#United States #Stanford #Carnegie Foundation #Educational Reform #High School Network

A Revolutionary Step for American High Schools

On June 18, 2025, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced a groundbreaking initiative known as the Future of High School Network (FHS Network). This ambitious project aims to reshape the high school experience in the United States, focusing on preparing students for both their educational and professional futures.

The FHS Network unites 24 school systems serving approximately 90,000 students, all dedicated to transforming the traditional high school model. For decades, high school education in America has relied on the Carnegie Unit, which equates time spent in class with learning. However, with changing societal needs and student aspirations, it has become imperative to rethink these constraints.

Dr. Timothy Knowles, the President of the Carnegie Foundation, stated, “Too many high schools were built for a world that no longer exists.” This initiative strives to shift the focus from merely measuring seat time to defining education by the quality of learning experiences. The vision is straightforward: create high schools that present students with meaningful, rigorous, and engaging learning adventures while measuring their progress with enhanced tools.

The FHS Network represents a coalition of forward-thinking school districts and charter networks from diverse regions, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. Schools from Akron, Ohio, to Seattle, Washington, are coming together for this vital cause. Each participating district is committed to innovative educational practices, fostering environments where students can thrive beyond graduation.

Notably, the initiative enjoys support from prestigious organizations such as the XQ Institute, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation. Together, these groups will work tirelessly to modernize outdated systems and extend the influence of competence-based educational models.

One exciting aspect of the FHS Network is its role as a test bed for the Carnegie Foundation's National Research and Development Agenda. This comprehensive plan aims to define the research priorities necessary for advancing high school transformation throughout the nation. Insights gleaned from participating institutions will equip educators with the necessary tools to cultivate sustainable and scalable innovations in high school education.

As Diego Arambula, Vice President for Educational Transformation at the Carnegie Foundation, remarked, “We are focusing on building and refining what comes next, together with communities, educators, and most importantly, students.” The goal is not just to change the curriculum but to also strengthen community ties and create a supportive environment for students' growth.

The diverse group involved in this initiative includes notable school systems like Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, New York City Public Schools, and Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indiana, among others. Each participant brings a unique set of strengths and challenges, all contributing to the holistic reform envisioned by the network.

The Need for Change

The urgency for this transformation is evident. The educational landscape has evolved drastically, impacted by technological advancements and shifting job market demands. Traditional high school structures are inadequate to address the complexities of modern learning requirements, including soft skills, technological proficiency, and critical thinking.

This initiative not only aligns educational practices with contemporary realities but also champions equity. By championing diverse learning pathways and personalized learning experiences, the FHS Network aims to eliminate barriers for underserved students and enhance educational outcomes across the board.

Looking Ahead

As the Future of High School Network begins implementation, it sets the stage for a national dialogue about what high school education should look like in the 21st century. Stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and communities, will need to collaborate closely to ensure the success of this ambitious initiative. The ultimate aim is for the network to serve as a beacon of hope, navigating the future of high school education and paving the way for the next generation of learners to flourish.

Through collective action, innovative thinking, and a sustained commitment to student success, the Future of High School Network seeks to redefine the high school experience and equip students for a brighter, more prosperous future. The next step in this journey begins now, as educators and communities come together to lay the foundation for transformative change.