsoprovidesrobustsupport forfamilieswithdiverseneeds.Itoffers freeafter-schoolprogramsforchildren whoqualifybasedonincome,affordable childcareoptions,andafter-school interventionprogramsdesignedtoenhance learning.Additionally,CESDensures studentshaveaccesstofreebreakfast, lunch,andsupperforthoseparticipatingin after-schoolprograms,reducingbarriersto successandfosteringastrongfoundation forlearning.

InnovativeProgramsThatInspire

CESDsetsitselfapartwithafocuson innovation.EachschoolhasInnovation Labs,wherestudentsfromtransitional kindergarten(TK)tosixthgradeexplore robotics,coding,anddesignthinking. Theselabshelpstudentsbuildcritical thinkingandproblem-solvingskills, preparingthemforatechnology-driven future.StudentsutilizeArtificial IntelligencethroughtoolssuchasAdobe Express,creatinganddesigninginsafeand developmentallyappropriateways.

Thedistrict’sScienceofReadinginitiative strengthensliteracyamongTKthrough Grade1studentsusingresearch-based methods.Thisprogramunderscores CESD’sdedicationtofoundationalskills thatsupportlifelonglearning.Eachschool hostsanadditionalteachertoprovide supporttothisspecializedgroupof earlylearners.

We are a district that is student-driven. Each day, we live out the Board values of Collaboration, Higher Student Achievement, Student-Centered and Equity, all of which support our efforts to be the district of choice for our families “

CESDextendsitsimpactthroughinitiativeslikethe NeighborhoodResourceCenterandCentralia Boutique.Theseprogramsprovidefamilieswith essentialssuchasclothingandaccesstosocial services,creatingasupportsystemthatensures economicchallengesdonothinder students’success.

EmbracingDiversityandAdvancingInclusivity

DiversitydefinesCESD’sidentity,withstudents speakingmorethan30languagesathome.The studentpopulationincludes54%Hispanic/Latino, 24%AsianAmericanandPacificIslander,and14% Whitestudents.About25%areEnglishlearners, manyofwhomparticipateintheDualLanguage ImmersionProgram,whichdevelopsbilingualism andbiliteracyinEnglish andSpanish.

CESDcelebratesthisdiversitythrough culturalevents,artsprograms,andstudent leadershipinitiatives.ActivitieslikeBalie folklóricoandfilmmakingprovidestudents opportunitiestoconnectwiththeirheritage whilebuildingvaluableskills.This inclusiveapproachfostersalearning environmentwhereeverystudentfeels representedandempowered.

ACommitmenttoPersonalized Learning

CESDprioritizessmallclasssizesto ensurestudentsreceivepersonalized attention.TransitionalKindergartenclasses havea24:1student-teacherratio,supported byanadditionalassistant.Kindergarten classesmaintaina24:1ratio,whilegrades 1-3havea26:1ratio,andgrades4-6havea 29:1ratio.

CESDboastsahighlyexperiencedteaching staff.Themajorityofteachershaveover15 yearsofexperienceandactivelyparticipate inprofessionaldevelopment.This dedicatedteamfostersstrongrelationships withstudentsandparents,creatinga supportivelearningenvironment.

Toaddressdiverselearningneeds,eachschool employsanadditionalcredentialedteacherto providetargetedintervention.Thisteacher utilizesaLearningCentermodel,supportedby classifiedstaff,toaddressacademicgaps. Additionally,eachschoolhasamentalhealth professional,eitherasocialworkeroraschool counselor,tosupportstudents’ emotionalwell-being.

EngagingandEmpoweringStudents

CESDbelieveseducationextendsbeyondthe classroom.ProgramsliketheOutdoorScience Program,wheresixthgradersattenda multi-nightcampingtripinthelocalmountains, wheretheyengageinoutdoorlearningand activities.Thisimmersiveexperienceleavesa lastingimpressiononstudents,creating memoriestheycarryintoadulthood.

Studentleadershipopportunitiesfurtherenhance campuslife.ThrougheventssuchastheStudent LeadershipandCareerConference,CESD encouragesstudentstoexploretheirinterests, hearfromprofessionals,andenvisionfuture careers.Theseprogramsempowerstudentsto becomeconfident,capableleadersbothinschool andbeyond.

SpecializedProgramsforDiverseLearners

CESDoffersavarietyofspecializedprogramsdesignedto meetthediverseneedsofitsstudents.TheGiftedand TalentedEducation(GATE)program,availableatall schools,providesuniquelearningopportunitiesfor qualifiedstudents,includinganannualSaturdayconference wheretheyengageincreativeandinnovativeactivities.

Thedistrictalsodeliverscomprehensivespecialeducation servicesforstudentswithindividualizedplans.TheDual LanguageImmersionprogrampromotesbilingualismand biliteracyinEnglishandSpanish,attractingfamiliesfrom acrossthedistrictduetoitssuccess.Severalschoolsinthe districtfocusondistinctprogramsthatenhancelearning.

TheAVID(AdvancementViaIndividualDetermination) schoolprioritizescollegeandcareerpreparationandserves asamodelsiteforteamsacrossthestateseekingeffective AVIDimplementation.ALeaderinMeschoolemphasizes leadershipskillsusingStephenCovey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Anotherschooloperatesan award-winningstudentgardenprogram,recognizedwitha CaliforniaGreenRibbon,SilverMedalaward,focusingon environmentalimpact,health,andeducation.

CESDintegratesarobustvisualandperformingarts (VAPA)programacrossallschools.Fourschoolsspecialize invisualanddancearts,whileanotherfouremphasize music.StudentsinTransitionalKindergartenthroughGrade 3exploregeneralizedartssuchasmusicappreciation,choir, andfoundationalarttechniques.BeginninginGrade4, studentsselectafocusarea,furtherdevelopingtheirskills. ThedistrictsupportsadvancedmusiciansthroughitsHonor StringsandBandprograms,showcasingstudenttalents throughimpressiveperformances.

BehindtheScenes:TheTeamsDrivingSuccessatCESD

CESDprioritizesclean,safe,andwelcomingcampuses. MaintenanceandOperationsteams,includinggroundsstaff, custodians,andskilledmaintenanceworkers,ensure schoolsremainintopconditionforstudentsandthebroader community.

Thedistrictalsooperatesitsownfoodservicesdepartment, focusingonprovidingfreshlypreparedmeals.Mostlunch optionsaremadein-houseratherthandeliveredfrom processingsites.CESDextendsthiseffortduringthe summer,usingalunchtrucktoservefreemealstochildren under18inkeycommunitylocations.

Behindthescenes,severaldistrictteamsworktogether tosupportschools.TheTechnologyDepartment ensuresseamlessoperationswithmodernsystems.The FiscalTeamcarefullymanagesbudgets,whilethe EducationServicesTeam—coveringSpecial Education,InstructionandInnovation,Expanded Services,andStudentServices—provides comprehensivesupporttostudents,staff,andfamilies. HumanResourcesworksallyearroundtostaffupthe variousdistrictprograms.

Meanwhile,theSuperintendent’sOfficeoversees communicationwiththecommunityandequipsthe BoardofEducationwiththeinformationneededfor informeddecision-making.Fiveelectedofficials governthedistrict,ensuringitmeetstheneedsof studentsandthecommunity

Ms.NormaE.Martinez’sImpactonCESD

Ms.NormaE.MartinezhasledCESDas Superintendentsince2015,buildingonhertenurewith thedistrictsince2010.Withover30yearsin education,shefocusesonfosteringstrong communitiesthroughhigh-performingschoolsthat enhanceopportunitiesforstudentsandfamilies.

Ms.Martinezemphasizesaddressingopportunitygaps andpreparingstudentsasfuture-readylearners.She prioritizestheneedsofhistoricallyunderserved studentsandworkstobridgethegapbetweenschools andcommunities.Herinitiatives,includingthe award-winningCentraliaCollaborative,Neighborhood ResourceCenter,andCentraliaBoutique,have strengthenedcommunitysupportandresources.

InadditiontoherroleatCESD,Ms.Martinezserves asChairpersonfortheCentraliaEducationFoundation andtheSchoolsFirstEducationFoundation.Shealso actsasViceChairfortheAnaheimCommunity Foundationandparticipatesonseveralnonprofit boards,reflectingherdedicationto communityservice.

Sheoftenencouragesstudentsandparentstopursue ambitiousgoals,invokingthewordsofHenryDavid Thoreau:“Buildcastlesintheairandlayfoundations underthem.”Shebelievessuccessstemsfromeffort anddetermination.Ms.Martineztakespridein CESD’saccomplishmentsandremainscommittedto supportingitsscholarsandfamilies.

COMPUTATIONAL THINKING Your Ultimate Guide To

Mastering It All

Everfeellikeyou’restaringatamassive,tangledproblemwith noideawheretoevenbegin?WhatifItoldyouthere’sasecret weapon,amentaltoolkit,thatcanhelpyouunravelany challengewithpuregeniusandconfidence?It’snotjustforcodersortech wizards;it’sforeveryone.

Thisiscomputationalthinking,andit’sabouttochangethewayyousee theworld.It’sapowerfulproblem-solvingframeworkdesignedforour fast-pacedlives,helpingyoubreakdownchallengesandbuild brilliantsolutions.

Readytofeellikeasuperheroinyourownlife?Let’sdiveinandexplore howthisincredibleskillworks.

Let’sExploreComputationalThinking

1.WhatIsComputationalThinking:TheSimpleExplanation

Picturethis:you’rethrowingasurprisepartyforyourbestfriend.Total chaos,right?Notifyouthinklikeapro!

• Youwouldn’tjustrushoutandbuycake.You’dfirstbreakthewhole thingdownintosmaller,bite-sizedtasks:guestlist,budget,venue, food,music.Easy!

• You’dthinkbacktootherparties.Whatwasahugehit?You’dspot thosesuccessfulpatternsandrepeatthem.

• You’dfocusonlyonwhattrulymattersforyourfriend—theirfavorite music,theirclosestfriends—andignorethetiny,unimportantdetails.

• Finally,you’dcreatearock-solid,step-by-stepchecklisttomakesure thebigdaygoesoffwithoutahitch.

Guesswhat?You’vejustusedComputationalThinking!It’sthatintuitive.

Thiswholeideawasrocket-fueledintothespotlight backin2006bytheincredibleJeannetteWing.Ina groundbreakingessay,shearguedthatComputational Thinkingisn’tjustforcomputerscientists—it’sa fundamentalskillforeveryone.Shesawitasawayto usecorecomputerscienceconceptstosolve problems,designincrediblesystems,andevengeta bettergriponhumanbehavior.

2.The4PillarsofComputationalThinking(The CoreFramework)

Alright,let’sgettotheheartofit.Computational Thinkingstandsonfourmightypillars.Youmight hearthemcalledstagesorelements,buttheyarethe absolutebedrockofthisproblem-solvingmagic.

● Decomposition

Thisisallabouttakingonemassive,scaryproblem andsmashingitintosmaller,friendlier,andtotally manageablepieces.

• SurprisePartyAnalogy:Insteadofthe overwhelmingtaskof“planaparty,”yougetto tacklefunmini-projectslike“drafttheguestlist,” “pickadate,”“findtheperfectspot,”and“organize thefood.”Somucheasier,right?

• UniqueNon-TechnicalExample(Detectiveon theCase):Imagineadetectivefacinga super-complexcrime.Theydon’tjustlookfor“The badguy.”Theydecompose!Theyseparatethecase intosmallerinvestigations:identifyingsuspects, checkingalibis,gatheringforensics,and interviewingwitnesses.Eachpiecehelpssolvethe biggerpuzzle.

• TechnicalExample(BuildingaWebsite):When developersbuildabige-commercesite,theydon’t builditallatonce.Theybreakitdowninto moduleslikeuserlogin,productpages,the shoppingcart,andthepaymentsystem.Thisallows differentteamstoworkonpartssimultaneously Smart!

● PatternRecognition

Thisisyourinnerdetectivespottingclues!It’sabout findingsimilarities,trends,orthingsthatrepeat,so youcanreusesolutionsthatyouknowalreadywork.

• SurprisePartyAnalogy:Yourememberthatthepizzafrom thatonespotwasamassivesuccessatthelastthreeparties andtotallyfitthebudget.That’sapatternofsuccess!You wiselydecidetoorderfromthereagain,savingaton oftime.

• UniqueNon-TechnicalExample(AChef’sSecretSauce): Achefnoticesthatdishesmadewithaspecificblendof spicesalwaysgetravereviews.They’verecognizedaflavor pattern!Theythencleverlyusevariationsofthatblendin newmenuitems.Genius!

• TechnicalExample(SmarterShopping):Adataanalyst seesthatcustomerswhobuyproductAalmostalwaysgrab productBtoo.Boom,apattern!Thisinsightleadstothat “frequentlyboughttogether”featureyouseeonline,which helpsboostsales.

● Abstraction

Thissoundsfancy,butit’ssimple:it’stheartoffocusingonly onthesuper-importantstuffwhilecompletelyignoring thenoise.

• SurprisePartyAnalogy:Whenpickingavenue,youzoom inonwhatreallymatters:capacity,availability,andcost. Thecolorofthewallsorthestyleoftheceilingtiles? Totallyirrelevantrightnow Youabstractthemaway

• UniqueNon-TechnicalExample(DesigningaCityPark): Anurbanplannerfocusesonthebigpicture:howpeople willwalkthroughthepark,wherethegreenspaceswillgo, andmakingsureit’saccessible.Theexactspeciesofevery singleflowercanwaitforlater.

• TechnicalExample(CreatingaLoginPage):When creatingauserlogin,adeveloperfocusesonthecorejob: checkingcredentials,grantingaccess.Thenitty-grittydetails ofhowdataisstoredorwhatspecificencryptionisusedare handledbyothercomponents.Theyabstractthemaingoal.

● AlgorithmDesign

Thisiswhereyoubecomeadirector,creatingaclear, step-by-stepplanorasetofrulestogetthejobdone.

• SurprisePartyAnalogy:You’vemadeyourdecisions. Now,youcreateaperfecttimeline:“Day1:Send invites.”“Week2:Orderthecake.”“PartyDay, 2hoursearly:Gettothevenueanddecorate.”That’syour party-launchingalgorithm!

• UniqueNon-TechnicalExample(The IKEAChallenge!):Thoseinstructions yougetwithIKEAfurniture?That’sa perfectalgorithm.Itgivesyouaprecise sequenceofstepstoturnaboxof confusingpartsintoabeautifulpiece offurniture.

• TechnicalExample(Movie Recommendations):Analgorithmfora movierecommendationsystemmightlook likethis:

1. Seewhatmoviesyou’vewatched.

2. Figureoutthegenresandactorsyoulike.

3. Findotherpeoplewithsimilartastes.

4. Suggestmoviestheylovedthatyou haven’tseen.

That’sthealgorithmbringingyouyournext favoritefilm!

3.BeyondthePillars:The5-StepProcess &EssentialSkills

Justwhenyouthoughtfourpillarswere enough,somebrilliantmindsaddedafifth steptomaketheprocessabsolutelyfoolproof. Thinkofitastheultimatequalitycheck.

The5-stepprocessis:Decomposition, PatternRecognition,Abstraction,Algorithm Design,andthegame-changingfifthstep: Debugging/Evaluation.

• Whatisit?Thisfinalstepisallabout asking,“Diditwork?”It’swhereyoutest yoursolution,huntforanyerrorsor glitches,andfine-tuneituntilit’sperfect. It’sacycleoftestingandrefiningthat ensuresyoursolutionisnotjustgood, butamazing.

Whenyoupracticethisfull5-stepprocess, youstartdevelopingsomeseriously impressiveskills:

• AnalyticalReasoning:Youbecomea masteratlogicallyorganizinginformation andunderstandingallthemovingpartsof aproblem.

• LogicalProblem-Solving:Youstartframingchallenges andsolutionsinasuper-structuredway.

• EfficiencyOptimization:Younaturallybegintofindthe quickest,smartest,andmosteffectivewaytoget thingsdone.

• SystematicThinking:Youapproachproblemswitha programmer’smindset,usingtechniqueslikeiteration andlogic.

• GeneralizationandTransferability:Thisisthebigone! Youstartseeinghowyoucanapplythesameproblemsolvingrecipetoallsortsofdifferentchallenges.

4.WhyIt’saSuperpower:TheImportanceof ComputationalThinking

Inaworldbuzzingwithtechnology,Computational Thinking(CT)isn’tjustahandyskill—it’samindset,a superpowerthathelpsyoutackleanythingwithlogic, creativity,andaclearplan.

● InEducation

• Wow,schoolsarecatchingonfast!TheyseeCTasa must-haveforpreparingstudentsforafuturethat’sall abouttech.

• It’snolongerjustforSTEMclasses.CTisbeingwoven intoeverysubject,fromelementaryschoolartprojectsto university-levelresearch.

• Itteachesstudentshowtothinkcriticallyandsolve problemsstep-by-step,askillthat’spuregoldin anyfield.

● IntheWorkplace

• Today’sbusinessesrunondata,andCTisthekeyto makingsenseofitall.It’samassiveadvantagefor professionalsineverysinglesector.

• It’svitalforunderstandingwhatcomputersaredoing behindthescenesandforpreparingdatatoget incredibleinsights.

• Thinkaboutit—fromconsumerproductsandfinanceto travel,healthcare,andenergy,CTskillsareinhigh demand.It’snotaboutcoding;it’saboutsmart, data-driventhinking.

● InDailyLife

• Believeitornot,youcanuseCTtolevelupyour everydaylife!

• TimeManagement:Breakdownyourto-dolist (decomposition)andspotyourproductivepatternsto getmoredone.

• PersonalBudgeting:Identifyyourspendinghabits (patternrecognition),cutoutwhat’snotessential (abstraction),andcreateasystemtotrackyour money(algorithm).

• Navigation:EvenGoogleMapsusesCT!It’s constantlybreakingdowntrafficdataandupdatingits route-findingalgorithmstogetyoutherefaster.Pretty cool,huh?

5.HowtoDevelopYourSkills:AnActionableGuide

ReadytostartbuildingyourComputationalThinking muscles?Thebestpartis,youcandoitwithfun activitiesyouprobablyalreadylove.

● LogicPuzzlesandBrainGames(Unplugged):

GrabaSudokubook,aRubik’sCube,orevenajigsaw puzzle.Theseareamazingworkoutsfordecomposition, patternrecognition,andcreatingasolvingstrategy (youralgorithm!).

● BoardGamesandStrategyGames(Unplugged):

AgameofChessorMancalaispureCTinaction.You’re planningstepsahead,spottingpatternsinyour opponent’smoves,andconstantlydebugging yourstrategy

● CreativeWritingandStorytelling(Unplugged):

Writingastoryisafantasticwaytopractice.You decomposethenarrativeintoplotpoints,develop characterpatterns,abstractthemainthemes,anddesign thesequenceofevents.

● CookingandRecipeFollowing(Unplugged):

Arecipeisjustadeliciousalgorithm!Followthesteps, andifyourcakedoesn’trise,youdebugtheprocess. Experimentingwithingredientsisaformofabstraction!

● BuildwithConstructionToys(Unplugged):

BuildingwithLEGOsisamasterclassin decomposition(breakingacastleintowallsand towers)andalgorithmicthinking(followingthe stepstobuildit).

● CodingPlatforms(Digital):

JumpontositeslikeMITScratchorCode.org. They’redesignedtoteachyouallfourpillarsin asuperfun,hands-onwaybylettingyoucreate gamesandanimations.

● “What’stheNextStep?”Game (UnpluggedforKids):

Askkidstolistthestepsforsimpletaskslike brushingtheirteeth.It’saplayfulwaytoget themthinkinginalgorithms.

UniqueChallenge:AlgorithmforYour MorningRoutineGivethisashot!Writedowna super-detailed,step-by-stepalgorithmforyour morning.Imeanmicro-tasks(“Step1:Alarm goesoff.Step2:Hitsnooze…”).Now,lookit over.Canyouoptimizeit?Aretherestepsyou cancut(abstraction)?Doyouseepatternsthat causedelays?Canyoure-orderthingstobe moreefficient?ThisisCTinitspurestform!

MyOpinion

It’sclearthatcomputationalthinkinghasgrown farbeyonditscomputersciencerootstobecome anessentialliteracyforourtimes—justasvital asreading,writing,andmath.Inaworld overflowingwithdataandcomplexity,thisisthe approachthatgivesusclarity.It’samindsetthat allowsustodissecthugechallenges,seehidden connections,focusonwhattrulymatters,and designelegant,step-by-stepsolutions.

WhenyougetgoodatCT,youbuildyourability toadapt,tothinkcritically,andtoinnovatein anyfieldyouchoose.Thisisn’tjustaboutusing technology;it’saboutbeingabletoshapeitand useitspowerforgood.Investinginyour ComputationalThinkingskillsis,withouta doubt,aninvestmentinyourown futuresuccess.

HereAreSomeFutureImpactsof ComputationalThinking

Getready,becausethisiswhereitgets incrediblyexciting.HerearefivelesserknownwaysCTisshapingabrighter futureforallofus:

● EnhancedMedicalDiagnostics:

Imaginealgorithmsthatcandetect diseasesearlierandmoreaccuratelythan everbefore.Byapplyingpattern recognitiontoimmensesetsofpatient data,CThelpsAIspotsubtlecluesin medicalimagesandgenomicinfothata humaneyemightmiss.Thismeansmore personalizedtreatmentsandbetter outcomes.It’sabsolutelyrevolutionary!

● EthicalAIDevelopment:

AsAIgetsmorepowerful,howdowe keepitfair?CTisthekey.Ithelps developersdecomposeAImodelstohunt forandeliminatebiases,abstractcore ethicalrulesintocode,anddesign algorithmsthataretransparentand accountable.ThisishowwebuildAIwe cantrust.

● ClimateChangeModeling:

Tacklingclimatechangeisoneofthe biggestchallengesofourtime.CTallows scientiststodecomposetheEarth’s climateintodifferentsystems,usepattern recognitiontoidentifylong-termtrends, andcreatesophisticatedalgorithmsto simulatefuturescenarios.Thisworkis crucialforinformingglobalpolicy.

● RevolutionizingUrbanPlanning:

CTishelpingtobuildthesmart, sustainablecitiesofthefuture.Planners canuseittoanalyzetrafficflow,optimize publictransportroutes,andmanage resourceslikewaterandenergy efficiently,allbasedon data-drivenalgorithms.

● PersonalizedEducationatScale:

One-size-fits-alleducationisbecomingathingofthepast.CT powersadaptivelearningsystemsthatrecognizepatternsinhowa studentlearns,identifytheiruniquestrengthsandweaknesses, andcreateacustomizedlearningpathjustforthem.Thisfosters deeperunderstandingandhelpseverylearnershine.

ComputationalThinkingissomuchmorethanacatchphrase.It’s aprofoundshiftinhowweapproachchallenges,turning complexityintoclarity.Byembracingthesecoreprinciples, you’renotjustlearninganewskill;you’readoptingapowerful toolkitforbuildingabetter,smarter,andmoreinnovativefuture foryourself.

Younowholdtheblueprintforclearerthinking.Ifthisguide sparkedsomethinginyou,don’tkeepittoyourself!Empower yournetworkbysharingitwithyourfriends,colleagues,and family.Let’smakeeveryoneabetterproblem-solver,together!

GLENBROOK High School District 225

The ‘Ferris Bueller’School That Became a National Powerhouse

TostandoutsideGlenbrook NorthHighSchoolisto standinaframeofcollective memory Youcanalmostseehim:Ferris Bueller,impossiblycool,convincinghis girlfriendSloanetoskipschoolfrom thepayphonenearthefrontsteps.The building,alongsweepofbrickand glass,isanicon,abackdropforthe cinematicangstandadventureof filmmakerJohnHughes,analumnus whouseditsexteriorsfor Ferris Bueller’s Day Off anditsinteriorsfor The Breakfast Club.Formillions,this schoolisShermer,Illinois—afictional suburbthatfeelsmorerealthanthe actualtownsofNorthbrookand Glenviewitserves.

ButthestoryofGlenbrookHighSchoolDistrict225isfarmore complexandimpressivethanitscelluloidfamesuggests.Thisisnot adistrictpreservedintheamberofthe1980s.Itisathriving, meticulouslymanagededucationalenterprise,atwo-school powerhousethatservesapproximately5,200studentsandfunctions asacasestudyinwhatapublicschooldistrictcanachievewith vision,relentlessinvestment,andoverwhelmingcommunitysupport. TheHollywoodnostalgiaisthehook;therealityisastoryof strategicevolution.AsSuperintendentDr.R.J.Gravelputsit,the districtisbuiltona“proudlegacyofexcellenceandaboldvisionfor thefuture,”amissiontoempowerstudentsto“grow,thrive,and contributemeaningfullytosociety.”

ATaleofTwoGlenbrooks

Thedistrict’sstorybeginswithasingleschoolandaclevername.In 1953,NorthfieldTownshipopenedGlenbrookHighSchool,its nameaneatportmanteauofthetwoprimarycommunitiesitserved: GlenviewandNorthbrook.Butasthesuburbsswelled,one buildingwasn’tenough.In1962,thedistrictcleavedintwo.The originalbuildingwasrenamedGlenbrookNorth(GBN),andanew campus,GlenbrookSouth(GBS),openedinGlenview Thus,the “Glenbrooks”wereborn—twodistinctschoolswiththeirown mascotsandidentities,yetboundtogetherunderthebanner ofDistrict225.

Today,theyaresiblinginstitutionsthatshareareputation forexcellence.Theypullfromanetworkoffeeder schools—WoodOaks,NorthbrookJuniorHigh,Attea, Springman,andportionsofFieldandMaple—channeling studentsintooneofthetwomaincampusesor,forthose withspecificneeds,intoGlenbrookOff-Campus(GBOC), atherapeuticdayschool.Thispipelinehasbecomeoneof themostsuccessfulinthecountry,atestamenttoa philosophythatmarriesrigorousacademicswithafocuson belongingandwell-being.

MoreThanJustaMovieSet

LongbeforeFerrisBuellertookhisdayoff,Glenbrookwas alreadyonthemap.Inthelate1950s,anationalmagazine namedthethen-fledglingschooloneofthetop44inthe country.In1984,PresidentRonaldReagan’sadministration bestoweduponGBNtheExcellenceinEducationAward.

Themostresonantendorsement,however,cameon January22,1997.PresidentBillClintonstoodintheGBN fieldhouse,nottotalkaboutmovies,butaboutmathand science.Localstudentsinthe“FirstintheWorld” consortiumhadjustbeatenglobalcompetitors,scoringfirst inscienceandthirdinmath.Clintonlaudedthedistrict’s ethos,ablendoflocalcontrolandhighambition.“You didn’tuseitasanexcusenottothrowyourhatinthering,” hepraised.“Iwouldstillbeheretopatyouontheback becauseyouhadthegutstodoit.”Lessthanamonthlater, hereferencedtheachievementagaininhis1997Stateof theUnionaddress.TheGlenbrookswerenolongerjusta backdrop;theywereanationalbenchmark.

TheBusinessofConstantImprovement

Thatbenchmarkismaintainedthroughaphilosophyof perpetualmotion.Awalkthrougheithercampusrevealsa districtthatneverstopsbuilding,renovating,andupgrading. It’sacorebusinessstrategy.AtGBN,a2006referendum fundedastate-of-the-artFitnessCenter,anexpandedmusic area,andasun-drenchedmainentrance,allcompletedby 2009.AtGBS,thepaceofimprovementhasbeendizzying, withmajorworkdonenearlyeveryfewyearssince2002 Renovationsin2024-2025aloneincludedrevampedparking lots,remodeledandnewall-genderbathrooms,andanew woodshopafterafire.

ThemodernGlenbrookclassroomisalessoninpedagogical design.Flexibleseatingenhancescollaboration.Dimmable lightingallowsstudentstoviewaprojectionscreenwhile takingnotes.

Massivewhiteboardsareusedforeverythingfromsolvingmath problemstopracticingChinesecharacters.EventheGBOC therapeuticschoolfeaturesaCrossFitgym,ensuringequitable accesstotop-tierequipment.Thisisn’tjustaboutshinynew facilities;it’saboutcreatingphysicalspacesthatactively supportthedistrict’seducationalgoals.

TheEnginesofAchievement

TheresultsoftheGlenbrookmodelareundeniable.GBNwas rankedthe48th-bestpublichighschoolintheUnitedStates byNichein2022.In2021,96%ofitsseniorsgraduated,with 98%enrollingincollege.Thatclassincluded14National MeritSemifinalists AtGBS,thestoryissimilar,withthe schoolconsistentlyrankedamongthebestinIllinois.

Nowhereisthedistrict’sdominancemoreapparentthaninitsdebateprogram.GBNwasrankedthetopdebateschoolofthe 20thcenturyand,in2004,becametheonlyprogramevertowinthe“TripleCrown,”sweepingthethreemajornational championships.GBShasitsowntroveofnationaldebatetitles.Thisintellectualrigorismirroredinthediversestudentbody. AtGBN(asof2021),thepopulationis71.4%White,17.9%Asian,and5.4%Hispanic,withalargeJewishcommunity thatledtheschooltoaddHebrewtoitslanguageofferings.AtGBS,42%ofstudentsarefromminoritygroups,including 18.1%Asianand11.3%Hispanic.ClubsliketheBlackStudentUnion,HellenicClub,andGenderSexualityAlliance (GSA)reflectthisvibrantculturaltapestry

AthleticsareanequalpartnerintheGlenbrookidentity.Theschoolshavewonastaggeringnumberofstatechampionships. GBNmadehistoryin2005bybecomingthefirstlarge-enrollmentschoolinIllinoistohavewonstatetitlesinfootball, basketball,andbaseball.Itsboys’tennisandhockeyteamsareperennialpowerhouses,anditsgirls’golfteamwon back-to-backstatechampionshipsin2023and2024.GBShascapturedstatetitlesingirls’basketball,boys’volleyball,and fieldhockey ThisistheculturethatproducedathleteslikeNBAcoachChrisCollins,MLBplayerJasonKipnis,andDuke basketballphenomandheadcoachJonScheyer,whose52pointsinaGBNgame—21oftheminthefinal75seconds—is thestuffoflocallegend.

ThisistherealstoryoftheGlenbrooks.It’saplacewhereapresidentialcitationhangsalongsideamovieposter,wherea world-classdebateteamsharesthespotlightwithastate-championfootballteam.Itisadistrictthatfaceddownascandaland emergedstronger,onethatinvestsinitsfutureasrelentlesslyasithonorsitspast.Fromasinglebuildingnamedfortwo towns,ithasbecomesomethingmore:anationalmodelforthepowerandpotentialofpubliceducation.

HowDoes Inquiry-Based Learning Ignite Deeper Understanding?

Rememberthefeelingofbeingakid,yourmind

buzzingwithamillion‘whys’?Whatifwe couldbringthatboundlesscuriositybackinto theclassroom?Fortoolong,educationhasfeltlikeaone waystreet:lectures,memorization,andthentheinevitable braindumpafteranexam.Studentsfeeldisconnected,and theinformationjustdoesn’tstick.It’sagenuinecrisis. Butwhatiftherewasawaytoflipthescript?

Toturnclassroomsintovibrantlabsofdiscoverywhere studentsleadthecharge?That’stheincrediblepromiseof Inquiry-BasedLearning(IBL).It'snotjustanother teachingmethod;it’sacompleteshiftfrompassively receivinginformationtoactivelyexploringit.Getready, becausewe’reabouttodiveintohowIBLcancreatean unforgettablelearningadventureandbuildaprofound, lastingunderstanding.

Let’sExploreHowInquiry-BasedLearningSparks DeeperUnderstanding

1. WhatisInquiry-BasedLearning?(AndWhat It’sNot)

So,what’sthebigdealaboutInquiry-BasedLearning (IBL)?Atitsheart,it’satotalgame-changerthatputs students’ownquestionsandideasrightinthespotlight.

● It’saMindsetShift:Thinkofitasmovingfroma teacher-focused‘knowledgedump’toastudent focused‘knowledgeconstruction.’Thecoreidea, rootedinconstructivistlearningtheory,isthatweall buildourunderstandingbyexploringanddiscovering thingsforourselves.Thegoal?Todevelopthose awesomehigher-levelthinkingskills.

● It’sNotJust‘ActiveLearning’:People sometimesmixIBLupwithotherstrategies.While activelearningisgreat,IBLissuperspecific.Itall startswithacentralproblemoraburningquestion thatthestudentsinvestigatetobuildtheir ownknowledge.

●It’sDefinitelyNotOld-School:Thisisthepolar oppositeofendlesslectures,worksheets,and textbookdrillsthatoftenmakestudentstuneout. Justdoingagroupactivityorahands-onproject doesn'tautomaticallymakeitIBL,especiallyifit doesn’tspringfromthestudent’sowncuriosity.

2.TheSpectrumofInquiry

Here’sthecoolpart:Inquiry-BasedLearningisn’t anall-or-nothingdeal.Itexistsonaspectrum,kind oflikeasetoftraininglevelsinavideogame.The teachercanadjustthedifficultybychanginghow muchguidancetheyprovide.Therearefourmain levels,andmovingthroughthemstep-by-stepis thekeytosuccess.Youwouldn'tthrowabeginner intothedeepend,right?

● ConfirmationInquiry:Thinkofthisasthe tutoriallevel.Studentsgetthequestion,the procedure,andevenknowtheexpectedoutcome. It'safantasticwaytoreinforceaconceptyou've justtaught.

● StructuredInquiry:Here,theteachergivesthe questionandaclearsetofsteps.Thestudents followtherecipetogettotheresult.It’sagreat nextstepinbuildingconfidence.

● GuidedInquiry:Nowthingsgetinteresting!The teacheronlyprovidesthequestion.Thisgives studentssomeseriousownershipastheyhaveto figureoutthehow Thislevelisoftenconsideredthe sweetspotforamazingsciencelearning!

● OpenInquiry:Thisistheultimatelevelof intellectualfreedom!Studentsdreamuptheirown questionsanddesigntheirentireinvestigationfrom scratch.It'saminimal-guidancezonewheretheyget ageneralproblemandrunwithit.Wow!

3. The‘Why’:TheCognitiveScienceBehindDeeper Understanding

Everwonderwhysomethingsjust‘click’andstickin yourmemoryforever?Inquiry-BasedLearningtaps directlyintothescienceofhowourbrainsarewiredto learn.It’snotjustagoodidea;it’sabrain-friendlyone!

●AlignmentwithConstructivistLearningTheory

Atitscore,IBLisbuiltontheideathatweareactive creatorsofourknowledge,notpassivesponges.

- Thisapproach,knownasconstructivistlearning theory,suggestswelearnbestbybuildingonwhat wealreadyknow

- ThelegendaryeducatorJohnDeweyarguedforlearning basedonexperiencesandreflectivethinkingthattrulysparks astudent sinterest.Makessense,doesn tit? ’ ’

- Similarly,LevVygotsky ssocialconstructivismchampioned ’ thepowerofpeerinteraction.Heshowedthatbouncingideas offeachotherandsolvingproblemstogetherisa super-effectivewaytolearn.IBLisallaboutthatsocial, collaborativemagic!

● FosteringHigher-OrderThinkingSkills

IBLisbasicallyaworkoutforthebrain,pushingstudents beyondsimplememorization.

- Itgetsstudentsdeepintotheprocess:askingquestions, huntingforknowledge,buildingexplanationsfromevidence, andtestingthemout.

- StudieshaveshownthatIBLsignificantlyboostscritical thinkingskillscomparedtotraditionalmethods.Why? Becausestudentsareinthedriver sseatoftheirown ’ experiments,constantlythinking,reasoning,anddeciding whattodonext.

- Thisprocessnaturallybuildsthementalmuscleforanalyzing trickysituationsandpiecingtogetherinformationtodraw solidconclusions.

● NeurosciencePerspective:CuriosityandDopamine

Everfeelthatjoltofexcitementwhenyoufinallyfigure somethingout?That’syourbrainchemistryatwork!

- Inquiry-BasedLearningisacuriosityengine.When studentsgettochasetheirownquestionsanddesign experimentsbasedontheirinterests,theyareinstantly moreengaged.

- Thispowerfulcuriosityisdirectlylinkedtothebrain’s rewardsystem.Thissystemreleasesaneurotransmitter calleddopamine,whichplaysahugeroleinmotivation andcementinglong-termmemories.

-Thatlittlebitofstruggletorecallinformation,thatactive searchforananswer,ispreciselywhatmakesthe knowledgestick.It’slikeamentalworkoutthat strengthensneuralpathways.It’spurebrainmagic!

4.The‘How’:APracticalGuidetoImplementing Inquiry-BasedLearning

Readytomaketheswitch?BringingInquiry-Based Learningtolifeinvolvesashiftinstrategy,turningthe classroomintoastudent-poweredhubofdiscovery.Here’s howyoucandoit.

●TheTeacher’sEvolvingRole

Getreadytotransform!InanIBLclassroom,theteacher’s rolebeautifullyevolvesfromthe‘sageonthestage’tothe ‘guideontheside.’

-You’renolongerjustdeliveringfacts.Instead,youbecome thearchitectofexperiences,designinglessonsthatpique interestandchallengestudentstoapplywhattheyknow.

- Youprovidetherightamountofguidance,masterfully balancingstudentdiscussionsandknowingwhentostep backtoletthemtakethelead.

- Settingclearexpectationsandhavingsolidrubricsare yourbestfriendsinthisnewrole!

● CraftingEssentialQuestions

Thefuelforanygreatinquiryisapowerful,open-ended question.Here’sasimplerecipeforcraftingone:

- StartBroad:Pickakeyconceptfromyourcurriculum.

- TurnitintoaQuestion:Insteadofastatementlike ‘TheWaterCycle,’asksomethingjuicy:“Howdoes watermovethroughourenvironmentandimpactour community?”Seethedifference?Oneisatopic;the otherisanadventurewaitingtohappen!

- MakeitReal:Connectthequestiontoyourstudents’ livesorcurrentevents.

- AimHigh:Thequestionshoulddemandmorethana simplefact.Itshouldrequireanalysis,synthesis, andevaluation.

- KeepitResearchable:Makesurestudentscan realisticallyinvestigatethequestionintheclassroom.

- RefineandRepeat:Tweakyourquestionsbasedonhow studentsrespond.

● In-depthLessonPlanExamples

Let’sseethisinaction.Imagine…

- A5th-GradeScienceLessononTheWaterCycle:

○ TheBigQuestion:Howdohumanactivitiesimpactthe naturalwatercycle,andwhataretheconsequencesfor ourlocalcommunity?

○ TheAdventure:Studentsstartbyobservinglocalwater sources.Theybrainstormwithactivitieslike ‘Think-Pair-Share.’Youprovideresources,andthey conductmini-experiments,likebuildingterrariums. Groupstheninvestigatedifferenthumanimpacts (pollution,dams)andpresenttheirshockingfindings.

○ The‘Aha!’Moment:Theydon’tjustlearnthewater cycle;theyunderstandourdeepconnectiontoit.They buildskillsinobservation,analysis, andcommunication.

- A10th-GradeHistoryLessononTheCausesof WWI:

○ TheBigQuestion:Towhatextentwasnationalismthe mainreasonforWorldWarI,comparedtootherfactors?

○ TheAdventure:Youkickthingsoffwithaprovocative quotetogettheirmindsracing.Usinga'Jigsaw'activity, differentgroupsbecomeexpertsonspecificcauses (militarism,alliances,nationalism,etc.).

Theythenteacheachotherinnewgroups,analyzing historicaldocumentsandmaps.

○ The‘Aha!’Moment:Thelessonendswithathrilling debateorapowerfulessay.Studentslearnthathistory isn’tjustalistofdates;it’sacomplexwebofcauses. Theydevelopincredibleskillsincriticalanalysisand buildingargumentsfromevidence.That’s super-impressive,isn’tit?!

5. RethinkingAssessment

So,howdoyougradeanintellectualadventure? Traditionalteststhatfocusonmemorizationjustwon’tcut it.WithInquiry-BasedLearning,weneedauthenticways toseehowstudentshavegrown.

● Portfolios:Thinkofthisasascrapbookoftheir learningjourney.Itcanholdeverythingfromtheir initialquestionsandresearchnotestotheirfinal‘aha!’ momentsandreflections.

● RubricsforCollaborativeProjects:Whenstudents workinteams,youcanuserubricstoassessnotjustthe finalproduct,butalsotheirteamwork,individual contributions,andpresentationskills.

● Presentations:Havestudentspresenttheirfindings! Thisisanamazingwayforthemtodemonstratetheir understanding,defendtheirconclusions,andpractice theircommunicationskills.

● StructuredSelf-Reflections:Getstudentsthinking abouttheirownthinking!Simpleactivitieslikea ‘MuddiestPoint’(whatwasmostconfusing?)ora ‘One-SentenceSummary’attheendofalessoncan revealsomuchabouttheirunderstandingandwhat questionstheystillhave.

6. OvercomingtheHurdles:Addressingthe Real-WorldChallengesofIBL

Let’sberealforasecond.Makingtheshiftto Inquiry-BasedLearningisincrediblyrewarding,butitcan comewithafewchallenges.Thegoodnews?Theyareall totallymanageablewiththerightgameplan.

● PrimaryChallenges

- ClassroomManagement:Whenyouempowerstudents tobemoreactive,itcanfeelalittlechaoticatfirst.

- CurriculumCoveragePressures:Withsomany standardstocover,teacherssometimesworrythatIBL istootime-consuming.

- InitialDiscomfortwithAmbiguity:Let’sfaceit,both teachersandstudentsareoftenusedtoclear-cut answers.Theopen-endednatureofinquirycanfeela bituncertaininitially,andittakestimetoget comfortablewithcollaborationandteamwork.

● Practical,Evidence-BasedSolutions

Don’tworry,we’vegotyourback!Herearesome provenstrategies:

- StartSlowwithScaffolding:Youdon’thavetogo fromzerotoahundred.Beginwithmorestructuredor guidedinquiryactivitiestobuildeveryone’sconfidence andskills.

- GetaLittleHelpfromYourFriends:Teachertraining iskey!Sustained,year-roundprofessional development,liketheLessonStudymodel,whereyou cancollaboratewithcolleagues,makesaworld ofdifference.

- MakeExpectationsCrystalClear:Provideclear rubricssostudentsknowexactlywhatsuccesslooks likeforaproject.Thisremovessomuchof theguesswork!

- MixItUp:Researchshowsthatahybridapproach combininginquirywithsomedirectinstructioncanbe incrediblyeffective.It'sthebestofbothworlds!

- FocusontheBIGQuestions:Insteadoftryingtocram everythingin,designpowerfulessentialquestionsthat gettotheheartofthemostimportantconcepts.

- LeverageTechnology:Techcanbeyourbestfriend! Useittocreatepersonalizedresources,foster collaboration,andhelpwithevaluation.

-TeachTeamwork:Don’tjustexpectstudentstoknow howtocollaborate.Usefunactivitieslike ‘Think-Pair-Share’or‘Jigsaw’toexplicitlyteachand modeltheseskills.

- EncourageReflection:Buildinregulartimefor studentstothinkabouttheirlearningprocess.It’sa simplebutpowerfulwaytobuildself-awareness.

7. Inquiry-BasedLearninginAction:Inspiring CaseStudies

Stillnotconvinced?Let’stakealookatsome real-worldstories—postcardsfromclassrooms _whereIBLcreatedsometrulyprofound‘wow’ moments.

● CaseStudy1:UnderstandingChemicalKinetics inThailand

- TheScene:Asecondaryschoolchemistryclass inThailand.

- TheMission:Toshiftstudentsfrompassively learningaboutchemicalkineticstoactively engagingwithitthroughinquiry

- TheProcess:Studentswerethrownintotheaction! Theyhadtodrawconceptlists,createscientific questions,designtheirownexperiments,and analyzetheresults.Canyoufeeltheexcitement?

- TheIncredibleOutcome:Theresultswere stunning!Diagnostictestsshowedahugeleapin students’understandingofchemicalkinetics.They mademassiveprogressineverystepofthe scientificprocess.Evenbetter,thishands-on approachmadethemgenuinelyenjoyandbecome moreinterestedinthesubject.Nowthat’sa chemicalreactionwecanallgetbehind!

● CaseStudy2:ExploringChin’sNatural ResourcesinJuniorSecondaryGeography

- TheScene:Aneighth-gradegeographyclass.

- TheMission:Toexplorethecomplextopicof China’snaturalresourcesusinganinquiry-based approach.

-TheProcess:Thelessonwasbuiltaroundthe7E learningcycle(Elicit,Engage,Explore,Explain, Elaborate,Evaluate,andExtend).Studentswere givenreal-worldsituationsandtaskedwithasking theirownresearchquestionsaboutresource distributionanditsimpact.

- TheIncredibleOutcome:Thestudentsdidn’tjust learnfacts;theyacquiredtheactualmethodsand skillsofgeographicalstudy!

Thisdramaticallyboostedtheiroverallcompetencein geography.ItshowshowIBLcanempowerstudentsto tacklehuge,real-worldproblemsandthinklike trueresearchers.

8. TheFutureofLearning:IBLintheAgeofAIand InformationAbundance

InaworldwhereAIcanansweranyfactualquestionina nanosecond,what’sleftforourbrainstodo?Alot,itturns out!Inthisnewera,Inquiry-BasedLearningisn’tjust relevant;it’sabsolutelyessential.

IBListheperfecttrainingforaworldoverflowingwith information.AIcanspitoutfacts,butitcan’treplicatethe humansparkofaskinginsightfulquestions,critically evaluatingsources,orcreativelysolvingabrand-new problem.IBLbuildstheseuniquelyhumanskills, preparingstudentstobeadaptable,innovative,andready forafuturewecan’tevenpredict.Theylearnto collaborate,communicate,andbecomelifelonglearners.

Andtechnology?It’snottheenemy;it’sapowerful partnerinthisadventure!

● PersonalizedLearning:AIcancreateresources tailoredtoeachstudent.

● GlobalCollaboration:Onlineplatformscan connectstudentstoworkonprojectstogether.

● DataPower:Toolscanhelpstudents visualizeandanalyzedatalikerealscientists.

● VirtualLabs:Studentscansafelyconduct experimentsthatwouldbeimpossibleina regularclassroom.

Ofcourse,weneedtobesmartaboutit,setting clearguidelinestoavoidover-relianceontech andteachingstudentstobesavvydigitalcitizens.

MyOpinion

Afterdedicatingmycareertoresearching education,Icantellyouthis:I’veseencountless trendscomeandgo,butfewholdthesheer transformativepowerofInquiry-BasedLearning. Itcompletelyredefineswhatitmeanstolearn.

Itmovesuspasttheold,tiredideaofjust pouringinformationintostudents’heads. Instead,itrecognizesasimple,beautifultruth: deepunderstandingonlyhappenswhenwegetto wrestlewithquestions,buildourown knowledge,andforgetourown intellectualpaths.

Inquiry-BasedLearningawakenstheveryspiritof curiosity.Inaworldfacingunbelievablycomplex challenges,theabilitytoasktherightquestions andsolveproblemstogetherisn’tabonus—it’sa survivalskill.IBLdoesn’tjustcreatebetter students;itcultivatessmarter,moreresilient,and moreengagedcitizensforourfuture.

HereAreSomeFutureImpactsof Inquiry-BasedLearning

Beyondbettergrades,imaginetheworldwe couldbuildifIBLbecamethenorm.Hereare somefutureimpactsthatwecanallget excitedabout:

● SmarterCitizens,StrongerDemocracy: IBL’sfocusonquestioningandevaluating evidencecreatescitizenswhocancutthrough misinformationandengageinmorethoughtful civicconversations.

● ATrueCultureofInnovation:By encouragingstudentstoconstantlyfind problemsanddreamupsolutions,IBLplants theseedsofanentrepreneurialmindset, sparkingamoreinnovativeworkforce.

● BuildingtheUltimateTeamPlayer:The deepcollaborationinIBLperfectlyprepares individualsfortheteam-first,problem-solving environmentsofmodernworkplaces.

● ForgingMindsofSteel:Grapplingwith tough,ambiguousquestionsbuildsincredible mentalresilienceandcomfortwith uncertainty—essentialskillsfornavigatingour unpredictableworld.

● UnleashingtheLifelongLearner:Whenyou empowerstudentstodirecttheirownlearning, yougivethemthegiftofpersonalautonomy. Theybecomeself-starterswhoneverstop beingcurious,longafterthey’veleft theclassroom.

Ifthisguidehasignitedasparkofcuriosityin you,helpusspreadtheflame!Sharethisblog withyourfriends,andcolleagues,andonyour socialmedia.Let’sempowereveryeducatorand learnertogether!

Jericho Union Free School District

The Quiet Superpower on Long

Island

OntheNorthShoreofLongIsland,nestledwithintheleafyconfinesofNassauCounty,liesthe smallhamletofJericho.Onamap,itisjustoneofmanyaffluentcommunitiesthatdotthe landscapeoutsideNewYorkCity.ButintheworldofAmericanpubliceducation,Jerichois somethingelseentirely.Itisabenchmark,aquietsuperpower,aplacewherethephrase“publicschool” carriestheweightandprestigemorecommonlyassociatedwithcenturies-oldprivateinstitutions.Asof 2025,theJerichoUnionFreeSchoolDistrictisn’tjustthebestinNewYork;itisrankedthesixth-bestin theentireUnitedStates.

Thisisnotastoryofaflashy,experimentalchartersystemoranexclusivemagnetschool.Itisthestoryof atraditional,public,K-12district—foundedin1959withthecompletionofitshighschool—thathas achievedsomethingextraordinarythrougharelentless,methodical,anddeeplyhuman-centeredpursuitof excellence.Withjustfiveschools—threeelementary,onemiddle,andonehigh—Jerichohascreateda concentratedecosystemofachievementthatfeelsbothintenselyfocusedandsurprisinglygentle.To understandhowtheydoit,youhavetolookpasttherankingsandintotheveryarchitectureofthedistrict, whichisbuiltnotjustonrigorousacademics,butonafoundationofintegrity,respect,andthesimple, disarmingpowerofagenuinesmile.

TheAnatomyofExcellence

ThesuccessofaplacelikeJerichoisnotaccidental;itisengineered.Thesystemisoverseenby SuperintendentDr.RobertL.Kravitz,aleaderwithbothadoctorateineducationandanM.B.A.,whose arrivalonJuly1,2025,markedanewchapterforanalreadystorieddistrict.Heissupportedbyalean, focusedteam:DavidCohenhandlingHumanResources,VictorManuelmanagingBusinessAffairs,and Dr.IvyShermansteeringCurriculumandInstruction.Together,theyformtheprofessionalcorethat executesthecommunity’svision.

Butthetruegovernance,theverysoulofthedistrict’sdirection,resideswiththeBoardofEducation.Itisa five-memberbody,composedofresidentslikePresidentJillCitronandVicePresidentDr.Divya Balachandar,whoareelectedbytheirneighborstoservethree-yeartermswithoutasingledollarof salary.Thesearenotdistantbureaucrats;theyareparentsandcommunitymembers—Dr.Christopher Foresto,SamuelPerlman,JenniferVartanov—whodedicatetheirtimetothemonumentaltasksofsetting long-termgoals,adoptingabudget,andservingasfierceadvocatesforeverychildinthedistrict.

Theirmonthlymeetingsareopentothepublic, oftenfeaturingpresentationsthatputthevibrantlife oftheschoolsondisplay.Itisamodelof transparent,grassrootsgovernance,aconstant, livingdialoguebetweentheschoolsandthe communitytheyserve.

ACurriculumoftheWholeChild

Whiletheaccoladesarebuiltonacademicresults, Jericho’smissionisfarbroader:“successforevery student.”Thisisnotaeuphemismforhightest scores.Thedistrict’sphilosophyisadelicate balancebetweenpushingforthehighestacademic potentialandnurturingtheemotionallivesofits students.TheBoardofEducationhascodifiedthis intofourkeygoals:supportingadiverselearning community,preparingstudentsforaglobalized world,helpingeachchildliveanemotionally balancedlife,andunifyingthecommunitythrough compassionatecommunication.

ThisiswhereJerichodistinguishesitself.Alongside acurriculumrichinEnglishLanguageArts, advancedmathematics,andworldlanguages,there isanequallyrobustcommitmenttosocial-emotional learning(SEL).Thedistrictactivelyworkstoteach studentsskillsandstrategiestoberesilient,to identifythecausesofstress,andtoreduceit.They conductschoolclimatesurveys,develop school-basedwellnessprograms,andintentionally weavesocialandemotionaldevelopmentintothe fabricoftheacademicday.Thecorevaluesofthe district—Integrity,Excellence,Respect,and Growth—arenotjustwordsonaposter;theyarethe operatingprinciplesoftheclassroom.Theaimisto producegraduateswhoarenotjustcollege-ready, butlife-ready—criticalthinkersandproblemsolvers whoarealsoempathetic,collaborative,andkind.

TheJerichoPromise

WhenDr.Kravitzbeganhistenure,hisfirst impressionwasn’tofthedistrict’sformidable academicreputation,butofsomethingmuch simpler.“FromthemomentIarrived,”heshared withthecommunity,“I’vebeengreetedwith warmthandgenuinesmilesfromeveryone I’vemet.There’ssomethingspecialabouta smile—itputspeopleateaseandcreatesa welcomingenvironment.”

ThisobservationgetstotheheartoftheJericho paradox:howdoesaplacethatachievessuch stratosphericresultsavoidthecutthroat, high-pressureatmospherethatoftenaccompanies suchsuccess?Theanswerseemstolieinthis intentionalcultureofwelcome.Thedistrictdoesn’t justpromisetochallengeitsstudents;itpromisesto supportthem.Itpromisestoseethemasindividuals withuniquetalentsandneeds.Theprofessional staff,describedas“talentedanddedicated,”are encouragedtoconstantlyanalyzedataandreflecton theirpractice,notjusttoraisescores,butto continuallyimprovetheoverallstudentexperience.

Thispromiseisanall-encompassingcommitmentto fosteracommunitywhere,astheirmissionstates, everystudentcan“thriveacademically,socially,and emotionallyinasafeandsupportiveenvironment.” Itisapromisetopartnerwithfamilies,toinspire lifelonglearning,andtocultivateresponsible citizenship.Itistheunderstandingthatasmileisnot asignoflaxstandards,butaprerequisiteforthe kindofopen,trustingenvironmentwheretrue growthcanhappen.

ACommunityBuiltonaSmile

Intheend,thestoryoftheJerichoUnionFree SchoolDistrictisnotjustaboutbeingnumberone. Itisastoryaboutthedeliberate,thoughtful constructionofacommunitythatvaluesboth intellectandintegrity,achievementandwell-being. Itisatestamenttowhatispossiblewhena communityinvestsnotonlyitstaxdollarsbutits time,itstalent,anditstrustinitspublicschools.

Dr.Kravitz’ssimpleinvitationto“continuetoshare thosesmilesandbuildsomethinggreattogether”is morethanapleasantry.Itisanencapsulationofthe Jerichophilosophy.Itsuggeststhatthefoundationof aworld-classeducationisnotpressure,but partnership;notcompetition,butcommunity.It’sa quiet,powerfulidea,andinasmallcornerofLong Island,itisproducingsomeofthemostimpressive resultsinthenation.

7 BEST PUBLIC The

SCHOOLS IN US

A Data-Backed Ranking Guide

Everfeellikechoosingapublicuniversityis liketryingtopickalaneonaten-lane highwaywiththeGPSscreamingatyou? You’reweighingprestige,cost,campusvibes,and whatyourlifemightlooklikeadecadefromnow It’salot.

So,let’scutthroughthenoise.Forgetthefluff.This guideisyourstraight-talkingfriend,builtonharddata andrealinsights,designedtoansweronesimple question:whicharethetrulybestpublicschoolsinUS, andwhatmakesthemtick?

I’vedugdeepintoofficialuniversitydashboards, theU.S.DepartmentofEducation’sCollege Scorecard,andpilesofresearchreports.Theresult?A crystal-clearpictureofeachschool—fromacceptance ratesandresearchdollarstowhatyoucanactually expecttoearn.

Whetheryou’reastudentdreamingbig,aparent navigatingtheprocess,oracounselorguidingtheway, you’llfindeverythingyouneedrighthere.Andyes, everymajorstatisticislinked,soyoucanseetheproof foryourself.

Let’sdivein!

A.Let’sExplorethe7BestPublicSchoolsinUS

1. UniversityofCalifornia—LosAngeles(UCLA)

● QuickStats(TheNumbersDon’tLie)

• Fall2024First-YearApplicants:146,276 applied;only13,114gotin.That’sa9.0%admit rate!Talkaboutexclusive.

• TotalStudents(2024–25):Abustlingcommunity of48,651students(around33,471undergrads).

• Six-YearGraduationRate:Aphenomenal ~93%.Studentswhostarthere–finishhere.

• MedianEarnings(10yearspost-entry): $82,511.Apowerfulreturnonyourinvestment.

• ResearchMoney(FY2023–24):Astaggering $1.52billion.Yes,billion.

• Student–FacultyRatio:Approximately19:1.

● WhyUCLAisanAbsolutePowerhouse

Imagineauniversitythat’snotjustoneofthetoughesttoget intobutisalsoaworldleaderinfilm,medicine,arts,and STEM.That’sthemagicofUCLA.Thisuniqueblendcreates incredibleopportunities,launchinggraduatesintotheheartof entertainment,tech,andlifesciences.

• AcademicHotspots:TheSamueliSchoolofEngineering isadirectpipelinetoLA’sboomingtechscene.Andwith theSchoolofTheater,Film&Televisioninitsbackyard, Hollywoodisn’tjustadream;it’sanetworkingevent.

• GroundbreakingResearch:That$1.5billioninresearch funding?It’snotjustanumber.It’stheenginedriving medicalbreakthroughsandinnovation,placingUCLAat theforefrontofdiscovery.

• CampusVibe:It’stheperfectbalance.Avibrantpartyand sportsscenemeetsaserious,world-changingresearch culture.Plus,thealumninetworkinSouthernCaliforniais puregold.

• TheLAAdvantage:ThisisUCLA’ssuperpower.Youget accesstotheentertainment,media,andbiotechindustries whileyou’restudyingatatop-tierresearchuniversity.You justcan’tgetthatanywhereelse.

2. UniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley(UCBerkeley)

● QuickStats(PreparetobeImpressed)

• Fall2024FreshmanApplicants:124,243hopefuls; 13,675admits.That’san~11%admitrate.

• StudentBody(Fall2024):33,070undergraduatesina totalstudentpopulationofabout45,882.

• Six-YearGraduationRate:Anincredible~94%.

• MedianEarnings(10yearsout):$92,446.Whoa!That’s oneofthehighestforanypublicuniversity.

• ResearchFunding(FY24/25):Nearing$1billionin externalawards.Atrueresearchjuggernaut.

● WhyBerkeleyisinaLeagueofitsOwn

Berkeleyislegendaryforareason.Itcombinesarichhistoryof activismandrigorousacademicswithadirectlinetoSilicon Valley.Ifyouwanttobuildthefuture,thisiswhereyougo.

• World-ClassAcademics:Its computerscienceandengineering programsaresimplysomeofthebest ontheplanet.Thisistheplacethat buildstechtitansand startupfounders.

• AnInnovationHub:Withnearly $1billioninresearchfundingand deeptiestonationallabs,Berkeleyis whereideasbecomereality Think groundbreakingcollaborationslike theChanZuckerbergBiohub.

• LifeatBerkeley:It’sintense, diverse,andpassionate.Thisisa campusthatchallengesyoutothink, toact,andtochangetheworld.

• TheSiliconValleyConnection: ThisisBerkeley’sultimate differentiator Thepipelinetotop techjobsandventurecapitalis unmatched.It’san entrepreneur’sdream.

3. UniversityofMichigan—Ann Arbor(UMich)

● QuickStats(ATitanofScaleand Excellence)

• First-YearApplicants(latestcycle): Around98,310appliedfor~15,373 spots,leadingtoa~15.6%admitrate.

• Enrollment(Fall2024):Amassive campuswithabout34,454 undergradsand52,000totalstudents.

• Student–FacultyRatio:An impressive~15:1.

• Six-YearGraduationRate:~94%. Wow,rightuptherewiththebest!

• MedianEarnings(10years):A solid$83,648.

• FY24ResearchVolume:A record-breaking$2.04billion!

University of California — Los Angeles (UCLA)

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

● WhyMichiganisaTop-TierContender

Michiganisthewholepackage.Ithasthespirit andscaleofaflagshippublicuniversity combinedwiththeprestigeandresearchpower ofaneliteprivateschool.Fromtherenowned RossSchoolofBusinesstoitstop-ranked CollegeofEngineering,thisplaceisamagnet forrecruiters.

• SignaturePrograms:Ross(business)and theCollegeofEngineeringaremarquee namesthatopendoorsacrossthecountry Theopportunitiesforinternshipsandco-ops arefantastic.

• ResearchonaGrandScale:Two.Point. Zero.Four.Billion.Dollars.That

• record-settingresearchvolumemeans incrediblehands-onlabopportunitiesfor undergraduatesineveryfield.

• TheAnnArborExperience:It’sthe quintessentialcollegetown—academically charged,buzzingwithsociallife,andfilled withBigTensportsspirit.Thealumni networkisaglobalforce.

• Michigan’sUniqueEdge:It’sthesheer scalecombinedwithresearchdollarsand excellenceacrosstheboard.Yougetthe resourcesofamajorresearchinstitution withtheheartofaflagship publicinstitution.

4. UniversityofVirginia(UVA)

● QuickStats(The“PublicIvy”inNumbers)

• Applications(ClassenteringFall2024): 58,966studentsappliedforjust9,924offers.

• TypicalSAT/ACTScores:700–760 (ERW),710–780(Math);32–35(ACT).The academicbarishigh!

• Six-YearGraduationRate:~93%. Excellencefromstarttofinish.

• MedianEarnings(10years):An impressive$86,863.

University of Michigan — Ann Arbor (Umich)

University of Virginia (UVA)

● WhyUVAEarnsits“PublicIvy”Stripes

UVAfeelsdifferent.Ithasadeep-rootedtraditionof undergraduateexcellence,atight-knitresidentialculture, andanalumninetworkthatis,frankly,aprofessional superpower.It’salaunchpadforleadersinlaw,business, andpublicservice.

• AcademicTradition:Astrongliberalartscoreis complementedbytop-tierschoolslikeMcIntire (business)anditsrenownedlawandpublicpolicy programs.Thefocushereisonworld-class undergraduateteaching.

• CampusCulture:Thefamoushonorcode,avibrant residentialcommunity,andstrongACCathletics createatrulyuniqueandmemorable studentexperience.

• TheAlumniPowerhouse:Seriously,theUVAalumni networkislegendary.It’sanincrediblyactiveand influentialgroupthathelpsgraduateslongafter they’veleftcampus.

• UVA’sSpecialSauce:It’sthecombinationofthat intimate,“PublicIvy”feelwithapowerhousealumni networkthatprovidesincrediblelong-term careermobility

5. UniversityofNorthCarolina—ChapelHill (UNC-CH)

● QuickStats(ExcellenceandAmazingValue)

• StudentBody:Around20,885undergradsandatotal of32,438students.

• AdmissionsSnapshot(Fall2025):84,317applicants foughtfor5,094first-yearspots.That’scompetitive!

• Six-YearGraduationRate:Astrong~91%.

• MedianEarnings(10years):$72,200.

● WhyUNCisonEveryone’sRadar

UNCisthegoldstandardforblendingatop-tierliberalarts educationwithnationallyacclaimedprofessional programs—allwhilebeingcelebratedforitsincredible value.Especiallyforin-statestudents,thereturnon investmentisjustfantastic.

• StandoutPrograms:TheHussmanSchoolof JournalismandGillingsSchoolofGlobalPublic Healtharefamous,andtheirhealthsciencesprograms aretop-notch.UNCisdeeplycommittedtoboth undergraduateresearchandpublicservice.

• TheTarHeelSpirit:ChapelHillisaclassiccollege town,brimmingwithenergy,schoolspirit(GoTar Heels!),andastrongsenseoftradition.

• ASmartInvestment:UNCconsistentlygetstop marksforvalue,especiallyforNorthCarolina residents.Itoffersaworld-classeducationwithoutthe world-classpricetag.

• UNC’sUnbeatableCombo:It’stheperfectblendof “PublicIvy”academicsandincrediblein-statevalue.A dreamforaspiringjournalistsandpublichealthleaders.

6. UniversityofCalifornia—SanDiego(UCSD)

● QuickStats(TheSTEMResearchJuggernaut)

• First-YearApplicants:Amassive136,740applicants! Theoveralladmitrateis28.4%,butitgetsmuch tougherforpopularmajors.

• Six-YearGraduationRate:Animpressive~90%.

• MedianEarnings(10years):Apowerful$84,943.

• FY24ResearchFunding:$1.73billioninnewawards andgifts.Incredible!

● WhyUCSDisaSTEMSuperstar

UCSDisaresearchbeast,plainandsimple.It’saglobal leaderinfieldslikebiotech,oceanography,and bioinformatics,withdeepindustrytiesrightinitsLa Jollabackyard.

• AcademicCornerstones:TheScrippsInstitutionof Oceanographyisworld-famous,andtheJacobsSchool ofEngineeringisapowerhouse.Theopportunitiesfor undergradstogetintoalabherearesimply outstanding.

• AnInnovationHotbed:That$1.73billioninresearch moneyfuelsavibrantecosystemoflabs,incubators, andstartups.Ifyouwanttobeonthecuttingedgeof science,thisistheplace.

• LifeontheCoast:Imaginestudyingatatopresearch universitylocatedrightbytheocean.Thecultureis verySTEM-focused,packedwithambitiousstudents andentrepreneurs.

• UCSD’sCrownJewel:Itsunmatchedstrengthin oceanographyandthesurroundingbiotechcluster.For anyonepassionateaboutlifesciencesorenvironmental research,theindustryconnectionsherearesecond

• tonone.

7. UniversityofFlorida(UF)

● QuickStats(TheSunshineState’sFlagship)

• TotalEnrollment(Fall2024):Ahugecommunityof 61,890,including39,794undergrads.

• Six-YearGraduationRate:Averystrong~89%.

• MedianEarnings(10years):$71,588.

• FY24ResearchSpending:A record-setting~$1.26billion.

● WhyUFisOneoftheBestPublics

UFisaclassicflagshipuniversitythatdeliversonall fronts:hugescale,strongprofessionalprograms,andan electriccampusculture.ForFloridaresidents,the combinationofqualityandaffordabilityistoughtobeat.

• BroadAcademicStrength:Frombusinessand engineeringtohealthsciences,UFoffersavastrange ofstrongmajors,allsupportedbyamassiveand growingresearchoperation.

• ResearchPower:Hittingarecord$1.26billionin researchspendingisahugedeal.Itfuelstheregional economyandgivesstudentsamazingopportunitiesto getinvolvedinreal,impactfulwork.

• GatorNation:Gainesvilleisatruecollegetown, definedbyitshighenergy,legendarysportsculture, andamassive,proudalumninetworkall acrossFlorida.

• UF’sWinningFormula:Thebestin-stateROIat scale.Yougetallthebenefitsofamajorresearch universityatapricethatmakessense,especially forFloridians.

B.AdmissionsTactics:ThePro-MovePlaybook

● TheMajor-FirstStrategy:FortheUCs,especially,some majorsarewaymorecompetitivethantheuniversity itself.Checktheadmitdataforyourspecificmajorand haveasmartbackupplan.

● Show,Don’tJustTell:Applyingforarts,film,orCS?A portfolio,aGitHubproject,oraresearchsummarycan makeyoustandoutdramatically.

● UseEarlyActionWisely:SchoolslikeMichigan,UVA, andUFofferEarlyAction.Ifyou’reready,itcanbea greatmove.Justwatchthosedeadlines!

● TheTransferTrumpCard:Manyoftheseschools, especiallyintheUCsystem,havefantasticandoften moreaccessiblepathwaysforcommunity collegetransfers.

● KnowYourREALCost:Don’tjustlookatthesticker price.UsetheCollegeScorecardandeachschool’s net-pricecalculatorbeforeyouapplytoseewhatitwill actuallycostyou.

MyOpinion

Thesesevenschoolsarethepinnacleofthemodernpublic university Theyofferexceptionalacademicprograms, real-worldcareerresultsyoucanmeasure,andresearch opportunitiesthatchangelives.Thebestpublicschoolsin UStodayaredefinednotjustbytheirname,butbytheir outcomes—likegraduationrates,10-yearearnings,andthe researchfundingthatopensdoorstointernshipsandjobs.

Yoursmartestmoveasanapplicantistobedata-driven. Matchyourintendedmajortoaschool’sknownstrengths (thinkCSatBerkeleyorbiotechatUCSD),figureoutyour truenetcost,andthenshowthemwhyyou’reaperfectfit withyourprojectsandpassion.Whenyourgoals,the school’sstrengths,andthefinancesalllineup,you’vefound yourperfectmatch.

HereAreSomeTipsYouNeedtoKnowBeforeApplying

● TheHiddenGatekeeper:It’sNottheUniversity,It’s theMajor.

Manytoppublicschoolshave“impacted”majorsthatarefar hardertogetintothantheuniversityitself.Alwayscheckthe admitdatabymajorontheschool’sadmissionsdashboard.

● GetontheResearchRadar.

Asimple,well-writtensummaryofaprojectyou’vedonecan catchtheeyeofaprofessorlookingforundergradsfortheir lab.Theseuniversitiesareswimminginresearchfundsfor studentslikeyou.

● NetPriceisEverything.

Aschoolwithhighpost-gradearningscanstillbeabaddeal ifyou’reanout-of-statestudentpayingfullprice.Alwaysrun thenumberswithnet-pricecalculatorstofindyourtrueROI.

● TimingandStrategyCanTiptheScales.

ApplyingEarlyActioncansometimesgivein-stateapplicants anedge.Submittingfinancialaidformsearlycanalsoimpact youraidpackage.Playthegamestrategically

● Location,Location,Location(forJobs!).

Wanttoworkinbiotech,marinescience,orfilm?Being physicallyclosetoindustryhubslikeLaJolla,SiliconValley, orLosAngelescanbemorevaluablethananysingle rankingnumber

Pay It Forward!

Ifthisguidehelpedyoufeelmoreconfidentandinformed, pleaseshareitwithfriends,families,andcounselors!Great decisionsaremadewithgreatdata.Let’shelpeveryonefind theirpath.

University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill

University of California — San Diego (UCSD)

University of Florida (UF)

The Public School as a Destination

OnthehistoricPennsylvaniaMainLine,a

stretchofaffluentcommunities13miles westofPhiladelphia,choiceisagiven.It’s wovenintotheveryfabricoflife,fromtheoldstone manorstotheprestigiousprivateschoolsoftheInter AcademicLeaguethatdotthelandscape.Here,legacy isacurrencyandexclusivityisanexpectation.Itis preciselythisenvironmentthatmakestheRadnor TownshipSchoolDistrictsofascinating.Inaplace wherefamilieshavethemeanstosendtheirchildren almostanywhere,aremarkablenumberofthem choosethepublicoption.

Thisisnotastoryaboutaschooldistrictoflastresort. Itisastoryaboutapublicschoolsystemthathas positioneditselfasadestination.RadnorTownship, foundedin1682,isold,steepedinahistorythat predatesthenationitself.Thedistrict'shighschool wasestablishedin1893,andovertheensuingcentury, ithascultivatedareputationforexcellencethat activelycompeteswithitsprivatecounterparts, earningBlueRibbonstatusandthequietconfidenceof acommunitythatknowsitsvalue.

So,whatistheformula?Howdoesapublicentity, coveringnearly14squaremilesandservingadiverse townshipofapproximately32,000people,becomean anchorinaseaofchoice?Theanswerseemstolieina philosophythatisbothsimpleandprofound,a missionorganizedunderthreedeceptivelyplain words:Belonging,Wellness,andAchievement.

Thesearenotjustbuzzwordsforabrochure;theyarethe strategicpillarsuponwhichthedistricthasbuiltitsentire identity Theyarethe‘why’behindthechoice.

TheArchitect:AViewfromtheHillandtheHall

TounderstandRadnor’sethos,youmightstartwithits superintendent,Dr.KennethE.Batchelor.Hiscareer pathisanunusualandtellingmapoftheveryphilosophy henowleads.Beforehisover25yearsinpublic education,Dr.BatchelorwasaLegislativeAssistantfor CongressmanHamiltonFish,Jr.onCapitolHill.Hewas ayoungmanimmersedinthemachineryofnational policy,attendinghearingsonhealthcare,trade,and defense,briefingseniorstaffonthegrand,abstractlevers thatshapeacountry.

Then,hemadeapivot—adeliberatemovefromthe macrotothemicro.Hebecameastudentteacherat OverbrookHighinPhiladelphia,thenahistoryteacherin NorthCarolina,andfinallysettledinforalongtenureat UnionvilleHighSchoolinPennsylvania.There,hedidn’t justteach;hecoachedlacrosse,advisedstudentclubs, andcoordinatedthegiftedprogram.Helivedthedaily, granularrealityofeducation.Heeventuallyclimbedthe administrativeladder—AssistantPrincipal,thenPrincipal atPenncrestHigh,thenbacktoUnionville-ChaddsFord asAssistanttotheSuperintendentbeforetakingthehelm atRadnorin2017.

Thisjourney—fromthesweepingviewofCongressto thespecificneedsofasinglestudent—istheperfect allegoryforRadnoritself.It’sadistrictthatcombines high-level,strategicvisionwithanobsessive, on-the-groundfocusontheindividual.Dr.Batchelor embodiesanunderstandingthattoshapethefuture,you havetoappreciateboththeintricatepolicyandthesimple humanconnection.

Achievement:AnEngineBuiltonaHumanScale

AchievementatRadnorfeelslesslikeamandateand morelikeanoutcomeofacarefullycalibratedsystem.It isatradition,certainly,butnotastaticone.Thedistrict's nearly3,600studentsaresupportedbyalegionofmore than300highlyqualifiedteachers,butthedefinitionof “teacher”isexpansivehere.Itincludesclassroom teachers,yes,butalsoadeepbenchofspecialeducation teachers,academiccoaches,readingspecialists, librarians,nurses,counselors,andpsychologists.Itisa humaninfrastructuredesignedtoleavenostudentbehind.

Thiscommitmentisvisibleinthetoolstheydeploy. Thedigitalecosystemisthoroughlymodern,with platformslikeSchoologyforcoursemanagement, Navianceforcollegeandcareerplanning,andOffice 365foruniversalproductivity.Butit’salsoevidentin thegranularsupport,likethespecializedHMHCentral (Read180)programforreadinginterventionorthe after-schoollearningcentersatboththemiddleand highschools.Achievementhereisnotasingulargoal, butacomplextapestrywovenfromarichcurriculum, moderntechnology,and,mostimportantly,arobust networkofhumansupport.

Wellness:ThePrerequisiteforEverythingElse

IntheRadnorlexicon,youcannothavereal achievementwithoutwellness.Thissecondpillaris thedistrict’srecognitionthatstudentsarenotjust cognitivemachines;theyarecomplexhumanbeings navigatingacomplicatedworld.Theorganizational chartitselftellsthisstory,withentiredepartments dedicatedtoHealthServicesandStudentServices. Thedistrictprominentlydisplaysinformationfor studentmentalhealth,withclearpathwaystofind support.It’sanopenacknowledgmentthatlearningis anemotionalandpsychologicalendeavorasmuchas anintellectualone.

Thisfocusonwellnesspermeatestheculture.It'sin theprovisionofschoolbreakfastandlunch,managed byadedicatedFoodServicedepartment.It’sinthe presenceofschoolnursesandcounselorsinevery building—Ithan,Wayne,andRadnorElementary Schools,RadnorMiddleSchool,andRadnorHigh School.It’sthefoundationalbeliefthatforastudentto pursueapassionwithwhatthemissionstatementcalls “knowledge,confidence,andcaring,”theymustfirst feelsafe,seen,andsupported.Itisthedeep,steadying breathbeforethepursuitofexcellence.

Belonging:TheCivicHearth

Thethirdpillar,Belonging,mightbethemost powerful,andthemostuniquelyRadnor.Itisthe activecultivationofcommunity.Itstartsearly,with extracurricularclubsofferedevenattheelementary level,andblossomsatthemiddleandhighschools withafullspectrumofathleticteamsandstudent activities.It’sthesensethatschoolismorethanjusta placeyouhavetobefrombelltobell;it’saplace you belong to.

Perhapsnothingcapturesthisspiritmoreperfectlythanasmall, bureaucraticprocessmanagedoutoftheRadnorHighSchoolmain office.Fordistrictresidentsaged14to18,theschooliswhereyou gotogetyourworkingpapers.Thereisaspecificperson,Judith Robert,whohandlesthis.Therearespecifichours,8:30a.m.to2:30 p.m.onweekdays,withanotethattheofficeisclosedforSummer Fridays.Togetthepermit,aparentmustsign,andtheapplicant must bepresenttosignthefinaldocument.

Thissmallritualisaprofoundactofcommunity.Itistheschool actingasacivichearth,theplacethatshepherdsayoungperson acrossthethresholdfromchildhoodintotheworldofworkand responsibility.It’satangiblelinkbetweentheinstitutionandthelife ofitscitizens.Inthatsimple,signedpieceofpaperistheentire philosophyofbelongingmadereal.

ThisistheRadnorstory.Itisastoryofchoice.Thechoiceofa communitytoinvestdeeplyinitspublicschools.Thechoiceofa leadershipthatunderstandsbothpolicyandpeople.Andultimately, thechoiceoffamilieswho,surroundedbyoptions,decidethatthe bestplacefortheirchildrentolearn,togrow,andtobelongistheone thatbelongstoeveryone.