Chicago Innovative High Schools Tour | April 22 -23, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Join us for a two-day tour of innovative high schools in the Chicago, Illinois area, highlighting how districts are rethinking learning through work-based experiences and competency-driven models.

The tour will begin on the afternoon of the April 22 at Township High School District 214, one of the largest high school districts in Illinois and a recognized leader in work-based learning. Participants will explore how D214 partners with industry and community organizations to connect students’ learning to real-world experiences.

On April 23, we’ll visit Leyden Community High School District, which serves students across two comprehensive high schools. Leyden’s work-based learning initiatives emphasize career exploration, partnerships and student readiness for postsecondary pathways.

The afternoon will conclude at Ridgewood High School, where participants will explore a more competency-based approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on student agency, mastery and personalized pathways.

Throughout the tour, participants will have the opportunity to see programs in action, engage in conversations with district leaders and educators, and reflect on how these models support student engagement, relevance and postsecondary success.

Districts are encouraged to send a team to maximize learning and collaboration during the experience. Registrants are responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements. Additional details, including final school sites, schedules and recommended hotel, will be provided after registration.