Staff Reports | Community Updates
Khan World School at ASU Prep (KWS), an online honors academy within the ASU Preparatory Academy network, has been named one of 10 schools shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation 2026.
The World’s Best School Prizes, presented by T4 Education, recognize schools that are driving positive change in five areas: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity and Supporting Healthy Lives, according to a press release.
The Innovation category, in which KWS was shortlisted, recognizes schools using new ideas, technology and approaches to learning.
As a Top 10 shortlisted school, KWS is among 50 schools — 10 in each category — eligible for the Community Choice Award, which is determined through a public vote. The school also remains in contention for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation. Voting is open through Thursday, Oct. 29, at World’s Best School voting. Winners will be announced during a ceremony in November 2026.
“KWS reimagines what school can be for motivated middle and high school students,” Amy McGrath, chief operating officer of ASU Prep, said. “We redesigned the entire experience so that flexibility does not mean ‘less school’ — rather, it means more ownership, clearer standards and stronger evidence.”
KWS launched with a pilot cohort of ninth-grade students in 2022 in response to growing demand for digital learning options for advanced learners. The following academic year, the program expanded to students entering grades six through 12 after assessments indicated students were performing above expectations. By the 2025-26 school year, enrollment had grown to 232 students from around the world.
KWS combines ASU Prep’s experience designing and operating online school models with resources from the Khan network, which includes Khan Academy, Khan Lab School and Schoolhouse.world. The school’s model is built around mastery-based learning, personalization and collaboration. Students are often seeking honors-level coursework, self-paced acceleration and flexibility for health needs, athletic commitments or other activities outside of school.
Students work toward mastery of core subjects while participating in tutorials, peer tutoring and collaborative learning opportunities. The college preparatory curriculum includes self-paced online instruction, small-group learning and academic support. Students also may earn university credits while in high school.
Enrollment is open for students entering grades six through 12 for the fall 2026 semester. The program is tuition-free for Arizona residents. Out-of-state students pay tuition, and scholarships may be available.
