To view an Expeditionary Learning webinar, click here.

One of the biggest obstacles to opening a new school is establishing an effective support network. The Alliance of Model Schools is a cost-free membership that provides resources, advocacy and networking for schools that implement a new school design.  Learn more, click here.

About Expeditionary Learning
Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound is a comprehensive school reform and school development model for elementary, middle, and high schools. The five core practices—learning expeditions, active pedagogy, school culture and character, leadership and school improvement, and structures—work in concert and support one another to promote high achievement through active learning, character growth, and teamwork. To learn more about Expeditionary Learning, visit www.elschools.org.

Recommended Reading

Trees are Trees

Do you have specific questions about replicating a new school model?

Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you don't see your question on the list, or would like to discuss a model further, email or call us! Dawn Downes, Director of Innovative School Models, 302-656-4737 or ddownes@innovativeschools.org.

Expeditionary Learning

School Model

Innovative Schools is proud to partner with Expeditionary Learning to replicate this innovative K-12 school design in Delaware.

Over the course of this model’s 17 year history, Expeditionary Learning has grown from a small adventurous group of ten schools into a robust network. This model succeeds in urban, rural, and suburban schools and at every grade level.

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Expeditionary Learning schools inspire the motivation to learn, engage teachers, and students in new levels of focus and effort, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. The Expeditionary Learning model challenges students – even those starting with low skill levels – with high-level tasks and active roles in the classroom.

Students In Expeditionary Learning Schools:

  • Graduate with the academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capacity needed to succeed in college and beyond
  • Hold themselves and their peers to high expectations for quality work, commitment to learning, and character
  • Take leadership roles in their schools and communities
  • Engage their families and communities in their learning by leading family conferences and making formal presentations to expert panels
  • Complete projects that challenge them to do the work of professionals — scientists, historians, mathematicians, writers, and artists
  • Work with experts and conduct field research to produce high quality academic products that meet professional standards
  • Contribute to their communities through meaningful service embedded in the curriculum
  • Benefit from learning in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe, marked by kindness, respect, and responsibility
  • Find joy in learning

Expeditionary Learning measures student success based on three indicators: academic achievement, quality of student work, and evidence of engagement.