

Mission
Built upon a foundation of academic excellence and a mindset to drive change, Exploration High School graduates are empowered with 21st century skills to solve the problems facing their communities.

Vision
Creating a school of learners who work and ideate together to build a culture and community of empathetic, equitable, and forward-thinking problem solvers.
Our Staff




Dave Heighington
School Director
"We are reimagining high school education together. I've been fortunate to be at the forefront of education across the country and have seen what authentic learning looks, sounds, and feels like. Everyone has a place at the table. Whether you're a student, parent, staff, or community member, you belong here. That's what we're building together.”
Liz Ford
Special Education Facilitator
“The reason I became a teacher is because I want to be the teacher I wish I had as a student, and as a teenager in particular. I truly believe in the power of intention and the energy we give our students. I’ve seen that many students only achieve as much as we as teachers believe and tell them they can do. Even one person who values your success can change the entire trajectory of your life.”
Noelle Geyer
English Facilitator
“When students leave my classroom, I want them to be prepared for life beyond the classroom walls and feel able to readily apply their learned skills to their post-secondary pursuits. I hope to help students realize that making mistakes is a vital part of learning and growing as a student, but, more importantly, as a person.”
Clarisa Gonzalez
SPED Paraprofessional
“It's so important to recognize just how powerful young people are. They are the ones that are always ready to do the work to make changes within their communities. As an educator that gets the privilege to work alongside them, I want to support and encourage their ideas and make sure they are truly being heard.”

Mat Hunkins
Mathematics Facilitator
"I believe that creating learning around students’ interests, passions, and identities is the most successful way to create a love of learning. I found success running on the philosophy of ‘you need to meet students where they are at."

Nat Turner
Social Studies Facilitator
“We need to look at authentic (or real) issues that students see playing out in their daily lives. And we need to recognize young people for who they authentically are.”

Hannah Witzig
Science Facilitator
“When students leave my classroom, I want them to think critically about real-world problems that affect their community, collaborate successfully with people from very different backgrounds, and generate thoughtful questions. These skills will serve students best in their future endeavors, no matter what that might be. If these are the things we want our students to be able to do, then this is what we should be measuring. A test score alone does not tell you everything.”
Design Team

Cole Stevens
Youth Design Lead

Krizia Duenas
Ambassador & Graphic Designer
Board Members

Nathan Strenge (Chair)
Designer
Fielding International

Hibo Ali
Student
University of Minnesota

Jon Bacal
Founder
Twin Cities Bridgemakers

Stephen Kemp (Treasurer)
Licensed Math Educator
St. Thomas University | ISD 196

Ryan Rodriguez
Risk Assurance Senior Associate
PwC

Kowanna Powell Anderson
Business Owner
The Perfect Gift

Matt Ruby
Managing Director
Katahdin Education
Attend Our Next Board Meeting!
Monday, July 25, 2022 @5:30pm at ExHS
If you would like to make a public comment, please email dave.heighington@explorationhighschool.org at least 48 business hours before a meeting.
Minutes from Previous Meetings