Wichita, KS (July 9, 2024) – Learning Lab Wichita is partnering with four innovative K-12 school models to reside at Union Station for the 2024-25 school year.
Learning Lab Wichita is a collaborative hub and co-learning space supporting diverse K-12 educational models. Its state-of-the-art facility and shared amenities aim to help education innovators succeed.
The four resident school models are:
• Creative Minds: a USD 259, Wichita Public Schools, vertical classroom for K-6 learners focusing on hands-on, exploratory learning activities. Creative Minds is a unique educational approach where students can explore their passions and choose how they demonstrate mastery, and parents have a voice in the curriculum. Teacher Olivia Sumner
• Guiding Light Academy: a community of K-8 learners that partners with USD 313, Buhler School District, for individual online learning, and then students come together for collaborative activities, resulting in personalized education tailored to students’ unique abilities. Founder Elizabeth McMeans and lead learning strategist Renee Ford
• Khan Lab School Wichita: Established in 2014 under the leadership of Sal Khan, author of The One World Schoolhouse, Khan Lab School provides a unique avenue for students to realize their educational aspirations. The Wichita location is the inaugural expansion school, and it will seamlessly integrate online and in-person learning. Founding Director Kyle Ellison
• Wichita Independent Secular Educators (WISE): WISE is a child-led homeschool community for students ages 7-18 and their families. WISE families meet several times a week to learn, grow and explore together with a focus on educational and social enrichment activities. Leaders Kammi Altig and Jaime Snider
“These school models are examples of different ways kids can have personalized learning experiences to help them thrive,” said Lydia Hampton, Learning Lab Wichita’s managing director. “The diversity among the four innovative models helps refine how we serve the K-12 community, so we can learn and grow together toward our goal of serving learners and educators the best way possible in the future.”
The four learning environments will operate entirely independently inside the Learning Lab space, with their own calendars, operating hours and curriculum selections.
In addition to hosting the four resident school models, Learning Lab will offer memberships to families and educators who want to benefit from the innovative community and the facility’s amenities, including a makerspace, podcast studio, technology lab, and video studio.
Learning Lab Wichita space is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing K-12 learners and educators to use the space for their unique purposes. The facility will also offer a variety of programming options for K-12 learners and educators.
Learning Lab Wichita opens its doors for membership on Tuesday, Sept. 3. A family friendly grand opening celebration will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, and all are invited.