XQ Institute was founded in 2015 with the goal of “re-thinking the high school experience” so that all students get the preparation they need for college and careers and grow to the fullest as civic participants, critical readers, proactive problem solvers, original thinkers, generous collaborators, and learners for life.

XQ funds the design and implementation of innovative new schools, high school redesign, and work with school districts and state departments of education to support widescale high school transformation. All XQ schools embody XQ’s six design principles: strong mission and culture; meaningful, engaged learning; caring, trusting relationships; youth voice and choice; smart use of time, space, and tech; and community partnerships. To date, XQ has funded 57 schools with grants ranging from $20,000 to $10 million. In total, XQ school grants reach 32,239 students.

MDRC, in partnership with the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, is leading three main studies for XQ schools: (1) an impact evaluation of XQ high schools across the country; (2) a qualitative study of new school start-up and redesign in New York City and Rhode Island, with a specific focus on learning about the design teams and how they operate; and (3) administration and analysis of a student survey focused on students’ socio-emotional well-being designed by XQ, the CREDO Institute at Stanford, and MDRC.