The Evolution of Education: Why Place-Based and Project-Based Learning Are Reshaping the Future

Recently, at the 2025 International School Choice and Reform Conference, we had the opportunity to engage with scholars researching school choice, storytellers like award-winning educational choice author Kerry MacDonald, entrepreneurs on the ground starting innovative educational programs, and state scholarship funding organizations. This annual conference serves as a global hub for discussions on education reform, bringing together policymakers, educators, and advocates to share ideas and research about how to expand and improve school choice worldwide. The event showcased groundbreaking initiatives and provided a platform to explore how innovative learning models like place-based and project-based education are transforming education.

Education in the United States is at a crossroads. With over 60% of parents searching for new schooling options for their children in the past year—a number even higher among specific groups like military families (84%) and younger parents aged 18-29 (71%)—the traditional public school model is facing significant scrutiny. The rise of homeschooling, microschooling, and alternative education models reflects a growing demand for more personalized, hands-on, and flexible approaches to learning.

Place-based and project-based learning are leading this transformative wave, supported by compelling data and the success of innovative programs in regions like South Florida. Let’s explore how these models are reshaping education and why they are resonating with so many families and educators.

Families Are Demanding Change

Parents are increasingly dissatisfied with the limitations of traditional public schools. According to a January 2025 survey by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation:

• Over 60% of parents considered new schooling options for their children in the last year.

• Dissatisfaction is particularly high among Black parents (68%), military families (84%), and younger parents aged 18-29 (71%).

• Mental health concerns and the desire for personalized learning are major drivers, with 46% of parents citing mental health as a priority and 44% emphasizing the need for individualized academic support.

"Parent Interest in Alternative Education Models by Demographic" (from NSCW report).

This demand for change aligns with findings from the Tyton Partners report, which reveals that families are prioritizing education models that connect to their children’s personal interests and provide flexibility. The data underscores that families want educational systems to adapt to the unique needs of each child, rather than forcing students to conform to outdated standards.

The Appeal of Learning Anywhere - Place-Based and Project-Based Learning

One of the key reasons for the growing popularity of place-based and project-based learning is the belief that education doesn’t have to be confined to traditional classrooms. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s survey found that 80% of families believe we are limiting children’s potential by restricting education to conventional settings.

Place-based learning leverages local environments, such as forests, beaches, or community spaces, to create hands-on, immersive experiences that connect students to the world around them. Project-based learning, meanwhile, focuses on real-world applications, allowing students to tackle meaningful challenges and develop critical 21st-century skills like collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

These approaches have been shown to:

• Increase student engagement by 20-25%.

• Improve academic outcomes, with project-based learning boosting test scores by up to 15%.

• Strengthen community connections and foster active citizenship.

South Florida: The Florence of Educational Reform

South Florida is emerging as a modern-day Florence in the Renaissance of educational reform, fostering innovative learning environments that challenge traditional educational paradigms. Institutions like Colossal Academy, Tapestry Academy, Casa Ranch Montessori, and Surf Skate Science exemplify this transformative movement, each offering unique approaches to education that emphasize experiential, place-based, and project-based learning. Here are four standout examples:

1. Colossal Academy

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Colossal Academy is a progressive microschool dedicated to providing individualized, learner-centered education for students in grades 6 through 10. Their award-winning curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and practical life skills, preparing students to be changemakers in a radiant tomorrow.

Place-Based and Project-Based Learning Are Reshaping the Future at Microschool Like Colossal Academy

2. Tapestry Academy

Situated in Boca Raton, Tapestry Academy is a K-12 microschool that blends project-based learning with technology and partnerships with local organizations. They offer a safe, friendly environment focusing on mastery-based learning, with classes held four days a week and optional Friday field trips. Their approach includes farm, surfing, and nature-based learning, helping students love learning.

Tapestry Academy learning outdoors at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

3. Casa Ranch Montessori

Casa Ranch Montessori Homeschool Cooperative is an eco-conscious, nature-based Montessori program for K-8 students. They emphasize outdoor learning, peace education, and sustainability, aligning with Montessori principles to nurture holistic development. Students participate in activities like woodworking, fashion design, and STEAM, all within a forested setting that inspires creativity.

Casa Ranch Student learn with natural light in a yurt, an ode to the Montessori method

4. Surf Skate Science

Surf Skate Science turns skateparks and beaches into classrooms, offering programs that teach science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math (STEAM) through action sports like surfing and skateboarding. Their hands-on approach engages students in active learning, making complex concepts accessible and exciting.

Surf Skate Science turning a skatepark into a classroom

A Movement Backed by Research

The benefits of place-based and project-based learning are supported by extensive research:

• Place-Based Education: The Place-Based Education Evaluation Collaborative (PEEC) found that place-based learning improves academic performance, increases engagement, and strengthens community ties. These programs also encourage environmental stewardship and active citizenship.

• Project-Based Learning: Research from Lucas Education Research shows that rigorous project-based learning enhances problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration across all grade levels and subjects.

Edgar Dale’s pyramid of learning. The relation between the effectiveness of the method and senses used and action undertook. Source: Authors’ work based on [17].

Breaking Barriers to Implementation

While the benefits are clear, expanding access to these innovative models requires addressing several challenges:

• Equity: Ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, can access place-based and project-based programs.

• Policy Support: Advocating for policies that recognize and fund non-traditional learning environments.

• Awareness: Educating families and educators about the availability and benefits of these models.

Programs like those in South Florida are paving the way by demonstrating how these barriers can be overcome, offering scalable solutions that can inspire change nationwide.

The Future of Education Is Here

As dissatisfaction with traditional public school systems grows, families are turning to innovative education models that prioritize engagement, flexibility, and real-world learning. Place-based and project-based learning are not just alternatives—they represent the future of education. With 80% of parents believing in the transformative power of "Learning Anywhere," the time to embrace these approaches is now.

South Florida’s educational pioneers, from Colossal Academy to Surf Skate Science, are showing what’s possible when we break free from the confines of traditional classrooms. By supporting and expanding these models, we can create a more equitable, engaging, and effective educational system for all students.

Explore how your community can adopt place-based and project-based learning by visiting https://www.innovativeeducatorsnetwork.com.

References

1. Lucas Education Research. (2021). Research summary on project-based learning. Retrieved from https://www.lucasedresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Research-Summary-of-PBL-Rev1-1.pdf

2. National School Choice Awareness Foundation. (2025). January 2025 survey findings. Retrieved from https://schoolchoiceweek.com/january-2025-survey/

3. Place-Based Education Evaluation Collaborative. (n.d.). Benefits of place-based education. Promise of Place. Retrieved from https://www.promiseofplace.org/research-evaluation/research-and-evaluation/benefits-of-place-based-education

4. Tyton Partners. (2024). Choose to learn 2024: Insights on family preferences and educational outcomes. Retrieved from https://4213961.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4213961/Publications/Tyton%20Partners%20Choose%20to%20Learn%202024%20(all%20parts).pdf

5. International School Choice and Reform Conference. (n.d.). About the conference. Retrieved from https://www.internationalschoolchoiceconference.org

6. Colossal Academy. (n.d.). Colossal Academy. Retrieved from https://www.colossal-academy.com

7. Tapestry Academy. (n.d.). Tapestry Academy. Retrieved from https://www.tapestryacademy.com

8. Casa Ranch Montessori. (n.d.). Casa Ranch Montessori. Retrieved from https://www.casaranchmontessori.com

9. Surf Skate Science. (n.d.). Surf Skate Science. Retrieved from https://www.surfskatescience.com