The Future of High School (FHS) Network is driven by a vision for education that goes beyond the constraints of the traditional Carnegie Unit. For over a century, the Carnegie Unit served as the foundation of our educational system, standardizing learning structures but often equating time spent in seat with mastery achieved. The Future of High School Network embraces a new educational architecture built on a competency-based model that prioritizes meaningful learning over seat time.

The initiative will be deeply aligned with Carnegie’s National Research and Development Agenda designed to identify and prioritize research questions to build evidence for how systems move beyond the Carnegie Unit at scale, informed by a broad range of stakeholders, including parents, students, educators, and scholars. In tandem with the release of the R&D Agenda, we will activate a multi-site research consortium to undertake knowledge-building activities with the Future of High School Network.

Future of High School Network Goals: Driving Innovation in Education

• Engaging Learning Experiences: Design rigorous and relevant curricula to prepare students for college, careers, and life.
• Accessibility in Education: Ensure all students have access to experiential, student-centered learning.
• Evidence-Based Innovation: Identify and share insights into the conditions and challenges of implementing competency-based education models.
• Collaborative Coalition: Partner with state agencies, community organizations, and educational leaders to drive adoption of innovative approaches to high school education.

Inspired by Models in Action: Lessons from Leading Schools and Systems 

Partnerships and site visits with trailblazing schools and systems have shaped our vision for the Future of High School Network, showcasing what’s possible in reimagining education:

• Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy: High-leverage policies and solutions backed by research improve K–12 outcomes, ensuring long-term statewide economic prosperity.
• Embarc Chicago (Bogan High School): Strong community connections power experiential learning.
• Innovation Tech High School: Hands-on learning paired with community partnerships redefines career and college readiness.
• Native American Community Academy: Culture and identity are centered to drive meaningful learning experiences.
• Purdue Polytechnic High School: A mastery-based learning approach emphasizes autonomy.

Join the Movement

Be part of this groundbreaking journey to redefine high school education! Sign up for our mailing list to stay informed and be the first to know when we announce the Future of High School Network schools later this year.