Embark

Denver, CO

Embedding learning in living

Embark Education’s founders discovered that fostering partnerships between local schools and businesses wasn’t enough, so they started a micro middle school embedded in a coffee shop. Now, it’s impossible to tell where the school ends and the business begins because they share a vision, strategy, physical space, finances, and human resources. The impact of this approach extends to the students, families, staff, businesses, and entire community.

BACK TO NETWORK

See for yourself

What it looks and feels like

Rather than learning in classrooms, Embark middle schoolers learn in a coffee shop in North Denver, Colorado. Their projects emerge from real business needs, such as selecting a new coffee bean supplier and developing a new seasonal drink for the menu. Collaboration is the norm, and at any given moment, youth may be helping craft a chai latte, meeting with educators and business mentors, and working avidly with peers at a cafe table. It is nearly futile to label the roles people play at Embark—adults and adolescents are learners, baristas and managers are educators, educators and students are business colleagues, and clients are partners. Everyone, young and old, contributes to one another’s growth and well-being, the success of the business, and Embark’s overall mission of shifting mindsets about what education can be.

I love that at Embark, I can have personal connections. I feel like my educators really know me, and I know them.
EMBARK LEARNER

THE IMPACT

88%

of Embark learners feel that their schoolwork is rigorous, compared to 49% of others surveyed

75%

of Embark learners experience active self-direction, compared to 41% of others surveyed

79%

of Embark learners feel that their learning environment fosters community and connection, compared to 50% of others surveyed

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

Embedded in the community

Embark shares space and resources with Pinwheel Coffee, and many student projects emerge from the business’s needs. On weekly Discovery Days, students venture to other community organizations for additional pursuits, and they are often seen playing ultimate frisbee at a nearby park or having lunch at a local eatery.

Integrated

By engaging in authentic, interdisciplinary projects and learning experiences, students develop 21st-century competencies and the traits of Embark’s Learner Profile.

Autonomy mixed with support

Embark students are trusted to build their own schedules, move freely throughout the spaces, take on projects of real consequence, and learn from their mistakes. Students come to trust adults and peers through practices like community meetings, consistent check-ins with their advisor, and personalized support.

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Embark Education website

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