Internationally renowned education researcher James Tooley made a special visit to ED Corps High School in Eastpoint, as part of his research on innovative schools in the United States. Tooley, the vice-chancellor of The University of Buckingham in England, is known for his groundbreaking work in documenting the success of low-cost private schools in some of the world’s poorest areas.
During his visit to ED Corps, Tooley interacted with students, parents, and staff to learn more about the school’s unique approach to education. ED Corps, a private high school under the Franklin’s Promise Coalition, offers a hands-on curriculum that focuses on project-based learning, industry certifications, and leadership development. Students at ED Corps also spend a significant amount of time outdoors, working on environmental projects like shoreline stabilization and conservation efforts.
Tooley’s visit to ED Corps was part of his research for an upcoming book that will explore the growth of cutting-edge schools in America. He was particularly interested in understanding why parents choose ED Corps, what students enjoy about the school, and whether the model could be replicated in other communities.
This was Tooley’s second visit to Florida for his research, following a trip to South Florida in January. There, he explored the rise of micro-schools fueled by parents utilizing state-supported school choice scholarships administered by Step Up For Students, a nonprofit organization.
Overall, Tooley’s visit to ED Corps provided valuable insights into the innovative approaches being taken by schools in the United States, and his research is sure to shed light on new possibilities for education in the future.