Building 21 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to design a new architecture for school—so every learner has the opportunity to build the skills, confidence, and agency to thrive in learning and in life.
We’re thrilled to share: Building 21 has been selected for the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network to help shape the future of the American high school.
Systems change is a team effort.
Here’s our part in the collective effort to ensure young people thrive in school and in life:
Testimonials
“Building 21 are true leaders in competency-based education.”
Building 21 is anchored in reality. They’ve actually tested their ideas in real schools, not just in theory. And they’re so collaborative. This has been a wonderful partnership. They’re like home base for us.
– Holly O’Leary, Academic Instructional Coach, New Liberty Innovation School
The magic of Building 21 is that they’re able to help leaders make practical moves to make competency-based education a reality. They make it actionable and real.
I would recommend Building 21 to any district—whether your teachers don’t even know what competency-based learning is, or you’re further down the road and ready to innovate and do something outside the box. They’re prepared to support the full journey, and meet you where you are.
– Christa Biche, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, SAU9 District
Building 21 are true leaders in competency-based education. They’re not just talking about it — they’re doing it in real schools and building tools others can actually use. They’re the only partner I know who is both incredibly smart about the field and completely adaptable to your context.
What I appreciate most is how generous they are with their resources. It’s unique. Most vendors don’t share like that.
Miranda Thorman, Executive Director, East Bay Innovation Academy
Need help on your CBE journey?
We’d love to connect with you and explore ways to work together.
Measuring Impact
At Building 21, three big questions guide our work: Are we making a difference in the lives of the students we serve? Are we helping accelerate positive change through our open technology, resource-sharing, and Learning Innovation Network? And are we doing our part to shape the future of K-12 education?
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Beating the odds: Our Philadelphia Lab School graduation rate vs. comparable schools' rate of 70%.
20000
Students directly served within our Learning Innovation Network.
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Community & industry partners offering place-based learning and/or mentorship to our students.
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Educators engaged with our open resources and/or professional learning experiences.
Looking for Resources?
We’ve got you.
For over 12 years, we’ve been creating, testing, and refining our resources, tools, and frameworks for competency-based learning—including our nationally recognized Building 21 Competency Framework. Check out our free open Resources.
Search Our Library
Of Open Resources
