About Schools of Innovation

A creative alternative to the existing instructional and administrative practices.

The primary purpose of Schools of Innovation is to improve learning for all students. Schools of Innovation have the flexibility to explore new and creative alternatives to existing instructional and administrative practices. Schools of Innovation bring together diverse stakeholders to plan, implement, and reflect to ensure academic success and learning for all.


2024 SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION

Ashdown High School

Augusta High School

Augusta Elementary School

Bentonville Cooper Elementary School

Cabot High School

Clarendon High School

Clarendon Elementary School

Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy

Farmington Cardinal Academy

Fayetteville Agee Lierly Life Preparation Services (ALLPS)

Fort Smith PEAK Innovation Center

Fort Smith Darby Jr. High School

Fort Smith Northside High School

Fort Smith Southside High School

Guy-Perkins Elementary School

Harrisburg Weiner Elementary School

Horatio Elementary School

Horatio High School

Jasper High School

Lincoln Middle School

LAKE HAMILTON NEW HORIZONS ALE

LAKESIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Lonoke Middle School

Lonoke High School

Nettleton University Heights School of Medical Arts

Newport High School

Pangburn Elementary School

Pangburn High School

PCSSD: Joe T. Robinson High School

Rogers New Tech High School

Searcy County Marshall High School

Springdale Don Tyson School of Innovation

Springdale John Tyson Elementary

Springdale Sonora Elementary School

Star City Middle School

Stuttgart Jr. High School

Wynne Primary

Wynne Intermediate School

Wynne Jr High

Wynne High School

Want to become a School of Innovation?

SOI Application Timeline

August

August 22, 2024 – 10:00-11:30

Overview of SOI Application Process (virtual meeting)

September
  • Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 [1:00-2:30 PM] – Zoom Meeting: Overview of SOI application process
  • Friday, September 20th, 2024 – Intent to Apply due
October
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 [9:00-2:00] – SOI new application training, Location: TBD
November

Personalized support by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Office of Innovation for Education (OIE) through regional meetings, Zoom, webinar opportunities, and school site visits.

December

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 [9:00-2:00] – SOI application training support, Location: TBD

January

Personalized support by DESE and OIE through regional meetings, Zoom webinar opportunities, and school site visits

February

Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 [9:00-11:30 a.m.] – SOI Application Virtual Meeting for all schools to finalize their application. Legal services and other DESE staff will be available to discuss waivers, course approvals, CTE, and other information.

March
  • Monday, March 3rd, 2025 – Draft of SOI Application available for DESE to review by 4:30 p.m.
  • Initial feedback from DESE and OIE available in the SOI portal for schools. Personalized support provided by DESE and OIE.
April

Ongoing feedback from DESE and OIE available in the SOI portal for schools to make appropriate revisions and edits to the application. Personalized support provided by DESE and OIE.

May
  • Thursday, May 1st, 2025- Final SOI application due to DESE by 4:30 p.m.
  • SOI committee reviews SOI applications and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Education
June
  • Secretary of Education review of SOI Applications for approval
  • Secretary of Education notifies schools of decision
  • June 4-6, 2025 Innovation Rally in Little Rock, Arkansas

How will OIE support you on your journey to SOI?

Our primary goal is to create an ecosystem where members can learn, teach and realize shared goals through innovative strategies and shared programs. Collaborative channels for communication and sharing of knowledge are vital for innovation to succeed, the first step in the process is to build relationships. We look forward to working collaboratively with you and becoming part of the innovation ecosystem.

Innovation rally

Establish lasting relationships with innovative leaders in the state and nation.

Application support

Technical assistance throughout the application process with on-site support and trainings by OIE.

designing for innovation framework

The framework reflects the research and work of innovators across Arkansas, the nation, and globe committed to the success of all learners.

School visits

Innovation in action – Ask questions, share innovative ideas, gather resources, and learn from other educators.

SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION IN ARKANSAS

A CASE STUDY OF IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES AND EARLY IMPACTS

“I’ve seen the growth…and it’s unbelievable….School of Innovation is the change that needs to happen.”