In an era when educational reform is more urgent than ever, Destination Imagination is proud to be recognized as part of a global movement transforming the way children learn. We are thrilled to be one of only 14 educational innovations selected from a pool of 212 applicants for the 2025 HundrED Spotlight on Child-Centered Learning, a global initiative developed in collaboration with Montessori Global Education.
This Spotlight report identifies powerful, scalable innovations from around the world that are reimagining what learning can look like when it truly centers on students—their interests, needs, and individual growth. Alongside this recognition, DI has also received the prestigious STAR Endorsement from Montessori Global Education, further affirming the impact of our learner-driven approach.
These dual recognitions showcase the global relevance and quality of DI’s work—and we are honored to share this milestone with a vibrant community of educational changemakers who believe that when we trust children with their own learning, extraordinary things happen.
Championing Child-Centered Learning
The HundrED Spotlight celebrates educational models that reflect key elements often associated with Montessori-inspired approaches, such as student choice, hands-on engagement, and the development of independence and curiosity. Destination Imagination is honored to be recognized among the fourteen selected innovations that demonstrate how child-centered learning can be effectively implemented across diverse contexts.
At DI, our mission has always been rooted in the belief that students thrive when they are given the freedom to lead, create, and collaborate. Through our Challenge Experience, young learners work in teams to solve open-ended problems using our Creative Process—a structured method that guides students through the stages of recognizing challenges, imagining solutions, initiating action, and evaluating outcomes. This process nurtures creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking while helping students learn how to approach complex problems with confidence and collaboration.
Recognized with the STAR Endorsement
We’re also proud to share that Destination Imagination has received the STAR Endorsement from Montessori Global Education, a distinction awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in innovation, learner-focus, and relevance in today’s educational landscape.
This recognition affirms that DI offers high-quality, student-centered learning experiences that align with the values of global, future-ready education. It reinforces our commitment to empowering young learners to explore, create, and lead through hands-on, meaningful learning.
More than just an accolade, the STAR Endorsement reflects the trust and confidence educational communities place in DI as a proven, impactful model for developing essential 21st-century skills in students around the world.
Elevating Learner Agency
The Spotlight raises powerful questions about modern education: “How can learner agency be placed at the forefront of every learning experience?” and “How do child-driven approaches support each student’s unique journey?”
At Destination Imagination, we believe deeply in student agency. That’s why we empower students to take charge of their own learning, supported by a wide range of adult mentors—educators, parents, or volunteers—who serve as Team Managers and act as facilitators rather than directors. One of the core pillars of our Challenge Experience is that students work completely independently—Team Managers (our version of adult guides) are not allowed to contribute ideas or help with the solution process. This approach ensures that the ideas, decisions, and solutions come entirely from the students themselves. This approach reflects a deep respect for each child’s individual path, interests, and strengths. It also builds essential life skills—like self-confidence, creative problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork—that are critical for success in an unpredictable and ever-changing world. By navigating challenges on their own terms, students learn not just content, but how to think, adapt, and lead.
HundrED’s report distinguishes between schooling and education, advocating for a more flexible, lifelong view of learning—one that aligns with our project-based, student-led model. We believe meaningful learning flourishes when students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and explore their world with curiosity and courage—complementing and enriching the great work already happening in classrooms around the globe.
Overcoming Barriers, Expanding Access
As highlighted in the Spotlight, child-centered practices often face barriers such as resistance to change, systemic inflexibility, and limited resources. Destination Imagination offers a pathway forward—an adaptable, scalable model that equips both students and educators with tools to thrive in learner-driven environments.
With supportive frameworks and hands-on experiences, we help schools and communities complement curriculum standards with rich, hands-on experiences that nurture essential future-ready skills—by preparing children to be future-ready innovators and leaders.
Looking Ahead
These dual recognitions from HundrED and Montessori Global Education are powerful affirmations of the work we do every day. We are deeply grateful to the educators, volunteers, families, and most importantly, the students who make Destination Imagination what it is.
Together, we are proving that when we trust students to lead their learning, they will lead us into a better future.
Read the full report here: HundrED Spotlight on Child-Centered Learning
Learn more about STAR Endorsement: Montessori Global Education STAR Endorsement
