KnowledgeWorks Foundation is committed to furthering universal access to high-quality educational opportunities for individuals to achieve success and for the betterment of society. The Foundation provides funding and leadership for education initiatives throughout Ohio. What makes the Foundation unique is its multi-faceted approach to education philanthropy: we fund, facilitate, and do. The Foundation believes the approach of investing, supporting, and actively participating maximizes the results of improving education. The Foundation is committed to sharing knowledge gained and lessons learned with others in Ohio and across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.kwfdn.org.

Concordia is a national leader in the planning and design of innovative environments for learning. Over the past 22 years, research alliances have included the MIT Media Lab, Harvard University's Project Zero, the University of New Mexico, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Thornburg Institute, the Appalachian Education Lab, and the West Ed Lab. Domiciled in New Orleans, Louisiana, the firm's work emphasizes collaboration and integration as tools for addressing the needs of diverse constituencies. Find out more about Concordia at www.concordia.com.

Architects of Achievement is focused on building bridges between educational practice and architecture - especially as it relates to meeting student needs. They provide high-level consulting expertise related to new construction, renovation or simple reconfiguration to support powerful small schools and educational complexes. Bringing research regarding how people learn, they help school districts, charter organizations and foundations think creatively about effective design solutions that foster synergy between program and building. Working with groups throughout the nation committed to developing better learning environments, they believe that ALL students can achieve if provided the opportunity, tools and support. To learn more visit www.archachieve.org.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which provided funding for this publication, works to promote greater equity in four areas: global health, education, public libraries, and support for at-risk families in Washington state and Oregon. Through its partnerships in communities across the nation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to raising the high school graduation rate and helping all students, regardless of race or family income, graduate as strong citizens ready for college and work. To learn more visit www.gatesfoundation.org.