Launch Schools

So thrilled to have our HS Science Teacher Shannon Richardson and Director of Advancement - Aysha Khan representing Launch during this upcoming webinar with KnowledgeWorks and Education Reimagined! Tune in on April 7th to hear more about how Launch and Runway Green are reimagining what it means to be an educator in a learner-centered ecosystem.

We’re excited to share that Alexis Rubin, co-founder of Launch Schools, has been appointed as our next Executive Director. As a member of Launch’s leadership team since its founding and most recently Chief Operating Officer, Alexis brings 13 years of service at Launch and over 20 years in public education. She steps into this role with unparalleled insight, dedication, and deep fidelity to our mission. This transition comes at a pivotal moment of growth. Launch is emerging as a powerful model of future-ready education, expanding to a 6–12 network, and preparing to move Launch High School into its permanent home. Alexis will lead this next phase with the vision and judgment this moment demands. As part of this new chapter, Launch will serve as the first Lab School for Runway Green, a new education and workforce development organization led by former Executive Director Geoffrey Roehm Roehm. Launch will power Runway Green's learning experiences, preparing students to tackle climate change and systemic inequality. We extend our deep gratitude to Geoff for 13 years of visionary leadership and are excited for continued collaboration as both organizations grow and evolve. Read our full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/etbW3h8F

Grateful for the leaders who joined us for our Breakfast & Bold Ideas gathering last week! We brought together a small, cross-sector group across education, workforce, climate, philanthropy, and policy to think together about how we better connect learning, work, and community in service of more equitable outcomes for students. Thank you to Nina Rees for opening the morning with grounding reflections on the role education can play in driving system-level change. We shared a snapshot of the work underway at Launch Schools and Runway Green including how our students are engaging in real-world, career-connected learning. Leaders surfaced where systems are aligning, where they fall short, and what it might take to move from isolated innovation to sustained impact. We look forward to continuing the conversation and turning ideas into action for students and communities! Jonathan D. Harber Matt Webster Casey Noel Nkenge Walcott, Ed.M

In 6th grade science, Launch students are engaging in Project Green Reach with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, combining hands-on fieldwork with environmental science and leadership development. Students explore ecosystems, investigate real environmental questions, and build scientific thinking skills while developing a deeper connection to their community and the natural world.

As the year comes to a close, we’re feeling grateful. This year, Launch grew in meaningful ways. We opened Launch High School, expanded hands-on, real-world learning across our middle and high school, and continued building a strong 6–12 pathway for our students. None of this happens without a community that believes in what’s possible. Thank you to everyone who has supported Launch this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, restful, and joyful holiday season.

In 9th grade Humanities, students explore Sunset Park through a neighborhood scavenger hunt grounded in Launch’s Future 9 competencies. Working in teams, they practice inquiry, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving as they navigate their community and make sense of the world around them. This kind of program takes requires intentional design, sustained investment, and care. Give today to support the growth of a program built for deeper learning and real-world impact. Donate here! https://lnkd.in/eaejRiVi

At Launch, teachers are co-designing interdisciplinary learning, stepping into leadership, and continuously pushing their practice in service of students. That growth is intentional. It is built through real collaboration, protected planning time, and 1:1 coaching that helps teachers refine how students learn through projects, inquiry, and real-world work. Ms. Alteon’s growth is one example of how we are building the future of learning from the inside out. Learn how you can support this work at https://lnkd.in/eaejRiVi

Teacher growth is the engine of deeper learning at Launch. Mr. Orio’s reflection is one example of the work happening across our middle and high school. When teachers grow, students rise with them. As we build a full 6-12 pathway and deepen hands-on, project based learning, we are investing in the educators who make this vision real every day. Support teacher growth at Launch Schools by giving to our End of Year Campaign - https://lnkd.in/eaejRiVi

This year, Launch grew. We opened Launch High School and welcomed our first 9th grade class. Our students are growing too. A sixth grader who used to sit silent in Crew led her student-led conference with confidence last week. A ninth grader told us, “I didn’t think I could do high school work. Now I see myself as a leader.” These are not small steps. These are young people redefining what they can do. Next year, our first 9th graders will be 10th graders. They will need deeper learning, stronger support, and more real-world opportunities. On Giving Tuesday, we are asking our community to help Launch grow with our students. If you can give, please do. If you can’t, share this post. Both make a difference. Donate to Launch’s growth: https://lnkd.in/eSYMPuSK

This year, Launch Schools grew. We opened Launch High School and welcomed our first 9th graders. Now we need to keep going. Our students deserve a full 6–12th grade pathway. That means building 10th grade next year. It means more hands-on learning. It means stronger holistic support across both schools. We’re launching our end-of-year campaign to make that happen. If you can, donate. If you can’t, share. Both help us grow. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/eaejRiVi