League of Innovative Schools Spring 2026 Convening

The Future of Innovation: A Strategic Convening for District Superintendents

Join us in Seattle, Washington, for our annual League of Innovative Schools Spring Convening—a dynamic, hands-on exploration of the strategies driving systems-level innovation in the nation’s most forward-thinking districts. This convening, exclusively for League members, is intentionally designed to deepen relationships, spark collaboration, and strengthen our network’s collective impact.

Hosted by League member districts Kent School District and Issaquah School District, this convening offers a rare opportunity to experience breakthrough practices across the Seattle region while connecting with peers who understand your challenges, ambitions, and commitment to innovation.

During the event, you’ll engage in:

Immersive School Visits
Step into classrooms and learning environments across Kent and Issaquah to see innovation in action and interact directly with the learners, educators, and leaders bringing it to life. You’ll also participate in structured debriefs with your team and fellow members to reflect on what you’ve observed and translate those insights into actionable next steps—supporting your district’s planning as you close out this school year and prepare for the next.

Peer-Driven Learning Sessions
Take part in interactive, highly collaborative sessions led by the host districts, fellow League members, Digital Promise staff, and partners. Each session is tailored to the priorities, questions, and emerging needs across our network.

Rich Opportunities to Connect + Build Relationships
Strengthen existing ties and forge new relationships across the League through multiple social events—including two evening receptions and a dedicated happy hour—designed to spark meaningful conversation, exchange insights, and cultivate new partnerships.

…and more shared experiences that will leave you inspired, supported, and equipped to accelerate innovation in your district—together.

Become an Event Sponsor!

Be part of what’s next in education. Sponsor-partners are encouraged to engage with district leaders in school visits, program sessions, and networking events as peers. From classroom experiences to thought leadership opportunities, the League of Innovative Schools Convening partnerships open doors to join the next wave of leaders and districts driving change. Ready to make your mark? Consider sponsoring the League’s 2026 Spring Convening! Review Digital Promise’s 2026 Annual Sponsorship Prospectus to see the different sponsorship levels available. For more information about partnership opportunities with Digital Promise, email Rebecca at rbanks@digitalpromise.org.

Issaquah School District

Located just east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the Issaquah School District serves a thriving and diverse community of people who value education, innovation and collaboration. Spanning neighborhoods across 110 square miles, the district is home to families who work in some of the region’s most dynamic industries, including technology, outdoor recreation and global retail (i.e., Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Costco, REI and Boeing). With more than 2,500 dedicated employees, the district has 33 sites (27 schools, 2 learning sites and 4 operational sites) serving across seven municipalities focused on academic excellence, equity and belonging for every student.

Serving about 18,000 students from early learning through high school graduation, Issaquah School District reflects the diversity and growth of East King County. The district’s student population continues to evolve, with nearly half identifying as students of color and more than 100 languages spoken at home. This diversity strengthens the district’s focus on inclusion, opportunity and closing achievement gaps through equitable access to rigorous academics, supports and enrichment.

The district is also recognized for its innovative approach to learning. Examples include project-based experiences at Gibson Ek High School, micro-school pilots in middle schools and the district’s recent development of a Portrait of a Graduate framework, which emphasizes collaboration, creativity and real-world problem-solving.

District Pride Points

• Strong Performance: Regionally and nationally recognized for high academic outcomes, graduation rates, and college/career readiness.
• Highly Ranked: Ranked No. 4 in Washington by Niche, receiving top marks from GreatSchools.org, and national recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Thirteen schools were honored by the Washington State Board of Education for closing achievement gaps.
• Comprehensive Programs: Offers Early Childhood Education, Transition to Kindergarten, and Preschool through Grade 12 programs.
• Innovative Learning: Provides diverse learning environments, including STEM, dual-language, Career and Technical Education pathways, and advanced coursework in all high schools.
• Strong Community Ties: Maintains robust partnerships with local businesses, higher education, and community organizations, including the Issaquah Schools Foundation, PTSAs, and Microsoft.
• Focus on Well-being: Expanded access to mental health counseling and integrated social-emotional learning to ensure students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral success.
• Continuous Improvement: Refreshing its strategic plan with a focus on student well-being, academics, diverse talent, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Kent School District

Kent School District (KSD) is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Washington state, serving more than 25,000 students in grades K-12 across 44 schools. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, KSD is nestled in a vibrant, diverse suburb of Seattle, surrounded by a thriving aerospace and technology corridor that includes global industry leaders such as Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft.

KSD is widely regarded for its exceptional educators and unwavering commitment to all students to prepare them to be global citizens, in alignment with its strategic plan. The district fosters innovative and inclusive classrooms supporting academic achievement and personal growth. With a graduation rate above the state average, a 1:1 student-to-laptop ratio and robust programs in STEAM, dual language and career and technical education, KSD is preparing global citizens for tomorrow’s challenges.

District Pride Points

• Innovative Student Learning Opportunities:
  • Robotics and STEM labs to engage all learners.
  • Assistive technology and Core Words Everywhere initiative supporting inclusive communication.
  • Received the 2025 Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Inspire Award for the innovative Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Academy, a powerful example of collaboration, innovation, and career-connected learning.
  • Multilingual education and dual language using GLAD strategies.
• Preparing Students for the Future:
  • Student-designed inclusive spaces using Minecraft Inclusive Schools Challenge fostering collaboration and accessibility in digital learning.
  • Recipient of d the Voya Unsung Hero’s award for “Core Words Everywhere,” which embeds augmentative and alternative communication tools ensuring students with differing abilities have consistent access to communication.
  • Career and technical education pathways such as aerospace manufacturing and 3-D engineering using Project Lead the Way from the elementary to high school experience.
• Strong Community Ties: Partnerships with organizations supporting students with differing abilities to gain hands-on experience and internships.

By visiting Kent School District, Convening attendees will hear firsthand from district and school leaders about building inclusive, future-ready college and career pathways through strong community partnerships and innovative programming.

Travel Considerations

Airport: The nearest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is approximately 30-40 minutes from the hotel, depending on traffic. The Bellevue Airport Shuttle provides a reliable and convenient connection between SEA and hotels in Bellevue at an affordable fixed rate.

Hotel Parking: Valet parking is available at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s Eastside at the rate of $47 per day. Self-parking is also available at a rate of $37 per day and parking is complimentary for Friday and Saturday night stays.

Recommended Arrival/Departure: We recommend that you arrive no later than 1 p.m. PT on Monday, March 16, and depart the morning of Thursday, March 19, 2025. Programming on Wednesday, March 18, will conclude with an evening reception at the Seattle Aquarium that goes until 9 p.m. If you plan to participate in the Build, Play, & Innovate School Leadership Summit or other optional programming the morning of Monday, March 16, we recommend that you arrive the evening of Sunday, March 17 as programming will begin promptly at 8 a.m. PT

Review our FAQ document or email us at league@digitalpromise.org.