The ideal school is closer than you think.

Welcome to Aspire High! The world’s best high school may be a dream, but it’s not out of reach. It’s a model drawn from research, observations, focus groups, and interviews, and each aspect of its success exists in a real school today.

In this book, you’ll discover what makes Aspire High’s culture of aspiration work. Whether you’re a policymaker or district leader who can build a school from the ground up or an educator aiming for incremental change, you’ll find your next steps, including:

• A whole new way to work with all stakeholders


• Research and action for best practices, from physical layout to curriculum


• Principles for designing practices that encourage student aspirations


• Messages from thought leaders inside and outside the field of education

Aspirational culture is good for the whole school community—and beyond. Make your school a dynamic place that promotes aspirations and meaningful learning for all.