What should schools look, sound, and feel like?
We asked young people, and they had answers.
Students know what’s working in their schools—and what isn’t. Through Carnegie Youth Deliberative Democracy Project workshops, youth leaders came together across the country to identify problems in modern schooling, discuss solutions, and co-develop bold plans for their dream schools of the future.
Explore this page to learn more about what students dreamed up and use our Toolkit to bring the dialogue to your community.
Young people know what needs to change if schools are to serve all students well—from disengaging curriculum to punishing schedules, inadequate mental health supports, and limited opportunities to exercise real agency. In April 2026, CPRL worked with Project alumni to synthesize challenges surfaced across dozens of workshops nationally in an issue brief.
Different Schools,
Shared Challenges
Student-Generated Solutions
Using democratic dialogue as a launch pad for collaborative innovation, Project participants co-designed, prototyped, pitched, and refined solutions for identified challenges.
From practical, action-oriented interventions to disruptive, big-picture innovations, these solutions give shape to students’ vision for what school could be.
Blueprints for the School of the Future
What would schools look like if students designed them? Youth leaders across the country answered that question through the Blueprint Challenge—a collaborative project to design and pitch a shared vision for the future of school. Explore their ideas below, and start dreaming about how you can help bring them to life.
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Seed to Scholars Prep
At the Seed to Scholar Preparatory, we believe that when students are rooted in opportunity and supported, they can grow into confident leaders and scholars. Our mission is to cultivate curious young minds by nurturing both intellectual growth and critical skills in an environment that offers support at every corner. Through equitable access to college readiness, rigorous humanities courses, and a clear career pathway support, we empower every student to take root, rise with confidence, and flourish as both leaders and students.
Created by Isabel, Rinchen, Mayra G., Mayra C., Allison, and Allaa from the High School for Health Professions and Human Services.
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Delibernation
Delibernation has one main focus: engagement. What really builds a strong foundation for schools is students’ willingness to learn. So how do we ensure that all of our kids step into schools every day excited to further their education? The goal of our 2045 school system is to tackle some of the most prevalent issues that prohibit students’ drive to learn with an inclusive, innovative, and educational approach.
Created by Amanda, Anglie, Chloe, Hira, and Mansi from Francis Lewis High School
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Bluecrest Academy
Improve student experiences while creating a future-ready learning environment for New York City schools.
Created by Brylle, Maxim, Samia, and Selena from Francis Lewis High School
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The Evergreen Academy
At Evergreen Academy, our mission is to offer students a place where they feel included and feel free to express themselves at every stage of their development. We will provide students with endless opportunities and real-world experiences to help them discover their true interests and prepare for college or the next stage of their lives. At The Evergreen Academy, students are encouraged to critically persevere through obstacles and continually become the best they can be as they grow stronger and more capable.
Created by Xinyu, Sylvia, Joyce, Annie, and Amy from Susan E. Wagner High School
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BrightSprout Academy
BrightSprout Academy cultivates curious, motivated, and mentally well students through learning that is relevant, engaging, and sustainable. Our mission is to grow minds, nurture wellbeing, and prepare students for future careers while fostering a school environment that reflects the beauty of nature, community, and sustainability.
Created by Liliana, Ashley, Jesus, Nola, Clarisa, and Jemelly from Central Park East High School
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The Extensive Studies of Life
The Extensive Studies of Life wants to give every one of our students an opportunity to try whatever they want and explore their interests. We provide our students with multiple opportunities to have an education about not only academic learning, but also further education. Our school mascot is a Bud Plant representing the life and growth of our students.
Created by Aliyha, Anderson, Lisanyi, and Yaretzi from Marble Hill School for International Studies
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Liberty Academy
Liberty Academy believes that we can take a more collaborative approach in addressing school issues. Our goal is to design a system where education feels less of a burden and more of an inspiring part of our lives. Recently, the rising problems in the system fall under an “outdated educational system.”
Created by Brandon, Seijun, Haziqa, and Safeera from Francis Lewis High School
