Silver Lining for Learning Designing Innovative School Models: The Story of ASU Prep Academy
What does it take to reimagine school from the inside out?
ASU Prep Academy is an innovative, tuition-free public charter school network, serving students from Pre-K to grade 12. They also partner with other innovative schools to serve students across the US and around the world.
In this episode of Silver Lining for Learning, we explore how ASU Preparatory Academy is designing innovative new school models that center student agency, hybrid learning, and real-world relevance. From microschools and flexible high schools to project-based learning across all grade levels and immersive tech experiences, ASU Prep is redefining what learning can look like. Its mission is to prepare students for college, careers, and life by combining rigorous academics with innovative learning models. Through options that include in-person campuses, hybrid programs, and ASU Prep Digital, students can personalize their educational experience and, in many cases, begin earning university credit while still in high school. With a strong emphasis on access, innovation, and preparing students for the future, ASU Prep Academy provides opportunities for learners across Arizona and beyond.
These efforts are powered by the unique opportunity of being embedded within Arizona State University, one of the most innovative universities in the world—providing access to cutting-edge resources, partnerships, and a culture of experimentation that helps turn visionary school design into reality. Our latest models include a partnership with famous economist and author of Freakonomics, Steve Levitt, to create The Levitt Lab at ASU Tempe, Khan World School with Sal Khan of Khan Academy, and embedding real-world learning on ASU campuses and beyond through our Digital+ programs.
Our guests, Megan Hanley, Executive Director of School Design, and Rachna Mathur, Senior STEM Strategist and AI researcher, share how their work blends personalized learning, emerging technologies like generative AI and VR, and bold pedagogical design.
More about our guests below the video
https://youtu.be/EWmBuwpByFw
About our guests:
Megan Hanley, Executive Director of School Design @ ASU Prep
Megan Hanley is the Executive Director of School Design at ASU Prep. In this role, Megan helps to lead the innovation teams at ASU Prep including the Professional Development and Learning Initiatives, new school models including Khan World School and The Levitt Lab, college and career awareness, and STEM related projects. Megan has 16 years of experience in the field of education in Washington DC and Arizona, covering Pre-K–12th grade, having worked as a teacher, family advocate, program manager, educational and admissions coordinator, and as an Assistant Principal.
Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Megan attended George Washington University where she received her Bachelor’s in Arts and George Mason University where she received her Master’s in Education.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-hanley-238261a/
- The Levitt Lab: https://asuprep.asu.edu/tempe-levitt-lab/
- Khan World School: https://asuprep.asu.edu/khan-world-school/
Dr. Rachna Mathur, Sr. STEM Strategist @ ASU Prep
Rachna Mathur is a STEM educator, computer engineer, and Kathak dancer with over two decades of experience bridging industry and education. A former software architect at Intel, she now serves as the STEM Strategist at ASU Preparatory Academy and founder of STEMology Club, championing K–12 initiatives in AI, robotics, and emerging tech. Rachna holds an Ed.D. from Arizona State University, where her research focused on AI literacy and ethical adoption of GenAI in schools.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachnamathur/
- Personal: https://www.rachnamathur.com/
- Upcoming Event: https://tinyurl.com/microspark-2025
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