Pilot
Network
The Pilot Network 2026-27 Chicagoland-Area Cohort Application Is Now Open!
Watch this recording to find out how LEAP Pilot Network helps schools make progress on their CIWP and SIP.
We encourage all interested schools to apply. Some scholarship funds are still available to defray costs of participation, thanks to our generous funders. This professional learning opportunity may be eligible for federal title funds and other federal and state funds.
Submit your application ASAP! The program begins in August.
The Pilot Network is a cohort-based program that empowers forward-thinking school teams to design, pilot and scale innovative approaches to sustainable school improvement and student-centered learning. Throughout the program, school teams and educators design and refine their approach to personalized learning, discovering the right tools and methods for adapting to the needs, interests and strengths of each of their learners. By transforming student-teacher relationships to personalize learning, we can activate the boundless potential within every learner and cultivate a brighter future. In addition to the Chicagoland-Area Cohort, we can customize an in-district cohort as well.
Outside of the Chicagoland area? We have a virtual cohort for you!
We empower forward-thinking school teams to design, pilot, and scale innovative approaches to sustainable school improvement and student-centered learning. Over our transformative program, educators will refine their approach to personalized learning, discovering the right tools and methods to adapt to the unique needs, interests, and strengths of every learner.
Common Opportunities of Practice for Design Teams
Chronic Absenteeism & Learner Engagement
Artificial Intelligence/Emerging Technologies
Educator Efficiency
Learner Agency & Empowerment
Student-Teacher Relationships
Math and ELA Instruction
Small Group Instruction
Co-design with your teachers: This ground-up approach leverages teacher voice and experiences to create solutions to your school improvement priorities.
Innovate and Refine: Develop and fine-tune your approach to student-centered learning, discovering the most effective strategies, tools, and methods to increase student-ownership.
Deep Dive into Personalized Learning: Our six-month professional development onramp, rooted in the LEAP Learning Framework, will provide your team with a deep understanding of personalized learning. Walk away with competencies that help educators transform teaching practices and provide high-quality, personalized learning experiences.
Pilot Innovative Solutions: Implement your ideas and an EdTech tool (members of our EDTech Design Collective) in a real-world setting during the spring pilot phase. School teams might pilot solutions addressing key areas such as AI, student voice, specific academic areas, and fostering a sense of belonging, all supported by EdTech tools.
Cultivate an Innovative Spirit: The Pilot Network doesn't just impact students; it empowers teachers and administrators to develop an innovative spirit and feel more connected to their work.
Reflections
“It’s been different because it’s not just theory—it’s hands-on, immersive, and directly tied to real classroom challenges. Instead of being handed a pre-packaged solution, we’ve had the opportunity to build, test, and refine ideas that actually fit our school’s unique needs. The ongoing coaching, the ability to tweak and iterate in real time, and the focus on teacher agency have made all the difference. I’ve watched my teachers grow while taking on meaningful, innovative work—and we’ve felt fully supported along the way.
If you are serious about making meaningful changes in how your school approaches learning, the Pilot Network is the place to be because it provides far more than tools—it provides a process, a mindset, and a support system to create something incredible.”
–Jeff Finelli, Principal of Edison Park Elementary for NGLC
Read the NGLC article.
Join a Community of Innovators!
Design, Pilot, and Scale Sustainably
Implement personalized learning practices to address school improvement priorities.
Transform Student-Teacher Relationships
Accelerate learning and growth by personalizing interactions.Incorporate Emerging Technologies
Evaluate and integrate innovative AI and EdTech solutions. Access EdTech product licenses.Professional Learning & Coaching
Earn up to 35+ ISBE PD hours.Leadership Training
Develop skills in personalized learning, change management, and team leadership.Comprehensive Support
Benefit from ongoing qualitative and quantitative feedback from experienced LEAP coaches. Access the LEAP Learning Framework, LEAP Learner Engagement Survey, and more.
Pilot Network •
Pilot Network •
Impact | Participants said…
