How to Be a Top 10% School | E252

What separates a top 10% school from the other 90%? In this episode, Ryan lays out the habits, systems, and mindsets that high-performing, innovative schools share—and the traps they refuse to touch. You’ll hear why visiting model PBL schools is a game-changer, what visionary principals actually do differently, and how you can start moving your school into that top tier without waiting for summer PD.

Key Topics Covered Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Summer to Start PBL

Leaders get stuck thinking they should “start PBL next year.” Ryan breaks down why the second semester is the smartest launchpad and how to get your leadership team trained now so teacher PD in the summer actually sticks.

What You Experience at a Top 10% School

Ryan explains why stepping into a top-tier PBL school feels different—teachers talk differently, students use real-world vocabulary like collaboration and conflict resolution, and the culture is unmistakably student-centered.

Lessons from Model Schools

From solar-powered Babcock Ranch in Florida to standout campuses across Missouri, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, and beyond, Ryan highlights what visiting high-performing PBL schools will teach you about culture, process, and leadership clarity.

The Mindset of a Top 10% Principal

What do innovative leaders fear most? Hint: it’s not test scores.
Ryan shares an interview with principal Cynthia Bruno, who says her biggest fear is students having ordinary school days—an unacceptable outcome for a true top-tier leader.

What Top 10% Schools Do

✔ Build a strong leadership team
Assistant principals, coaches, and teachers collaborate to shape and spread the vision.
✔ Use instructional coaches intentionally
Not data clerks—actual co-teachers and PD leaders.
✔ Create a written 3-year vision
If it’s not written, it’s not real.
✔ Protect their calendar with fierce precision
Deep work blocks. Limited weekend labor. No white-space for chaos.
✔ Develop systems that outlive the leader
So the school thrives even when leadership changes.

What Top 10% Schools Don’t Do

✘ Sit-and-get faculty meetings
Logistical items go in the newsletter—meetings are for collaboration and learning.
✘ Fixed mindset thinking
Problems are solvable. Kids can grow. Systems can improve. Period.
✘ Hide in the office
High-level leaders are visible, affirming, and vision-casting in classrooms daily.

Practical Takeaways for Leaders

• If you want a top 10% school, you can’t behave like the 90%.
  
  
• Build leadership capacity before summer.
  
  
• Visit innovative schools—they’ll change your vision instantly.
  
  
• Anchor everything in a clear, simple, repeatable vision.
  
  
• Protect your time so you can do the meaningful work.
  
  

Call to Action

If you're ready to launch PBL with clarity and momentum, check out the on-demand and in-person webinars at pblwebinar.com. And if you want to visit a model PBL school, we can help you connect with one in your region.