As one of Madison’s Most Innovative Companies, we believe that innovation is more than just a buzzword — it’s a mindset. At LocknCharge, we’re committed to making life easier for schools, businesses, and families not only through the solutions we create, but also by recognizing and supporting others who are pushing boundaries in their fields.
So, what makes a school truly innovative?
It’s not just about flashy gadgets or futuristic architecture. Just like in the business world, the most forward-thinking schools are redefining what learning looks like — using educational technology, mobile devices, and student-centered strategies to solve real-world challenges.
From 1:1 programs and virtual learning tools to sustainable design and interdisciplinary collaboration, these schools are leading the future of education.
1. De Verwondering, Lent, Nijmegen, Netherlands: Nurturing future leaders
The foundation of the De VerWondering educational approach is based on its name, which translates to “a sense of wonder.” This school wants students to learn by trying, experimenting, researching and asking questions. Skills such as problem-solving, social skills, collaboration, creativity, communication, information and communication technology (ICT) literacy and lifelong learning are given the same importance as reading and math.
An Ashoka Changemaker school, it has been identified for a strong focus on the possibilities that technological advancements in the classroom have to offer.
“Students at De Verwondering learn by means of their personalized learning tracks and develop their social and emotional skills through value-based curricula and a strong sense of community. This school nurtures future leaders who will not only be able to manage themselves in an ever-changing world, but will do so with empathy."
2. Frenship Independent School District (ISD), Texas, United States: Setting students up for success
Frenship ISD’s mission is to educate and develop all students by providing a foundation to empower them to reach their maximum potential and realize their opportunity of choice. The district is known for putting students first, allowing them to reach their potential. Never has that been more true than during the COVID-19 crisis.
Regardless of what the future holds in terms of accommodating remote learning, in-person classes when schools reopen or a blended learning model of the two, Frenship is ready.
- The Frenship ISD Technology Department has set up WiFi hotspot locations at different campuses for students without internet access. Students and staff can drive to a campus parking lot, stay in their vehicle, and connect to the WiFi, using their Frenship logins for faster internet connection.
- The district wisely invested in multiple FUYL Smart Lockers. These smart lockers pivot quickly and easily to support Break/Fix, Loaner Devices and On-Demand Charging for student and teacher devices regardless of the learning scenario.
Frenship ISD’s smart locker setup shows how scalable charging infrastructure supports hybrid and flexible learning. If you’re exploring similar solutions, our guide on smart locker pricing breaks down what impacts cost and how to budget effectively.
3. The Green School, Bali: Thriving with purpose
Voted the Greenest School on Earth by the Centre for Green Schools, the Green School is a model for sustainability and a center for experimentation, innovation and solutions. Instead of seeing nature as a distraction, educators at this school believe that a constant connection to the environment has a positive effect on problem-solving and intelligence.
A ‘living’ curriculum educates for sustainability through community-integrated, entrepreneurial learning, in a wall-less natural environment.
“We strive to champion a new model of education that nurtures the whole child, giving them agency in their own lives and learning, so that they can thrive with purpose.”
4. I.S.S. Ettore Majorana, Brindisi, Italy: Early Lessons in Streaming
This institute has distinguished itself for its dedication to change and digitalization, for inventive teaching methods, and creativity. The classes disposed of student’s chairs. In their place are mobile desks and a flexible, dynamic and collaborative learning environment.
As the first school to use the Oculus Rift virtual reality system, Majorana has put modern ideas and technology at the center of education. The school was also ahead of time in delivering lessons via streaming. According to Studenti, long before the recent lockdowns, students have been able to follow lessons in real-time from home.
“But, if they wanted, they could also follow them in streaming, since the teachers record the video lessons and they attach them to virtual classes.”
5. The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), London, England: Working across different disciplines
LIS dispels with the common idea of single-subject study at university. Instead, students learn how to combine knowledge through different disciplines to find solutions to real-world challenges and problems.
“Learning doesn’t fit into neat little boxes — and neither does life,” argues school co-founder Ed Fidoe. “The world is more connected and complex than it’s ever been and it requires people to think in systems rather than narrow silos.”
This interdisciplinary program investigates shared problems with new ways of thinking and understanding. At LIS, students graduate feeling empowered to go out in the world and make an impact. Study is done through the lens of tackling problems such as malaria, childhood obesity, and the knife crime epidemic.
6. Summit Public Schools, Western United States:
Getting personal to teach self-reliance
Founded in 2003, teachers at this network of public schools guide students through a self-directed learning cycle, using and technology to empower students to map their own journey.
“At Summit, students unlock the power within themselves to gain the knowledge, habits, and skills to successfully navigate college and careers.”
Educators at Summit Schools believe that every child is capable of college and career success, and focuses on real-world projects. The results speak for themselves with a 98% acceptance rate into a 4-year college and 2x the national average for college graduation.
Summit shows how EdTech and mobile devices in schools can support personalized, student-driven learning. Their model proves that innovation doesn't require huge budgets — just smart systems that support student growth.
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7. TAFE SA, South Australia: Transforming vocational education with VR
One of the largest vocational education and training provider in Australia, with over 70,000 enrolled students and 34 campuses. TAFE SA is one of the leaders in Australia for its trade department.
TAFE SA recently deployed virtual reality headsets to aid education for their Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing Courses. Students have a 1:1 approach with VR headsets that allows them to explore and experience high-risk areas they would not ordinarily see as apprentices.
TAFE’s use of VR is not only transforming vocational learning but also showcasing how flexible, tech-powered education can reach remote learners without sacrificing safety or quality. These are true examples of innovation in schools.
What can we learn from the most innovative schools in the world?
These schools prove that innovation comes in many forms — from interdisciplinary study to real-time device access. Whether you're investing in EdTech, launching a mobile device program, or rethinking how students learn outside the classroom, one thing is clear: infrastructure matters. Reliable, energy-efficient charging solutions and smart storage systems enable schools to scale innovation while reducing IT overhead.
FAQ
What makes a school innovative today?
Innovative schools go beyond curriculum — they embrace EdTech, mobile learning, smart infrastructure, and real-world problem solving to drive student engagement.
How do mobile devices support innovation in schools?
Mobile devices improve learning flexibility, support 1:1 programs, and enable self-directed education — especially when paired with secure, scalable charging solutions.
Conclusion
Over the past 20 years, the needs of teachers and students have guided the innovative designs of our mobile device charging carts and stations to relieve pain points that are specific to challenges in education. Schedule a live video demo with a LocknCharge team member today to get a closer look at how our products can support your school’s unique approach to teaching and learning.
Whether you’re running a 1:1 iPad program, managing carts of Chromebooks, or supporting flexible classrooms, LocknCharge offers mobile device charging carts and safe charging stations that help schools stay efficient, organized, and ready for change.