Changing the course of American education

Expeditionary Learning began as an outgrowth of Outward Bound and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. When it was decided that the organization would become independent, we worked with EL leadership to reposition and redesign the historic brand. The crimson colorway is a nod to its Harvard roots, and the trail sign symbol is a reference to Outward Bound.

Working with EL was eye-opening. Their progressive methodology and unique curriculum really resonates with students. Working with them was truly an inspiration.

Brett Traylor, Executive Creative Director, Bst.

Principals and administrators received a launch package that included a school flag, in the shape of the EL signpost symbol, to telegraph their school’s affiliation with Expeditionary Learning.

Els 05 1050 — Facility signage was installed at EL offices in New York City and Amherst, MA.

Els 04 1050 — A new website spoke to prospective schools and districts, parents, policy makers, and the media about the company’s work in education reform. It included a secure section where members of its network could collaborate on projects; tap into existing resources and documentation; and share teaching tools and ideas.

Two stacks of crimson Expeditionary Learning field notebooks. — To emphasize EL’s dedication to experiential learning, we introduced a high quality, and well-branded, field journal that became a signature item of the organization.

Els 06 1050 — We designed an announcement modeled after a school newspaper—printed on recycled paper—featuring EL’s central promise that teachers could hang in their classrooms.

An Expeditionary Learning brochure on the topic "Life in a vernal pool" with an illustrated image of a turtle. — Intensive, focused learning projects—or “expeditions”—are a key part of Expeditionary Learning’s curriculum, so we designed a system of brochures to showcase them. Each brochure takes a deep dive into one student expedition, giving interested parties an in-depth view of how the program works and insight into the kind of work students undertake.

An Expeditionary Learning brochure with the title "World of inquiry school" with with images of students and a data chart. — Intensive, focused learning projects—or “expeditions”—are a key part of Expeditionary Learning’s curriculum, so we designed a system of brochures to showcase them. Each brochure takes a deep dive into one student expedition, giving interested parties an in-depth view of how the program works and insight into the kind of work students undertake.

A bright crimson Expeditionary Learning report cover, with the headline "This is how kids want to learn" in white text. — Reports quantify and summarize Expeditionary Learning’s impact on student achievement and strengthen the school’s marketing efforts.

Pages from the Expeditionary Learning image brochure showing a collage of student and teacher photos and learning materials. — We developed a simple but effective image brochure to outline the organization’s strengths to parents and prospective member schools alike. The brochure used notable quotes from parents and policy makers—including US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and President Obama.