After a year of celebrating its past, Eden Prairie Schools is setting its sights firmly on the future.

Building on the momentum of our 100th anniversary, we’ve charted a bold new course — one designed with the input of more than 2,500 students, staff, families and community members.

“Looking to the future, we need to prepare each student for success in school, career and life,” said Superintendent Dr. Josh Swanson. “Throughout the 2024-25 school year, we asked people to picture a graduate in 2035. What will they need to know? What experiences should they have had? And how do we work together to make that a reality?”

The result is Flight Plan 2035, a community-driven vision for learning over the next decade. Finalized this summer, it serves as our shared plan for equipping every student with the skills, experiences and support they need to thrive in their journey ahead — in a world we can’t yet fully imagine.

“Flight Plan 2035 reflects what our community values most in education,” said Dr. Swanson. “It’s a plan built together, designed to lift all students.”

Preparing for take off

Built on the strong runway of the district’s 2023–28 strategic plan, Flight Plan 2035 lifts off from its three key priorities: creating authentic and personalized learning experiences, fostering wellbeing for all students and staff, and nurturing inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. But while the strategic plan defines what we’re doing now, Flight Plan 2035 determines where we’re going in the future and how to get there — and what kind of experience passengers (our students) should have along the way.

Rather than relying on data dashboards and district-led decisions, Flight Plan 2035 started with listening. Through surveys, forums and meetings with students, staff, families, business leaders and community members, thousands of people shared their hopes and priorities for students in 2035 and beyond. The data was clear: Our community wants students to remain inspired, be well and stay prepared for an ever-changing world.

“Our community is unified in wanting each Eagle to have access to the same meaningful, future-ready experiences,” said Dr. Swanson. “Flight Plan 2035 isn’t just about ideas — it’s a framework for aligning our programs, services and facilities with the values our community really cares about.”

Those insights determined the work ahead. A Design Team of students, teachers, staff, administrators, families and community members translated the feedback into a clear, actionable vision:

Design programs and experiences where strong students engage in inspired learning, develop transferable skills and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

This shared vision is anchored in four key areas — the guiding coordinates of our next decade of learning.

Course set, crew engaged

Flight Plan 2035 defines our community’s vision of what we want for students in 2035. These four focus areas will all be present in the programs and experiences we provide:

1. Student wellbeing
   Experiences that support adaptable, resilient and engaged learners and promote intellectual, emotional and physical wellbeing. When students feel secure and valued, they’re free to take risks and reach new heights.
2. Inspired learning
   Experiences, driven by students, that foster curiosity, collaboration and meaningful opportunities to discover, explore and pursue. The goal: foster a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
3. Transferable future-ready skills
   Experiences that equip students with future-ready skills — including problem-solving, communication, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and technological fluency. These skills will support students’ success in any career or life path.
4. Real-world application
   Experiences that empower students to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world contexts through projects, portfolios and performance-based demonstrations. Learning comes alive when it connects to the world beyond the classroom, and it helps students see their place in the world.

To make all of this a reality, over the next 10 years Eden Prairie Schools will identify the specific programs to develop; implement those programs with clear action steps and timelines; and innovate to increase efficiency and impact. And the timing couldn’t be better. With a century of growth behind us and a horizon full of possibility, Eden Prairie Schools is once again proving it can adapt, evolve and lead.

“We’re proud of the journey so far, but we know the real innovation lies ahead,” said Dr. Swanson. “The kindergartners starting school this fall will be the Class of 2038. Their flight has already begun — and it’s our job to make sure they have the right crew, tools and environment to thrive when they land.”

Flying into the future together

Like any great flight, the strength of the journey depends on teamwork. From students dreaming of the future to educators piloting new ideas and families offering support from the ground, everyone has a role to play.

With this vision in mind as the final destination, the Design Team developed a representative, future-focused blueprint with multiple paths for how to build programs and experiences for students on our journey to 2035.

Whole-person development

Programs that center students as whole people — supporting their wellbeing, character development, and ability to navigate real-life challenges with confidence. This means reimagining the role of school to be not just a place for academic content, but in partnership with families, a place for building self-awareness, decision-making, resilience and purpose. Students grow into curious, reflective and empowered individuals who can thrive in learning, life and work.

Adaptive & individualized learning

Programs that respond to each student’s individual interests, strengths and pace — ensuring flexible, personalized pathways to learning. This means transforming the one-size-fits-all model into a responsive ecosystem where students co-design their inspired journey, move at their own speed and engage in learning that reflects who they are and where they want to go. Learning happens across environments, grade levels and formats, adapting in real time to meet the needs of each learner.

Seamless life & learning connections

Programs that intentionally connect learning with students’ lives, communities and future aspirations — so their education feels meaningful, relevant and real. This means dissolving the boundaries between school, home, higher education and the workplace. Expanded career and technical education (cte), industry-aligned pathways, workforce credentials and partnerships will give students of all ages real options, skills and outcomes. Through hands-on projects, certifications and community collaboration, learning becomes a bridge to both purpose and opportunity.

Purposeful & mindful technology use

Programs that integrate technology with intention — enhancing learning, personalization and innovation while promoting balance, responsibility and digital wellbeing. Students and educators develop the skills, awareness and discernment needed to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world. Technology is used not for its own sake, but as a tool to individualize learning, foster creativity and prepare students to lead and adapt in the future.

Integrated outside time

Programs that incorporate outdoor time into learning, wellness and community-building — making outdoor time a key part of each student’s inspired journey. This means expanding how, when and why students go outside: not only for recreation, but also for academic exploration, personal reflection, leadership and environmental stewardship. By embedding outdoor time into the school experience, students gain access to hands-on learning, improved wellbeing and a stronger connection to the natural world.

Innovative indoor & outdoor facilities

Environments that adapt to the needs of students — supporting flexible, personalized and future-ready learning. The district will design spaces that blur the lines between classroom and real world, between schools and communities, and between indoors and out. Each space will serve a purpose, encourage exploration and reflect the evolving ways students learn. Together, these facilities form a connected, equitable system of engaging and inspiring places to grow.

To stay up to date on the Flight Plan 2035 journey, visit Flight Plan 2035 page.