School is officially back! Multiple Concept-network schools are up and running which means our next chapter as an organization is underway. Coming off of a strong school year, there’s plenty to be excited about as we shake off the cobwebs from summer break and get back into the classroom.
Here’s what we are looking forward to seeing from our network heading into the 2025-26 academic year.
The Evolution of the Aspiring Leaders Program
After its successful launch this past January, Concept Schools is excited to see what's in store for our Aspiring Leaders Program. ALP, which runs through January of 2026, was designed to create a pipeline for our school leaders to grow their leadership skills, receive mentorship from veterans in the education field and gain hands-on experience.
Our network is rapidly growing. As Concept looks to add an additional 20 schools over the next few years, we know the importance of investing in our school leaders. We look forward to seeing how this promising group continues to grow within the program.
Network Low Suspensions
Since launching last August, EmpowerED: Lower Suspensions, Higher Success has made a measurable impact across our network. By the end of the 2024–25 school year, Concept Schools saw a 16 percent reduction in out-of-school suspensions compared to previous year. This was a significant achievement given our 10 percent goal. This means more students stayed in class, stayed connected and received the support they needed.
A core part of Concept Schools’ mission is to develop our students not only academically but emotionally as well. When given the tools to build relationships, navigate conflict and make smart decisions, there is nothing our students can’t achieve.
Excellence in Robotics Competitions
Last year, schools across our network thrived in their respective robotics competitions. Some of the highlights include Horizon Science Academy Columbus High being crowned as the national champion at the Aerial Drone National Championship while Gateway Science Academy South finished in first place in the Missouri State VEX IQ Robotics Championship (they earned a spot in the VEX World Championship as well).
Students need opportunities to take what they learn in class and engage with the material in real-world situations. Our schools’ robotics clubs are the perfect place for that. Concept Schools can’t wait to see how our future engineers level up their game over the next school year after a stellar 2024-25 campaign.
Setting the Bar High for Merit-Based Scholarships
In back-to-back years, our Concept School seniors broke an organization record for most merit-based scholarship money earned by a graduating class. They’ve been able to achieve this through the help of their college counselors, Concept-led initiatives like Future Institute and CYSP and the support of their school communities.
Concept’s vision for its students is simple: we want to give them the resources and opportunities they need to help change the world for the better once they graduate from high school. Year after year, our students continue to shoot for the stars.
