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We’re excited to share Choose to Learn 2026: K–12 Public Systems Under Pressure – High School Redesign as a Catalyst to Retention and (Re)Enrollment, the latest edition in our nationally recognized series exploring how shifts in parent demand are reshaping education.

Supported by the Walton Family Foundation and featured today in The 74, this year’s report examines how enrollment pressure, expanding school choice, and shifting demand are driving public districts to rethink the high school model. Our analysis draws on a national survey of more than 250 district and charter leaders, in-depth case studies of 25 systems engaged in high school redesign efforts, and interviews with sector experts.

Our analysis uncovered a core tension: High school redesign is widespread, but impact is limited. Participation in redesigned models is the key driver of enrollment benefits, but most programs only reach a small share of students.

These insights shift the agenda for the field: Funders must move beyond seeding innovation to invest in districts' execution capacity, while solution providers must shift from standalone programs to supporting system-wide implementation and outcomes.

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