On Feb. 25, 2025, Megan Hanley, Executive Director of School Design at ASU Preparatory Academy received the Individual Excellence in Digital Learning Award from the Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC). The award highlights her visionary leadership in developing the innovative ASU Prep Digital+ microschool program, which is reshaping K–12 education.
The DLC, known for celebrating excellence in online and hybrid education, highlighted Hanley’s commitment to student-centered learning, the program’s innovative project-based approach and the remarkable outcomes achieved by students, including high college placement rates and personal growth. Under her leadership, ASU Prep Digital+ has set a new standard for hybrid education, fostering success both academically and beyond.
Transforming education: The ASU Prep Digital+ microschool
Launched in January 2022, the ASU Prep Digital+ microschool program has been a game-changer in flexible, student-centered learning.
Reflecting on its origins, Hanley shares, “It was Julie Young, Senior Advisor for ASU Prep, who recognized post-COVID that things needed to change. ASU Prep responded with innovation and by listening to students—hearing what they wanted and needed.”
What students needed, as it turned out, was flexibility, agency, hands-on experiences and life skills that extend beyond the classroom. The microschool model integrates these essential elements to meet the needs of modern students.
“We know the old way of doing high school isn’t meeting the demands of today’s industry or society,” Hanley explains. “Rather than asking students to memorize facts, we guide them to understand why they’re learning something and how to apply it in real-world experiences. We’re teaching students to succeed not just in school, but in life.”
What began as a small cohort of 19 students attending one in-person day per week has grown into a thriving community of nearly 200 students blending the flexibility of digital learning with the enrichment of in-person collaboration. With 90%+ student satisfaction rates and 89% of graduates pursuing higher education, the program’s impact has been profound.
The four pillars of ASU Prep Digital+
At the heart of ASU Prep Digital+ are four guiding principles that define its innovative approach:
- Student-centered learning
“What we’ve built is an intentional community,” Hanley explains. “Students collaborate, build relationships, share ideas and take ownership of their experience by creating classroom norms and taking on classroom jobs.” - Project-based learning
“We want students to have agency and choice,” Hanley emphasizes. “They create authentic projects and showcase them to real audiences, gaining real-world experiences that enhance their digital curriculum.” - Community embeddedness
The program extends beyond the classroom, immersing students in their communities. Hanley shared examples like learning healthy cooking in teaching kitchens, participating in cadaver labs and engaging in anatomy labs. “These hands-on experiences bring learning to life,” she says. - Digital and direct learning
The hybrid model blends digital coursework with in-person instruction. “When students are on-site, we enhance their learning through project-based activities and teach essential 21st-century skills like collaboration, time management and communication,” Hanley notes. “These durable skills aren’t just for school—they’re for life.”
Pathways for every learner
ASU Prep Digital+ offers students the unique opportunity to learn at ASU Tempe, ASU West Valley and ASU Media and Immersive Experience (MIX) Center campuses, with the flexibility to participate in in-person programming one to four days per week.
Students can choose from three distinct pathways to find their perfect fit:
- College exploratory: Students have the opportunity to set themselves on a college pathway, engage with peers and adults and develop their Profile of a Learner skills. Students attend campus up to two days a week, depending on their college course schedules.
- Learning Lab: Learning labs run once a week at each site, providing students an opportunity to collaborate on Digital or college coursework. This is available as a one-day option or can expand on a student’s ASU Prep Digital+ weekly experience.
- Experience: Students enroll in a project-based learning elective each semester to learn from experts and explore their interests.
“There are so many opportunities for hands-on learning,” Hanley says. “Students learn from professors, graduate students and industry experts. From internships to certifications, we’re connecting students with real-world opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Hanley envisions creating pathways to industry through corporate partnerships. “Students will learn directly from industry leaders, gain internships and develop workplace skills like resume writing and interview techniques.”
Education for the modern world
Hanley has a clear vision for the future of education. “As an education system, what are we doing to meet the demands of today’s world? How are we supporting students for these changes? Microschools are the perfect place to address these challenges.”
She adds, “We’re teaching students how to adapt to rapid changes. The hybrid movement is growing as families and students realize the benefits of flexibility combined with meaningful, hands-on learning.”
The success of ASU Prep Digital+ and the recognition it has earned wouldn’t be possible without Hanley’s steadfast leadership and innovative vision. For Hanley, however, the micromodel is about more than awards—it’s about empowering students to succeed on their own terms.
“Ultimately, we’re helping students learn what success looks like for them—in school, in their careers and in their lives.”
True to her collaborative nature, Hanley attributes the program’s success to the collective efforts of those around her, highlighting the contributions of Microschool Program Manager Trista Zobitz. “I’m accepting this award on behalf of everyone involved,” Hanley said. “It truly is a team effort.”
Transform your learning journey today
The future of education isn’t just about adapting to change—it’s about driving it. Megan Hanley exemplifies this vision through her leadership of the ASU Prep Digital+ microschool program. With its innovative blend of student-centered, project-based and flexible learning, the program is transforming how students prepare for success in school, work and life.
Be part of this groundbreaking movement and take your first step toward reimagined education. Learn more about ASU Prep Digital+ by visiting our website today.
