Pioneers in Personalized Learning

Written by Julie Hying

Learning Lab Wichita has created a cutting-edge space in Union Station that encourages K-12 learners to flourish through community partnerships and expanded educational experiences. The organization serves families, schools and educational organizations that want to inspire a passion for learning. 

The Concept 

As managing director, Lydia Hampton’s vision for Learning Lab Wichita is to create a space where new, innovative learning models share resources and ideas to best serve kids. “Learning Lab’s concept is providing something missing in a traditional approach. Because kids all learn differently, we need to see a variety of learning models to increase student success. At Learning Lab, we have created a community open to experimentation and collaboration.”

The Team

Hampton works closely with community director Kristin Bogner and program and events manager Molly Brown. Operations and facilities administrator Chris Wise and special projects administrator Lauren Watkins are also integral members of the team. Learning lab is supported by Stand Together, a philanthropic community founded by Charles Koch in 2003. 

Memberships

A Learning Lab membership allows families and education entrepreneurs access to its incredible spaces and equipment, including a podcast studio, video studio, makerspace, print lab and computers, and offers discounts for programs and Fun Friday class options. Fun Friday programs focus on kids’ special interests and hobbies and creating enrichment opportunities. Any K-12 learner can register.

Spaces

16,000 square feet on the south end of historic Union Station ties Wichita’s past to its bright future. Learning Lab’s design includes specialty spaces like the podcast studio and makerspace; furnished workshop spaces for groups to meet; common areas with comfortable seating that encourage interaction; and the 4,000-square-foot furnished patio, providing outdoor learning space. 

The Schools

Bogner highlights the possibilities: “Schools and organizations innovating in the education space can apply to be resident models at Learning Lab Wichita. Resident models enjoy permanently reserved, private workshop spaces while sharing resources and community with one another and with members who do not have reserved space.”

Khan Lab School Wichita allows its students to set their weekly goals for self-paced learning, and the school provides avenues for investigation and real-world learning through community partnerships as well as on-site projects.

Creative Minds (Wichita Public Schools) has a mixed-grade classroom with a collaborative approach: K-third work together using project-based learning, while fourth- through sixth-grade learners experience projects designed for their ages. 

Guiding Light Academy gives students in Buhler School District's online program a place to gather for collaboration and a school community feel. 

Wichita Independent Secular Education (WISE) is a homeschool community with the goal of inspiring others to rise together, and its families access Learning Lab to provide a sense of community and a social hub for students.

Other concepts launched at Learning Lab this year:

Arts Partners is an organization that integrates visual and performing arts with their core class curriculum.

Wichita Training Center Academy hosts wrestling club students who begin their school day training for their sport and then move to focused learning time inside the Lab.

Sunflower Learning Community is a Montessori approach to hybrid homeschooling with full-time and part-time students.

The Learning Lab environment invites new school concepts to utilize its spaces to inspire kids and enhance student learning in Wichita.

If your family is looking for a new K-12 education solution or a place to conduct homeschooling, check out Learning Lab Wichita and book a tour at golearninglab.org.