Orchard View Middle School's project-driven, small group learning experiment aims to make students' transitions from elementary to middle school more seamless and academically engaging.

"I saw those scores and I was elated," said Jessica Goode, principal of Emery High School. "All the work we've done has paid off. It's been a challenge—there's no road map because almost no one's ever done this successfully."

Based on recent student interviews about absenteeism, young people at Summit High School are missing class most often because of sickness or mental health issues, family responsibilities, transportation problems and work obligations.

When students return to Lava Ridge Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, next week after winter break, everyone will be able to get free breakfast and lunch, regardless of whether their families have applied.