We help schools change from the inside out.

Through co-design, real-world learning, and continuous improvement, we work alongside educators and students to reimagine learning and shift school culture.

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What We Do

Powerful PBL

Bringing Project-Based Learning to the next level.

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Design Thinking

Human-Centered Design to create collective innovation.

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Making STEM Work

Making STEM welcoming and engaging for all.

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Strategic Planning

Co-designing living missions, visions, and strategies.

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A significant portion of my teaching is a direct reflection of the tools that I learned throughout our work over the years with the Open Way Learning team. I will forever be sincerely appreciative of the impact that OWL had on this small Myrtle Beach team [at Coastal High School] and myself specifically!

Sarah Vicini, Teacher and Instructional Coach
2023 Milken Educator Award Winner

Coastal High School, SC

Our Impact

Our small, but mighty organization has been establishing deep partnerships with districts and schools around the United States to shift the paradigm of learning, help establish collective visions, and leverage local assets to catalyze innovation and transformation. The following are just a few of the many examples of how OWL is helping schools innovate. Read on to find out more about our impact.

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Clay County
Schools, NC

Halifax County
Schools, NC

West Hawaii
Explorations Academy

Caldwell County
Schools, NC

Albuquerque
Public Schools

ASU Academy
At Middle fork

We co-design innovative school cultures with schools, districts, and partners across North America.

Theory of Change

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast"

-Peter Drucker

If school and district leaders are serious about sustaining learner-centered innovations, tending to culture is paramount. OWL helps schools attend to the cultural elements that are essential for any innovative strategy to thrive.

Multiple Dates
Phenomenal Use of Phenomena
Mon, Oct 19
Mountain Horticultural Research Station
Make science standards relevant and real by designing phenomena-based learning experiences connected to students and their communities.
Details
Multiple Dates
Using Visual Storytelling in Your Classroom
Tue, Oct 20
Mountain Horticultural Research Station
Help students interpret information, communicate ideas, and share their learning through powerful visual storytelling.
Details
Multiple Dates
Phenomenal Use of Phenomena
Tue, Mar 16
Mountain Horticultural Research Station
Make science standards relevant and real by designing phenomena-based learning experiences connected to students and their communities.
Details

In the News

May 5, 2026

WNC Resilience Project: Students Shape Hurricane Helene Recovery

Student voice drives real-world learning and community impact across Western North Carolina, as highlighted by EdNC

Mar 18, 2026

Open Way Learning and the WNC Resilience Project Receive Support via Dogwood Health Trust Collaboration & Innovation Grant

Open Way Learning has received support through a Collaboration & Innovation (C&I) grant from Dogwood Health Trust for the continued growth of the Western North Carolina Resilience Project coalition.

Nov 5, 2025

One Year After Helene: WNC Schools Anchor Recovery in Resilience” Featured in Getting Smart

Getting Smart recently featured OWL’s Western North Carolina Resilience Project, led by Wes Davis, in an inspiring article about how mountain communities are rebuilding stronger after Hurricane Helene

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