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The League of Innovative Schools pairs the reach of a 175-district national network with the trust of a small peer circle, giving superintendents direct access to Digital Promise’s research and pilot programs, hands-on learning inside real classrooms, and a candid space to turn bold ideas into district action.
At the same time, the League’s offerings, such as convenings, learning collaboratives, and member-only calls, foster a tight-knit community of leaders that returns year after year, moving conversations past introductions and into practical problem-solving. Because the League engages leaders across the district, not just the superintendent, the impact reaches further and deeper into the system.
Through their membership, League leaders have access to unique opportunities that allow them to co-create, pilot, and scale innovative practices, apply learnings to their districts, and share promising practices with other districts across the country.
League members come together in person to experience innovative practices in real classrooms across the country and around the world. They develop action plans alongside fellow leaders for adopting and adapting similar approaches back home.
League members get a rare thing in education leadership: opportunities to regularly connect with peers across the country through virtual learning spaces to discuss shared challenges, identify possible solutions, and implement changes in their district that move the needle.
League members partner with Digital Promise researchers and peer districts to build a deeper understanding of the challenges facing their community and develop research-backed solutions that improve student outcomes.
Since 2011, the League of Innovative Schools has maintained its mission and vision of connecting and supporting the most forward-thinking leaders in education, while providing relevant, actionable resources to help our members navigate emerging challenges in real time.
Explore the League’s legacy of impact.
Today, the League’s membership comprises 175 districts across 37 states. League members continue to advance forward-thinking education practices across the country by piloting research, visiting schools, advocating on a national level, and deepening professional relationships.
Challenge Collaboratives were launched across the League and ran through 2020, with the goal of creating impactful scalable solutions. This type of peer-to-peer learning continues today through learning collaboratives, implementation cohorts, and cross-network research projects.
The League hosted its inaugural convening in New York City, bringing members from around the country together to collaborate, connect, and learn through professional learning sessions, networking, and school visits. The League now offers bi-annual convenings and will host its 25th convening in November.
The League of Innovative Schools (League) was established with 24 public school district leaders, the same year that Digital Promise was launched.
Under the guidance of Former Superintendent Tom Rooney, Lindsay Unified School District in California’s Central Valley has transformed over the past decade, thanks in large part to their shift to and deep focus on learner-led, performance-based learning, which puts learners in the driver’s seat of their own education.
Eighty-five percent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been created yet. This statistic is front of mind for Dr. Michael Nagler, former superintendent of Mineola Public Schools in Long Island, New York, and has in turn dramatically transformed how his district is redesigning high school to align with the workforce of the future.
From integrating computational thinking into classes within and outside of STEAM subjects to making project-based learning (PBL) the norm, Alabama’s Talladega County Schools, under the steady leadership of Dr. Suzanne Lacey, is equipping its students to tackle real-world challenges in their day-to-day learning.
Throughout the year, the League creates opportunities for members to come together, share what works, and discuss how to apply research and insights to their own system’s unique context. Explore current opportunities available exclusively to our members.
The districts that see the greatest impact from the League intentionally engage leaders from multiple roles, not just the superintendent. Identify opportunities that align with your district’s priorities and share them broadly so the right people can participate throughout the year.
The League Opportunities Hub is your one-stop shop for discovering, accessing, and engaging in opportunities available exclusively to League members. Never miss a chance to make meaningful changes in your district, our network, and beyond. Start exploring today!
Nov. 3-5, 2026 | Tempe, Arizona
Experience innovative school practices firsthand and learn alongside fellow superintendents.
Nov. 16-19, 2026 | Lisbon, Portugal
Step out of your system and explore promising practices in other countries.
March 8-10, 2027 | Ypsilanti, Michigan
Explore innovative practices and exchange ideas with League peers to advance district priorities.
Applications for the 2027-28 cohort open in early 2027. Submit the interest form to be the first to know when the window opens and review our member expectations to see what League membership involves.
The League offers education system leaders a trusted peer network, opportunities to learn from real-world implementation, a space to pressure-test ideas and move work forward, learning grounded in real schools and systems, and relationships that support thoughtful leadership, reflection, and informed judgment.
The League is designed for leaders from public education systems who value learning that leads to action and implementation, ground innovation in local context and community needs, and commit to peer learning, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement. It is best suited for leaders seeking trusted, candid peer relationships; support in turning vision into practice; and approaches for advancing equity-centered, evidence-informed change.
We give preference and priority to district applications that meet at least one of the following criteria:
The recruitment period for new League members occurs once a year annually. For the 2027-28 cohort recruitment cycle, we will accept applications starting in early 2027.
Join the League in Ypsilanti, Michigan!
Connect with more than 300 education systems leaders from around the country at the League Spring 2027 Convening from March 8-10, 2027. Sponsors experience:
Step into classrooms and learning environments to see innovation in action and interact directly with the learners, educators, and leaders bringing it to life.
Participate in and facilitate collaborative sessions alongside district leaders, Digital Promise staff, and fellow partners.
Build relationships across the League through social events designed to spark meaningful conversation, exchange insights, and cultivate new partnerships.
Interested in exploring partnership options? Email Rebecca Banks to learn more.
The League of Innovative Schools is supported by a dedicated team of Digital Promise staff members who work in close partnership with the League Advisory Committee, a group of sitting superintendents who help shape the network’s priorities and programming.
